Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Legal problems can feel scary, especially when it's about your home. I'm really glad you picked this up. There is legal help in North Carolina, and you have rights.
Here is the easy first step: call the Legal Aid of North Carolina helpline at 866.219.5262, or apply online. If you have court papers, call legal aid the same day. We'll walk through the rest together.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- This guide is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a lawyer about your situation.
- Never ignore court papers. Deadlines matter.
Legal Aid of North Carolina gives help at no cost with civil, not criminal, legal problems for people who qualify, including housing, domestic violence, public benefits and consumer issues. Call the helpline at 866.219.5262, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, or apply online at legalaidnc.org.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://legalaidnc.org/
How to get legal help, step by step
- Gather every paper you have, like your lease and any court papers.
- Write down your court date, if you have one.
- Call the Legal Aid of North Carolina helpline, or apply online.
- Ask if you qualify for help from a lawyer.
- Go to every court date, even if you're still waiting for help.
What to say when you call legal aid
"Hi. I have a legal problem with (housing, benefits, debt)."
"I live in (county), and my court date is (date)."
"Can you help, or tell me who can?"
Bring a folder
Keep every paper in one folder, in date order. It helps a lawyer help you faster.
What are my rights as a tenant?
North Carolina has rules about evictions, lockouts, appeals and late fees. Check the official state page and legal aid for the details, and decide what fits your situation.
If you get court papers, go to your hearing, and ask legal aid right away because deadlines can be short.
Sources: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-25.6.html and https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7A/GS_7A-228.html and https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-46.html
Who can help in my area?
Legal aid offices help people with low incomes with civil legal problems, like housing and benefits. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves the whole state.
In Charlotte, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy also helps. Their details are later in this guide.
Papers to bring to legal aid
What if I'm being treated unfairly?
There are fair housing rules about being treated differently because of things like your race, religion, disability, sex or having children. The NC Human Relations Commission takes housing discrimination complaints at 984.236.1914, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
You can also report housing discrimination to HUD.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.oah.nc.gov/civil-rights-division/housing-discrimination/fair-housing/housing-discrimination-complaint-process
Say you got eviction papers in Wake County
You'd write down your court date and call the Legal Aid of North Carolina helpline. You'd bring your lease, rent receipts and the papers to your hearing. You'd also dial 211 to ask about back rent help.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I have to pay for legal aid?
Ask each office about costs and who they serve.
What if I miss my court date?
Call the court and legal aid right away.
Can I get help with a criminal record?
Ask Legal Aid of North Carolina about clearing records.
What if I don't speak English well?
Ask the court and legal aid for an interpreter.
You have rights
Knowing your rights is powerful. Reaching out for help is a strong step.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
- Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across North Carolina, then legal help in the biggest counties, then a county DSS list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD approved housing counselors
What it offers HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 (TTY 202.708.1455). Search online at https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA Legal Services for Veterans
What it offers VA supports legal services for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
How to reach Ask the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838. Online: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
HUD: report housing discrimination
What it offers If you believe you were treated unfairly when renting or buying a home, you can file a report with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
North Carolina
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid of North Carolina Helpline
What it offers No cost help with civil (not criminal) legal problems for people who qualify, including housing, domestic violence, public benefits and consumer issues.
How to reach Call 866.219.5262, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. Apply online at https://legalaidnc.org/justicehub/
Source https://www.legalaidnc.org/apply and https://legalaidnc.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid of North Carolina Fair Housing Helpline
What it offers Help with questions about housing discrimination.
How to reach Call 855.797.3247. Tuesdays 9 am to 1 pm and Thursdays 1 pm to 5 pm.
Source https://www.legalaidnc.org/apply
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid of North Carolina special helplines
What it offers No cost help lines for specific needs.
How to reach Senior Legal Helpline (age 60 and up): 877.579.7562, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 3 pm. Immigration Pathways for Victims (immigrant victims of domestic violence): 866.204.7612, Tuesdays 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Thursdays 9 am to 1 pm.
Source https://www.legalaidnc.org/apply
Last checked October 22, 2026
NC Human Relations Commission: housing discrimination
What it offers The state takes housing discrimination complaints through the Housing Discrimination Section of its Civil Rights Division and looks into whether unlawful discrimination happened.
