North Carolina Work First Family Assistance

Work First Family Assistance is North Carolina’s version of TANF that offers up to 60 months of cash assistance and employment services to very poor families.

This program helps parents support themselves and their families by offering short-term training and other services to increase the chances of employment. Ultimately, the goal is to help all families move to self-sufficiency.

Unless otherwise exempt, most families receiving benefit payments are subject to mandatory work requirements of at least 35 hours per week in appropriate work activities.

FAQ

Who qualifies for Work First in NC?

To qualify for Work First in NC, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
2. Live in North Carolina.
3. Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
4. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
5. Meet income limit  based on the need standard shown below.

What is the income limit for Work First in NC?

In North Carolina, a family is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than $544 a month for a family of three. The limit for countable resources is $3,000.

How much do I get for Work First in NC?

The amount you may receive from Work First in North Carolina depends on your household size and countable income. For example, a family of three with little or no income may receive $272 per month. ¹

The table below shows the monthly assistance amounts for each family size.

How do I apply for cash assistance in NC?

Applications for cash assistance through Work First can be made in person at a local Departments of Social Services ² in the county in which you reside.

All applications will be screened, evaluated for eligibility, and processed, usually within forty five (45) days.

To set up an appointment, please call
(800) 662-7030

What is the Benefit Diversion in NC?

Families who are experiencing a temporary financial or personal crisis may apply for Benefit Diversion as an alternative to traditional cash assistance.

It provides a lump-sum payment, up to three months of benefits, and referrals to other services like Medicaid, child support, and child care assistance.

Benefit Diversion is designed to deal with a specific crisis or episode of need. A family can only receive this one-time payment once within a 12-month period.

To apply for benefit diversion, you must first apply for Work First, as the diversion program is an option offered during the Work First application process.