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Grants for Single Mothers in North Carolina

North Carolina Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at HealthePASS – you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you qualify
  3. Contact local food banks through NC 211 for immediate food assistance

Main Points

North Carolina has expanded its assistance programs significantly in recent years. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, over 1 million North Carolinians are food insecure, including 1 in 6 children. The state has responded with comprehensive support systems.

What you need to know:

  • Emergency help is available – SNAP benefits can be approved within 1-3 days for emergency situations
  • Healthcare expanded – North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, making more single mothers eligible
  • Real grants exist – Programs like ANSWER scholarships provide up to $5,500 annually for education
  • Tax credits provide major help – EITC and Child Tax Credit can provide thousands annually
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: Some programs have waiting lists or strict requirements. Apply for multiple programs and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

Work First Family Assistance (North Carolina’s TANF)

According to NC DHHS, Work First is North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program that helps parents support themselves and their families by offering short-term training and other services to increase the chances of employment.

Current benefit amounts:

  • Maximum $272 per month for a family of three with little or no income
  • Benefits vary based on family size and countable income
  • Up to 60 months lifetime limit

Income requirements: Must be at or below certain income thresholds based on family size. The program considers both your income and assets when determining eligibility.

Work requirements: Unless exempt, most families receiving benefits must participate in work activities for at least 35 hours per week.

How to apply:

  • Online: ePASS website
  • Phone: 1-800-662-7030
  • In person: Local Department of Social Services office

Processing time: Usually within 45 days

Reality Check: According to the Urban Institute, North Carolina’s benefit levels are among the lowest in the country, providing minimal assistance for basic needs.

Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)

According to NC DHHS Food and Nutrition Services, this federal program helps eligible families purchase nutritious food.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

Family Size Monthly Maximum
1 person $292
2 people $536
3 people $768
4 people $975

Income limits (gross monthly income):

Family Size Income Limit
1 person $2,510
2 people $3,408
3 people $4,304
4 people $5,200

How to apply:

  • Online: ePASS website
  • Phone: 1-866-719-0141
  • In person: Local Department of Social Services

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to NC WIC, this program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months)
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • Medicaid
  • Work First Family Assistance (TANF)
  • SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with items like milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Call North Carolina WIC: 1-844-601-6881
  • Find local WIC office at NC WIC County Directory
  • Apply in person (phone interviews not available)

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, which means more single mothers can get comprehensive health coverage.

NC Medicaid

According to NC Medicaid, North Carolina’s Medicaid program provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level for adults):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,732 $20,782
2 people $2,340 $28,080
3 people $2,948 $35,378
4 people $3,556 $42,676

For children: Children 18 and under can get coverage if family income is up to 216% of Federal Poverty Level.

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings
  • Dental and vision care for children

How to apply:

  • Online: ePASS website
  • Phone: 1-888-245-0179
  • In person: Local Department of Social Services office

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Emergency Medicaid: Available for emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support. According to NC Child Support Services, these services help single mothers get support from the other parent.

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases and employment records
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders through court system
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment and asset seizure

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver who has custody of a child
  • No income requirements or restrictions
  • Available regardless of marital status

How to apply:

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • Fee waived for TANF recipients
  • No other costs – services are free

What to expect:

  • Case opening: 1-2 weeks
  • Locating absent parent: 30-90 days
  • Establishing paternity: 60-120 days
  • Setting support order: 90-180 days

Reality Check: Even if the other parent doesn’t have a job now, establishing support orders helps when their situation changes. Support orders can be modified if circumstances change.

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers.

NC Home Advantage Mortgage Program

According to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, this program provides affordable homeownership opportunities.

What it provides:

  • Fixed-rate mortgages with competitive interest rates
  • Down payment assistance up to 3% of loan amount
  • Assistance forgiven after 15 years if you stay in the home
  • Can be used with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans

Eligibility requirements:

  • Purchase a home in North Carolina
  • Annual income not exceeding $140,000
  • Credit score of 640 or higher (660 for manufactured homes)
  • Must be legal resident of the United States
  • Occupy home as principal residence within 60 days

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment:

  • Additional $15,000 in down payment assistance
  • Available to first-time homebuyers and military veterans
  • 0% deferred second mortgage, forgiven after 15 years

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction.

Statewide resources:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental programs
  • Contact local Community Action Programs
  • Many nonprofits provide one-time emergency assistance

What assistance covers:

  • Rent arrears
  • Utilities
  • Security deposits
  • Moving costs

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Federal Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) According to the IRS, this refundable tax credit can provide substantial annual income.

2025 Tax Year Maximum Credits:

Children Maximum Credit Income Limit (Single)
1 child $4,213 $47,915
2 children $6,960 $53,057
3+ children $8,046 $59,899

Child Tax Credit:

  • Up to $2,000 per child under 17
  • Up to $1,700 refundable
  • Single mothers with income under $200,000 qualify

Child and Dependent Care Credit:

  • 20-35% of childcare costs
  • Up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children
  • Available for working parents paying for childcare

How to claim: File tax return with IRS Form 1040, even if you don’t owe taxes. Contact IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887 for free tax help.

Educational Grants and Scholarships

Real grants and scholarships exist for single mothers pursuing education.

ANSWER Scholarship Program

According to Scholarships.com, this program serves moms in Mecklenburg County and 11 surrounding counties in the Carolinas.

