Government Assistance

Apply for food stamps (EBT card), also called Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) in NC. There is no appointment needed to begin an application.

How to Apply for SNAP — Online, walk-in, or by phone

1. 1 Online (fastest): Go to epass.nc.gov — create a free NCID account, then apply
2. 2 In person: Buncombe County HHS, 40 Coxe Ave, Asheville (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
3. 3 By phone: Call 828-250-5500 to start your application
4. 4 Emergency food now: Call/text MANNA Food Helpline at 828-290-9749 for immediate help

Free food, nutrition counseling, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. If you qualify for SNAP, you automatically qualify for WIC.

How to Apply for WIC — Appointment recommended

1. 1 Call to schedule: 828-250-5181 (Buncombe County WIC line)
2. 2 Asheville locations: 40 Coxe Ave · 339 New Leicester Hwy Suite 120 · 119 Hendersonville Rd (MAHEC)
3. 3 What to bring: ID, proof of income or SNAP card, immunization records for children
4. 4 Breastfeeding support: Call 828-250-5325

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) helps very low-income individuals afford safe housing. The Asheville Housing Authority pays approximately 70% of rent.

How to Apply — Waiting list expected, apply early

1. 1 Apply online: Portal at haca.org or AffordableHousing.com
2. 2 In person: 165 S French Broad Ave, Asheville (Mon–Wed 9am–4pm; Thu by appointment — call first)
3. 3 Check waiting list: Call Teresa Watts at 828-239-3531 or email twatts@haca.org
4. 4 Emergency rental aid: Buncombe County HHS at 828-250-6330
5. 5 Affordable housing map: buncombenc.gov/308/Affordable-Housing

Work First (NC's cash assistance program), Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for utilities, Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP), and emergency rental aid — all available locally.

One application covers multiple programs

1. 1 Online (all at once): epass.nc.gov covers Work First, SNAP, Medicaid, CIP, and LIEAP
2. 2 In person: Buncombe County HHS, 40 Coxe Ave (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
3. 3 Emergency help: ABCCM — 828-259-5300 · abccm.org — utility and rental assistance
4. 4 Unsure what you qualify for: Dial 2-1-1 for a free referral specialist

North Carolina expanded Medicaid — many more people now qualify. There are no monthly premiums and most services have no co-pay. Processing takes up to 45 days; online applications are typically faster.

Called 'Medical Assistance' on the ePASS form

1. 1 Online: Go to epass.nc.gov, create an NCID account, apply under "Medical Assistance"
2. 2 Walk-in: Buncombe County DSS, 40 Coxe Ave (no appointment, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
3. 3 Free Navigator help: WNCCHS at 257 Biltmore Ave — 828-285-0622 ext. 2141
4. 4 By phone: NC Medicaid Contact Center: 1-888-245-0179
5. 5 Also try: HealthCare.gov if unsure — checks both Medicaid and subsidized plans