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 low-income families with children.

The program is intended to help parents support themselves and their families by offering short-term training and other services to help them become employed and move toward self-sufficiency.

Unless otherwise exempt, most families receiving benefit payments are subject to mandatory work requirements of at least 35 hours per week in approved 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. ¹

What is the income limit for Work First in NC?

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

How much cash assistance will I get in North Carolina?

TANF benefits in North Carolina vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $272 per month, which is among the lowest in the nation. ²

The table below shows the monthly assistance amount 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 DSS office in the county in which you reside ³ or apply online with ePASS  for faster processing.

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

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Work First Family Assistance (TANF)
(866) 719-014

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in North Carolina?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in North Carolina, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact ePASS (DHHS) at (800) 662-7030 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

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 ongoing 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.