State Property Tax Assistance
Benefit: North Carolina has many programs that provide you with tax relief. Benefits can include property tax exemptions and/or deferrals.
Who can apply: Each property tax relief program has its own program guidelines. Some of the rules include age, income, resources, and veteran’s status.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Benefit: LIEAP provides your household with a cash grant to help you meet your home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company.
Who can apply: You must have a limited income to get LIEAP. In addition, you must pay your own gas and/or electric bill (either directly or as part of your rent).
- Telephone Assistance/Lifeline
Benefit: Lifeline offers monthly discounts on your basic wireless or home telephone service. The discounts can include a lower phone bill or free wireless minutes.
Who can apply: You can get help if you have limited income or are enrolled in one of the following programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and/or Public Housing or Section 8.
- Social Security
Benefit: Social Security offers you a cash benefit based on your work history and the amount you paid into it. The cash benefit helps you meet your needs due to a loss of income as a result of retirement, disability, or death. You and your dependents or surviving spouse can receive the Social Security benefit. The benefit amount you will get depends on the earnings records of the person who worked.
Who can apply: To get Social Security retirement benefits, you must have met the work requirements and paid into the Social Security system. You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, the benefit amount you get will be reduced if you take the benefit before you reach full retirement age.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Benefit: SSI provides a cash benefit to you every month to make sure you have a minimum level of income so that you can pay for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Who can apply: You may get help from this program if you are 65 years of age or older, blind, or have a disability. In addition, you must have limited income and resources. Some resources, such as your home, car, and certain portions of life insurance and burial accounts, may not be counted when determining whether you meet the program guidelines.