Help for Individuals and Businesses - COVID-19


Help for Individuals


Eligible households that have had their water services cut off or have received notice that their water services are in danger of being cut off can apply for assistance in paying their bill through a new federal program called the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).

Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.

All other households that have had their water services or are in danger of losing it can apply starting Dec. 1, 2021, online at epass.nc.gov. Individuals can also apply by printing a paper application from epass.nc.gov and dropping it off at our Department of Social Services. You may also apply at our DSS.

Tarboro Office
122 E. St. James Street
P. O. Box 370
Tarboro, NC 27886
Phone: (252) 641-7611
Fax: (252) 641-5816

Rocky Mount Office
301 S. Fairview Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Phone: (252) 985-4101
Fax: (252) 985-1615


The NC Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) is now open for applications. NCHOPE provides rent and utility assistance to very low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. The program helps prevent evictions and utility disconnections to promote housing stability during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For more information or to apply, go to https://www.rebuild.nc.gov/hope-program or call (888) 927-5467.



The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program has been approved to help more families purchase food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The P-EBT program provides a benefit on an EBT card to North Carolina families whose children have access to free and reduced lunch at school.  
Families will not need to apply for the P-EBT program. P-EBT eligible families already receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will receive an additional benefit on their existing EBT card. P-EBT eligible families not already enrolled in FNS will be mailed a new EBT card in the next few weeks. Families who receive a new EBT card will receive a letter from DHHS in the mail explaining how to activate and use their card.

 


Food and Nutrition benefits (Food Stamps) will be temporarily increased for families receiving them for March and April. For more information, visit the NC DHHS website.


For members of the State Employees Credit Union, assistance is being offered to those who have lost their job or otherwise have had disruptions to their income because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Options include payment extensions, partial payment plans, forbearance, and refinancing existing debt. Visit their website or contact your local branch for more information.


The Coastal Credit Union Foundation has donated $100k to the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. You can help out local restaurant workers as well by clicking the link below and donating! If you (or someone you know) have been impacted by COVID-19 in the restaurant or hospitality industry, click the following link and learn how you can apply to receive financial support.  Visit their website.


A new Twin Counties Relief Fund has been established. It provides assistance for people in the hospitality industry affected by the COVID-19 shut-downs. They can apply online at myreachnc.com/twin-counties-relief-fund.


Looking for a job? Go to the NCWorks COVID-19 Jobs Information Hub to learn more about job opportunities resulting from the current pandemic.


Out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic? To get more information on unemployment benefits or to file an unemployment insurance claim, go to the Department of Employment Security website .


The COVID-19 pandemic stressing you out? Need professional help to cope? You can access crisis counseling by contacting one of the following:

Hope 4 NC Helpline for mental health services call (855) 587-3463

Hope 4 Healers Helpline for healthcare workers and first responders call (919) 226-2002


If you are in need of food or would like to make a donation of to support Food Banks, go to feedingthecarolinas.org



Help for Businesses


SBA Assistance:
Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Visit the website.


The Golden LEAF Foundation announced $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan. Visit the website.


NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives. That's our mission, and we'll continue to deliver on it throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, there's a need for timely, trustworthy information and resources. With this site, Extension will continue to provide research-backed information from our experts and specialists to help individuals and families, farmers and agribusinesses, communities, and leaders navigate this unprecedented public health event and the challenges associated with it.

Resources are organized in the following categories: 
  • Farms & Agribusiness 
  • Food Safety 
  • Health & Wellness 
  • Youth & Family 
  • Media  
  • Other Resources
Visit their website

 


 


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