While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In North Carolina, the TANF program is known as Work First Family Assistance (WFFA). To learn more about WFFA and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website here.
Work First Family Assistance in North Carolina (WFFA) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The WFFA program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services the WFFA program provides to participating families, review the North Carolina WF State Plan PDF found here.
WFFA and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Welfare. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WFFA benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
To learn more about the restrictions on WFFA expenditures, visit the North Carolina DHHS website here.
Both WFFA and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, WFFA benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.
Many WFFA participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or WFFA, visit the North Carolina Benefit Portal here.
If you have questions about WFFA or Food Assistance, call the Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (800) 662-7030.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
For example, an eligible family of 4 can receive a maximum of $297 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 24 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about WFFA and benefit amounts in North Carolina here.
To qualify for WFFA in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about income requirements and work and training requirements here.
Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only WFFA Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.
To learn more about who can receive WFFA benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Work First Family Assistance in North Carolina, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the WFFA eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website here.
In North Carolina, you are only allowed to apply for TANF, or WF, benefits in person.
To apply for WFFA in person, click here to find the nearest North Carolina Division of Social Services (DSS) office location.
To check your Work First (WF) application status after applying in person, you will need to contact the DSS office you applied through. Click here to find a full list of offices and their contact information
If you applied for Work First (WF) benefits, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Health and Human Services within 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are eligible.
If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your WF benefits will be deposited within 14 days of when you receive your determination letter. Otherwise, you will receive an EBT card in the mail within 14 days.
If you applied in person at a local Division of Social Services office, you will receive your determination and EBT card on the same day so long as you provide all the required information and documentation.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Note that if you receive an EBT card, you will only be allowed to purchase items at stores that display the Quest Logo, and you can only withdraw cash from ATMs that display the Quest Logo.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (800) 662-7030.
If you do not agree with the WFFA benefit decision given to you by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Division of Social Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail.
Once you are finished writing your request for a Fair Hearing, you can mail your request to the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearing at the following address:
1711 New Hope Church Road Raleigh NC, 27609
You can also contact the office for further information, here.
For help with obtaining Work First Family Assistance in North Carolina, or for any further questions about your application, call the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (800) 662-7030.
To send the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services information physically, mail them to the following address:
NC Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2000
You can also visit or call a local Division of Social Services Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.