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. A working phone helps with almost everything, from shelter to jobs to staying in touch with people you love. I'm really glad you picked this up. There's help in North Carolina to get and stay connected.
Here is the easy first step: ask about Lifeline, a federal program that lowers the cost of phone or internet service. 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.
- Each company and program sets its own rules. We can't promise a phone or service.
- Be careful with anyone who asks for your benefits card PIN. Never share it.
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for people with low incomes. If you qualify, the discount is up to $9.25 a month.
You may qualify based on your income or if you get a benefit like SNAP or Medicaid. After you're approved, you contact a phone or internet company that takes part. The Lifeline Support Center can answer questions at 800.234.9473.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
How to apply for Lifeline, step by step
- Check if you get a benefit like Food Assistance or Medicaid.
- Apply on the Lifeline website.
- Send proof, like a benefits letter, if they ask.
- Pick a phone company and plan.
- Recertify when you're asked, so you keep your discount.
What to say to a phone company
"Hi. I'd like to sign up for Lifeline."
"I get (Food Assistance, Medicaid or another benefit)."
"What plans do you offer with Lifeline?"
Keep your proof handy
Take a photo of your benefits letter. You'll need it to sign up and to recertify.
Where can I use a computer or Wi-Fi?
Public libraries across North Carolina have computers and Wi-Fi you can use. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Wake County Public Libraries have branches across their counties.
Many libraries also help with printing, job applications and filling out forms. Ask at the front desk.
Where can I charge my phone?
Libraries, day centers, shelters and some food pantries let you charge your phone. Ask when you're there.
A small charging cord and a backup battery can help a lot.
Things that help you stay connected
How do I stay safe online?
Use a strong password and don't share it. Log out when you use a shared computer.
Be careful with messages that ask for money, your Social Security number or your EBT card PIN.
Say your phone broke while you're staying in a shelter in Greensboro
You could ask the shelter if you can use their phone, and visit a library to check your email. Then you'd sign up for Lifeline with a phone company, using your Food Assistance letter as proof.
Questions people ask a lot
Can I get Lifeline without an address?
Ask the phone company. Some accept a shelter address.
How much is the discount?
Up to $9.25 a month on phone, internet or both.
What if I lose my phone?
Call your Lifeline company to ask about a replacement.
Is library Wi-Fi safe?
It's fine for most things. Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi if you can.
You're staying connected
A working phone is a lifeline, my friend. You're doing something really smart.
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 local 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.
Lifeline (FCC)
What it offers A discount of up to $9.25 a month on phone service, internet service or a bundle, for people with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or who take part in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI or the Veterans and Survivors Pension. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and you must recertify every year.
How to reach Apply at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ (the Apply Now button goes to https://getinternet.gov/apply). Lifeline Support Center: 800.234.9473, 7 days a week, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern. To find phone and internet companies that offer Lifeline where you live, use https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/
Source https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
North Carolina
Here are some places to start.
NC 211 (United Way of North Carolina)
What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, bills, health care and more. Open 24/7, in most languages.
How to reach Dial 211 or call 888.892.1162. Search or chat at https://nc211.org/
Source https://nc211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NCWorks Career Centers
What it offers No cost computer and internet access, along with job search help.
How to reach Find a center at https://www.ncworks.gov/
Source https://www.commerce.nc.gov/jobs-training/resources-job-seekers/ncworks-career-centers
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.
Mecklenburg County: apply for benefits
What it offers Apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Work First and energy help.
How to reach Online at https://epass.nc.gov/ or https://allaccess.mecknc.gov/ By phone (or to get a paper form mailed to you): 704.336.3000. Pick up and return paper forms at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213, or the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208. Each location has a 24 hour drop box. Fax: 704.353.1325.
Source https://dcr.mecknc.gov/Apply-for-Benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
Charlotte Works and NCWorks centers
What it offers The Charlotte area workforce board oversees local NCWorks Career Centers, which offer no cost computer and internet access.
How to reach Call 980.201.3256. Online: https://www.charlotteworks.com/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wake County (Raleigh)
Here are some places to start.
Wake County Public Libraries
What it offers No cost public computers and WiFi at all libraries during open hours, first come, first served. Chromebooks and hotspots can be borrowed at select locations for seven days, with a possible seven day extension. Printing costs 20 cents a page (black and white).
How to reach Details: https://wake.gov/departments-government/libraries/about-wcpl/amenities/computers-technology
Source https://wake.gov/departments-government/libraries/about-wcpl/amenities/computers-technology
Last checked October 22, 2026
Oak City Cares service center (Raleigh)
What it offers A hub for individuals and families that connects people to housing help, meals and other support. It also offers showers and laundry, computers and phones.
How to reach 1430 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; the last person is seen at 4 pm. Weekend meals Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm. Call 984.344.9599.
Source https://oakcitycares.org/contact-us/ and https://raleighnc.gov/housing/resources-housing-crises-and-homelessness
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.
Things to have for Lifeline
My phone plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My phone
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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