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As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that many people in Buncombe County are in need of assistance. The following list has updated information on public assitance, community resources, new unemployment information, and other resources that might be beneficial to you. Please review the entire list as you might be elibible for assistance and resources you're not aware of.
City of Asheville: As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that many people in Buncombe County are in need of assistance. The following list has updated information on public assitance, community resources, new unemployment information, and other resources that might be beneficial to you. Please review the entire list as you might be elibible for assistance and resources you're not aware of.
Community Resources in Buncombe County for Helping with Financial Needs
March 17, 2020
As our community is working to address the needs of those impacted by COVID-19, please know that what is
available to help may change.
You can also call 211 at any time to have someone help you find the resources you need.
Buncombe County Economic Services/Public Assistance
Provides low income individuals and families with assistance to support their self-sufficiency through economic
supports for families
Services Provided:
Medicaid for Adults
Medicaid is a health insurance program for those whose income is below the amounts set by the federal and state
government.
● Medicaid for Age 65+, Blind and Disabled
If you are over 65, blind or disabled, the income limit to receive Medicaid is equal to 100% of the poverty level.
There is a limit on resources.
● Long Term Care
Medicaid pays for medically necessary nursing home care for patients in skilled or intermediate care nursing
homes or in intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities.
● Medicare-Aid
Individuals who have Medicare coverage may be eligible to have their Medicare premiums paid by Medicaid if
their income is between 100% and 135% of the poverty level.
Special Assistance - an assistance payment to eligible individuals who reside in licensed domiciliary homes, rest homes
or family care homes. Medical assistance (Medicaid) is also provided to help pay medical bills.
Emergency Assistance- emergency funds as they become available for families in short-term financial crisis due to
unusual circumstances.
General Assistance – a program to help resolve a crisis when other resources are unavailable. The program is often
used to pay for medication, utility and rent assistance, or training associated with other DHHS programs.
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) - provides assistance to low-income households that are in a heating or cooling related
emergency and have an income that is below 150% of poverty level.
Energy Assistance - Programs are available that may help you pay your heating bills.
Families and Children
● Child Care Subsidy - Subsidized child care is a program funded through State and Federal dollars to assist
parents with the cost of child care. Families receiving financial assistance may choose the child care program
that best meets their needs.
● Child Support - Child support services agents by contract with Buncombe Child Support Services Agency to help
locate absent parents and assist in establishing paternity and getting child support payments ordered by the
courts.
● Medicaid Programs for Families and Children - Medicaid is an insurance program for certain low-income
individuals and families who cannot afford healthcare cost. Family Medicaid programs can provide assistance to
children 18 and under, parents or other caretakers/relatives with children ages 18, pregnant women, and young
adults ages 19-21.
Food and Nutrition Program (Food Stamps) - is a federal program that provides a monthly allotment of Food Stamp
benefits issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (ATM cards).
Skills Training and Employment Program - If you are a Food and Nutrition Services recipient in Buncombe County and
under the age of 60, the STEP program can help you find a job, get a better job, obtain skills training, or earn a GED at no
cost to you.
Work First - Work First Employment Services assists with training, work experience, and supportive casework services to
NC Works Career Center
Assistance in managing unemployment insurance claims.
Individuals who are seeking jobs and need assistance can call (888) 737-0259.
NC Department of Employment Security
NC DES provides support for both employers as well as individuals needing unemployment insurance support.
Website: https://des.nc.gov
Employer Call Center (attached document with this contact information)
Contact the DES Employer Call Center with any questions or concerns.
● Online: www.des.nc.gov
● Phone: 866.278.3822
For those wanting to apply for Unemployment Insurance, the contact is as follows:
● Online: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment
● Phone: 888.737.0259
Community Resources
● ABCCM: Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance
Main location: 828-259-5300; www.abccm.org
● Eblen Charities: Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance
828-255-3066; www.eblencharities.org
● Salvation Army of Buncombe County: Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance
828-253-4723; www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/commands/asheville
● OnTrack WNC: Financial Counseling
828-255-5166; https://ontrackwnc.org/
● Self-Help Credit Union: Small Business Lending
828-676-2196; www.self-help.org
The Following Utilities and Services will NOT disconnect their services due to non-payment while our
community responds to COVID-19.
No action is needed by customers to make sure services are not cut off.
● Utilities
○ City of Asheville - Water and Trash Collection
○ Duke Energy/Progress Energy
○ PSNC/Dominion Energy
● Phone and Internet Service - No late fees at this time as well
○ AT&T
○ Charter - Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans
○ Sprint - Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans
○ T-Mobile - Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans. Free international calls to
level-3 impacted countries
○ Verizon - Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans
Not finding what you need or have an additional need? Call NC 2-1-1 24/7/365
More info and continued updates The City Of Asheville
