PERSONAL FINANCE RESOURCES

CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM (CIP)

A federally-funded program that provides assistance to low-income households that are in a heating or cooling related emergency. The goal of the CIP program is to help families stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/crisis/index.htm

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Designed to assist low and moderate income individuals and their caregivers who may be served through home and community-based services. Through a variety of consumer-directed options, such consumers may select their own providers and direct how their services will be delivered. The types of available service depend on the county. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/fchome.htm

FEDERAL EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

A credit for certain people who work. Find out if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit by answering some questions and providing basic income information. The program also assists you in determining your correct filing status, determining whether your child(ren) meets the tests for a qualifying child, and estimating the amount of credit you may receive. http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html

FINANCIAL EDUCATION CENTER

Provides financial counseling and education for all age groups, including information that will help in creating budgets, managing credit ratings, and pinching pennies. http://www.nctreasurer.com/DSTHome/OfficeOfTheTreasurer/FinEduCenter

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

A federal food assistance program that helps low-income families. In North Carolina monthly allotments of FNS benefits are issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (EBT cards). Food and Nutrition Services is an entitlement program, so all eligible individuals and households can receive assistance. Benefits may be used to purchase most foods at participating stores. http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/foodstamp/index.htm

FREE TAX RETURN PREPARATION

Available if you qualify for one of several volunteer programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. In some cases electronic filing may even be free. http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html

HOME PROTECTION PROGRAM

NC Housing Finance Agency Logo Helps workers who lose their jobs as the result of changing economic conditions avoid foreclosure of their homes. Qualifying individuals can receive a zero-interest loan that is usually equal to the lesser of $24,000, 24 months of monthly mortgage payments, or the minimum amount required to bring loans and other mortgage-related obligations current. http://www.nchfa.com/Homebuyers/HOhomeprotectionpilot.aspx

LIFELINE AND LINKUP

Programs that provide local telephone service discounts for low-income families. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/lifeline/index.htm

LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIEAP)

Provides for a one-time cash payment to help eligible families pay their heating bills. This payment is usually received in February of each year. http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/energy/index.htm

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NC211

An information and referral service facilitated and maintained by the United Way. It links people to a variety of national, state, local government and nonprofit resources that may assist them. http://www.nc211.org/

NCCARELINK

Provides up-to-date information about programs and services across North Carolina for families, seniors, youths and everyone in-between. It is a collaborative effort of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and many other government and nonprofit information and referral stakeholders across North Carolina. https://www.nccarelink.gov/

NC LINKS

A program designed to help teens make a successful transition from foster care to self-sufficiency by providing opportunities for education, career planning, and health care assistance. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/links/index.html

NC TAKE CONTROL

A web site that offers free fact sheets on topics of interest to the many North Carolina families currently dealing with economic hardship. The fact sheets offer unbiased, researched based information on topics ranging from how to tell your family you've lost your job, to getting the best buy at the grocery store, to tips on preventing home foreclosure. http://www.nctakecontrol.com/

NC WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Exists to assist low-income citizens reduce expenses by implementing energy-efficiency measures in their homes. A Heating and Air Repair program also works to assist low-income citizens to repair or replace inefficient air systems. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/oeo/WAP/weather.htm

NO SCAM NC

no scam nc From the NC Department of Justice provides information on simple ways to protect yourself from identification theft. http://www.noscamnc.gov/

SAFETY NET DENTAL CLINICS

Nonprofit dental facilities where low-income families can go for dental care. Most accept insurance and Medicaid, and some have payment on a sliding scale. Anyone can get services, but patients will need to provide proof of income. There are Safety Net Dental Clinics in most of North Carolina's 100 counties. http://www.communityhealth.dhhs.state.nc.us/dental/safety_net_clinics.htm

STATE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

A credit for certain people who work and file both a federal and state income tax return. If you qualify for the federal credit, you qualify for the state credit. http://www.dornc.com/taxes/individual/qualifying_for_credit.html

STATE TAX RELIEF FOR COMBAT TROOPS

Provided in accordance with the provisions of Internal Revenue Code sections 112 and 7508. This includes filing extensions and pay exemptions. http://www.dornc.com/combatzone.html

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFORMATION

Provides answers to questions about applying for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and allows for online registration for work and application for UI benefits. https://www.ncesc.com/individual/webInitialClaims/applyBegin.asp