What they provide:

  • Annual scholarships ranging from $2,750 to $5,500
  • Renewable for up to four consecutive years
  • Mentoring and professional development opportunities
  • Over 60% of interviewed applicants receive awards

Eligibility requirements:

  • Female, 25 or older
  • Primary caregiver to a school-age child
  • Legal resident of Mecklenburg County or surrounding area
  • Full-time student at an institution in eligible counties

North Carolina Community College Grant

According to College Foundation of North Carolina, this state-funded grant helps with community college costs.

Benefits:

  • Available to North Carolina residents with financial need
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time at NC community colleges
  • Based on Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA
  • No repayment required

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov by March 1st
  2. Apply to participating North Carolina community colleges
  3. Institution automatically considers you when awarding financial aid

Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship

According to Scholarships360, this scholarship supports female students in North Carolina who are raising a child while pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Requirements:

  • Female student in North Carolina
  • Raising a child while pursuing undergraduate degree
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Share your journey through higher education as a parent

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

NC Child Care Subsidy Program

According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, this program helps eligible families pay for childcare.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income limits based on family size (typically up to 165% of Federal Poverty Level)

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments range from $15-$200+ per month based on income
  • Lower income families pay less
  • Payments made directly to childcare provider

Approved providers:

  • Licensed childcare centers
  • Licensed family childcare homes
  • Before/after school programs
  • Some relative care

How to apply:

  • Contact local Department of Social Services
  • Phone: 1-800-662-7030
  • Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Reality Check: Waiting lists are common, especially in urban areas. Apply as early as possible, even before you start work or school.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day or part-day options
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings
  • Family support services

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services
  • Parenting education

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

  • Call Head Start locator: 1-866-763-6481
  • Contact NC Head Start programs
  • Applications typically open in spring for fall enrollment

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • Work First (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • NC Medicaid – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All North Carolina state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination.

Support organizations:

  • Equality NC: Statewide advocacy organization
  • Local LGBTQ+ community centers in Charlotte, Raleigh, and other cities
  • PFLAG chapters throughout the state

Legal protections:

  • North Carolina prohibits discrimination in state programs
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Legal aid available through Legal Aid of North Carolina

Tribal Resources

North Carolina recognized tribes:

  • Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: (828) 497-2771
  • Coharie Tribe: (910) 383-4792
  • Haliwa-Saponi Tribe: (252) 586-4017
  • Lumbee Tribe: (910) 521-7861
  • Meherrin Tribe: (252) 398-4410
  • Occaneechi Band of Saponi Nation: (919) 304-3723
  • Sappony Tribe: (336) 694-6100
  • Waccamaw Siouan Tribe: (910) 655-8778

Tribal services often include:

  • Tribal assistance programs
  • Healthcare through Indian Health Service
  • Educational assistance
  • Cultural programs and support

Important: Contact your specific tribal government for eligibility and program details.

Rural North Carolina Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • NC Rural Center: Rural development assistance
  • Telehealth: NC Medicaid covers telehealth appointments
  • Mobile services: Some programs offer home visits or mobile offices
  • 2-1-1: Especially important for finding local resources

Resources by Region

Western North Carolina

Major cities: Asheville, Charlotte, Gastonia, Hickory

Regional resources:

Central North Carolina

Major cities: Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem

Regional resources:

Eastern North Carolina

Major cities: Wilmington, Fayetteville, Greenville, Jacksonville

Regional resources:

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 200% of poverty level ($4,304/month for family of 3)
  • NC Medicaid: Up to 138% of poverty level ($2,948/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 165% of poverty level
  • Tax credits: EITC available for working families up to $59,899 annually

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • Work First: Up to 45 days
  • NC Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing assistance: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! ePASS allows you to apply for SNAP, Work First, and Medicaid with one application. You can also apply for other programs separately at the same time.

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors. Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina at (866) 637-5341 for help with appeals.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, tax credits
  • Educational grants: Sometimes have requirements like staying in North Carolina after graduation
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Emergency medical care only
  • WIC: Available in some areas
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available in your situation

Q: What if I live in rural North Carolina? A: Rural residents have options:

  • Mobile services serve rural areas
  • NC Medicaid covers telehealth appointments
  • Some programs have special provisions for rural residents
  • 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance available:

  • Local DSS offices: Staff provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1: Can connect you with local navigators
  • Legal Aid of North Carolina: (866) 637-5341
  • Community organizations: Many nonprofits help with applications

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • ePASS website available in Spanish
  • Call 2-1-1 for bilingual operators
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments

Q: Can I get help paying for school while receiving benefits? A: Yes, education is encouraged:

  • ANSWER Scholarship: Up to $5,500 annually for eligible moms
  • Pell Grants: Federal education funding (apply via FAFSA)
  • NC Community College Grant: State education assistance
  • Work First work requirement: Education/training counts as work activity
  • Childcare assistance: Available for parents in approved education programs

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency services: 911
  • NC 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Application and Benefits

  • ePASS (SNAP/TANF/Medicaid): epass.nc.gov or 1-800-662-7030
  • NC Child Support Services: 1-800-992-9457
  • NC WIC: 1-844-601-6881
  • NC Medicaid Contact Center: 1-888-245-0179

Housing and Utilities

  • NC Housing Finance Agency: nchfa.com
  • Low Income Energy Assistance: Contact local Department of Social Services

Legal and Advocacy Help

  • Legal Aid of North Carolina: (866) 637-5341
  • NC Justice Center: (919) 856-2570

Educational Resources

Tax Assistance

  • IRS VITA Program: 1-800-906-9887
  • IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service: 1-877-777-4778

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This North Carolina guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, HHS, and College Foundation of North Carolina sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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