ePASS is North Carolina’s secure online benefits website. You can start an application from a phone, tablet, or computer and send it to your county Department of Social Services (DSS). Your county reviews the application, may ask for more information or an interview, and decides whether you qualify.
You can apply for more than one program if your household needs different kinds of help. Each program has its own rules. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
Read NC Medicaid’s ePASS Account Guide ↗The portal lists four application areas. Energy Assistance includes two separate programs.
Often called food stamps, FNS helps eligible households buy groceries using an EBT card. An application and interview are part of the process.
You do not need to wait until you have every document to submit an FNS application. DSS can ask for missing information afterward.
Official Food Assistance Application Guide ↗Apply for health coverage. Look for Medical Assistance on ePASS. You can apply for Medicaid at any time of year.
Follow the portal’s instructions to create or use your NCID account. If you need help, your county DSS can assist.
Official Medicaid Application Guide ↗The Energy Assistance application is used for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). These programs help with qualifying energy costs.
The program that fits your situation depends on your household, the time of year, and whether you have an energy emergency.
Understand LIEAP and CIP ↓Work First is North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It provides time-limited cash assistance and employment-related support for eligible families with children.
Your county DSS explains eligibility, required activities, and available services.
Official Work First Information ↗If you need help with electricity used to heat or cool your home, start with Energy Assistance on ePASS. Tell DSS if your bill is past due, service may be disconnected, or your household has no safe heating or cooling.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program offers a one-time payment to a heating provider for eligible households.
Applications generally open in December for certain priority households, including those with an adult age 60 or older, and January through March for other households, subject to funding. Ask DSS about this season’s dates and any automatic payment process.
LIEAP Rules & Application Dates ↗The Crisis Intervention Program helps eligible households experiencing, or at risk of, a heating or cooling crisis that threatens health or safety.
Applications are generally taken July 1 through June 30, or until funds run out. DSS reviews each household’s situation.
Opens North Carolina’s official Energy Assistance application in ePASS. Complete the questions, sign, and submit there. Follow any requests from DSS for documents or an interview.
CIP Rules & How to Apply ↗Contact your county DSS promptly and explain the situation. Ask about CIP and any other available emergency assistance. Applying online does not automatically stop a utility disconnection.
Find My County DSS ↗Requirements vary by program. Helpful information may include household names and birth dates, contact information, income or benefit statements, housing costs, and relevant household expenses. For energy help, have your current utility bill, account details, and any past-due or disconnection notice available. Provide Social Security numbers and identity or immigration documents when requested for the people applying.
For FNS and Medicaid, you can start applying before you have every supporting document. Follow DSS instructions about what to send and when.
An enhanced and linked ePASS account can let you view case information, upload requested documents, report supported changes, and complete eligible renewals. Available options depend on your program and case status. If you receive FNS without Medicaid, DSS can help enhance and link your account.
Call or visit your county DSS if you cannot apply online, need help understanding a question, or need language or disability-related communication assistance. Staff can explain the application options for your program.
Reviewed October 20, 2026 using the official NC ePASS listing, NCDHHS program guidance, and NC Medicaid guidance linked on this page. Eligibility, application dates, and funding may change. DSS confirms your household’s eligibility.