How to reach Call 984.236.1914. Office hours Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Email hrc.complaints@oah.nc.gov
Last checked October 22, 2026
NCDHHS Customer Service Center and county social services
What it offers Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has a local Department of Social Services (DSS). That is where Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First, energy help and Medicaid are handled. You can also apply online at ePASS.
How to reach Call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center at 800.662.7030, or use the Local DSS Directory to find your county office. Apply online at https://epass.nc.gov/
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
Here are some places to start.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people who qualify in the Charlotte region, including benefits, consumer protection, home preservation, criminal record expunction, driver's license restoration, immigration and Veterans services.
How to reach Call 704.376.1600 (Mecklenburg County) or 800.438.1254 (outside Mecklenburg). Spanish: 800.247.1931. Seniors: 980.353.3734. Veterans: 980.353.3648. Online intake is linked from https://charlottelegaladvocacy.org/ Office: 5535 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.
Source https://charlottelegaladvocacy.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Charlotte: fair housing and mediation
What it offers The City lists contacts for fair housing complaints and for tenant and landlord mediation through its Dispute Settlement Program.
How to reach Fair housing complaints: 704.336.5160. Legal aid: 866.219.5262. More: https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Emergency-Housing-Assistance
Source https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Emergency-Housing-Assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Safe Alliance Legal Representation Program
What it offers No cost legal representation for survivors seeking a one year domestic violence protective order or renewing one.
How to reach 800 E. 4th St., 1st floor, Charlotte, NC 28202. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Office: 704.312.1667.
Source https://www.safealliance.org/programs/victim-assistance-court-program/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wake County (Raleigh)
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid of North Carolina offices
What it offers Legal Aid NC lists its offices online. Start with the helpline or apply online.
How to reach Helpline: 866.219.5262. Offices: https://legalaidnc.org/offices/
Source https://legalaidnc.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Raleigh housing help
What it offers Help finding a place to stay or paying rent.
How to reach Email housing@raleighnc.gov or call 919.996.4330.
Source https://raleighnc.gov/housing/resources-housing-crises-and-homelessness
Last checked October 22, 2026
InterAct Court Services
What it offers Court advocates help domestic violence survivors with protective orders at the Legal Support Center in the Wake County Courthouse.
How to reach Call 919.828.7740.
Source https://interactofwake.org/immediate-support/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county DSS)
Here are some places to start.
Alamance County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Alamance County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217. Call 336.570.6532. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/alamance-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Brunswick County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Brunswick County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 60 Government Center Drive NE, Building B, Bolivia, NC 28422. Call 910.253.2077. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/brunswick-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Buncombe County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Buncombe County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28802. Call 828.250.5500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/buncombe-county-health-human-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cabarrus County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cabarrus County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Call 704.920.1400. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cabarrus-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Catawba County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Catawba County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 3030 11th Ave. Drive, S.E., Hickory, NC 28602. Call 828.695.5600. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/catawba-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cumberland County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301. Call 910.323.1540. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cumberland-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Davidson County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Davidson County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 913 Greensboro St., Lexington, NC 27292. Call 336.242.2500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/davidson-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Durham County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Durham County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 414 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27702. Call 919.560.8000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/durham-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Forsyth County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Forsyth County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 741 North Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Call 336.703.3800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/forsyth-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gaston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Gaston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. Call 704.862.7500. Call ahead for hours.
Last checked October 22, 2026
Guilford County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Guilford County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1203 Maple St., Greensboro, NC 27405. Call 336.641.3000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/guilford-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Iredell County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Iredell County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 549 Eastside Drive, Statesville, NC 28625. Call 704.873.5631. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/iredell-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Johnston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Johnston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 714 North St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Call 919.989.5300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/johnston-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for New Hanover County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Call 910.798.3500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/new-hanover-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Onslow County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Onslow County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 612 College St., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Call 910.455.4145. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/onslow-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Orange County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Orange County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 113 Mayo St., Hillsborough, NC 27278. Call 919.245.2800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/orange-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Pitt County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Pitt County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1717 W. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27834. Call 252.902.1110. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/pitt-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Rowan County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Rowan County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1813 E. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28146. Call 704.216.8330. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/rowan-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Union County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Union County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110. Call 704.296.4300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/union-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wayne County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Wayne County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1560 Clingman St., Goldsboro, NC 27534. Call 919.580.4034. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/wayne-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Papers to bring to legal aid
My legal plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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