Financial assistance for low-income, older, and disabled homeowners and renters
28 programs listed · 25 verified against the program's own website
If you own or rent a home in North Carolina and you are living on a low income, are an older adult, or have a disability, this page lists the help available to you. Verified July 25, 2026.
Two numbers will get you started on most of it. For energy bills, weatherization, in-home help, and home repair through the aging network, call the NC Department of Health and Human Services Customer Service Center at 800-662-7030, and expect to be pointed to your county Department of Social Services, which is where energy applications are actually taken. For home repair grants and loans, call the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency at 919-877-5700, or 919-981-2623 to be connected directly to whoever runs the urgent repair program in your county. For anything Medicare related, call the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program at 855-408-1212. For property tax relief, your county tax assessor is the only office that can take your application, and the deadline is June 1.
If you are thinking about sharing your home: North Carolina draws an unusually clean line here, and it works in your favor on the biggest item. All three of the state’s property tax relief programs ask only for your income and your spouse’s income on the application form, so the income of another adult who moves in does not count against you and your property tax break is not at risk. The energy programs work the opposite way. LIEAP, the Crisis Intervention Program, Share the Light and Share the Warmth all count the income of everyone in the household, so another adult’s income can change what you qualify for or push you over the limit. The repair programs run by the Housing Finance Agency measure whole-household income against 50% or 80% of your area’s median, so those count another adult too. Medicare counseling, the last-resort insurance pools, and the assistive technology program have no income test at all, so sharing your home never affects them. Where a program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home, this page says so, and you should confirm with that program directly before anyone moves in.
Everything below, in one file you can print or take to an appointment.
Home modification and aging in place
Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA): home accessibility and adaptation
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
NC Medicaid, Division of Health Benefits, NC Department of Health and Human Services
What you get
Covered ramps, grab bars, bathroom and doorway adaptations and other minor modifications to the primary private residence. The combined modification, equipment and technology budget limit was raised from $13,000 to $28,000 over the approved waiver period (2025 waiver renewal)
Who qualifies
18 or older, including adults 65 and older
Income limit
Must qualify financially for NC Medicaid under long-term care rules; no separate dollar figure published on the beneficiary page
How to apply
Apply through ePASS at epass.nc.gov or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center; the program serves adults at risk of entering a nursing facility who need at least one of the waiver's home and community based services
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
NC Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services, delivered by local providers funded through the Home and Community Care Block Grant
What you get
Minor home repairs, security enhancements, mobility and accessibility improvements, and repair, replacement or purchase of basic household furnishings and appliances. Capped at $7,000 per person per year (2026)
Who qualifies
60 or older
Income limit
No published dollar income limit; you must have no other assistance available to you and live in a county where block grant funding exists
How to apply
Contact the local provider in your county through the NC Division of Aging provider directory, or call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
NC Division of Services for the Blind, Deaf and Hard of Hearing / Vocational Rehabilitation Services, NC Department of Health and Human Services
What you get
Device demonstration, short-term device loans, assessment, and reuse of donated assistive technology through nine regional centers and the AT4ALL online lending database (2026)
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
None published; the program serves people of all ages and abilities
How to apply
Make a referral through the NCATP website, email ATIntake@dhhs.nc.gov, or call the administrative office to be connected with a regional center
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency with NC Department of Health and Human Services Independent Living Rehabilitation offices
What you get
Accessibility modifications that let a permanently physically disabled homeowner keep living at home safely; no per-home dollar cap published on the program page (2026)
Who qualifies
no age minimum
Income limit
Low income required; no dollar figure published on the program page
How to apply
Contact a local Independent Living Rehabilitation office through NC DHHS; the Housing Finance Agency does not take applications directly from homeowners
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, delivered by local governments, nonprofits and regional councils of governments
What you get
Up to $15,000 per household as an interest-free deferred loan, forgiven at $5,000 a year (2026 funding cycle)
Who qualifies
no age minimum, but the household must include a full-time member with special needs, which includes older adults
Income limit
Household income at or below 50% of area median income for the county (2026)
How to apply
Homeowners do not apply to the state agency. Call the Housing Finance Agency at 919-981-2623 to be connected to the local government or nonprofit that runs the program in your county
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (ESFRLP)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
deferred forgiven loan
Who runs it
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, delivered by local governments and nonprofit partners
What you get
Between $8,000 and up to $14,000 depending on the application cycle, as a secured but interest-free deferred and forgiven loan for necessary health and safety repairs (2026)
Who qualifies
no age minimum; older adults and people with disabilities are the target group
Income limit
Household income at or below 80% of area median income for the county (2026)
How to apply
Apply through the local government or nonprofit partner serving your county; find your local administrator through the approved provider directory on the Housing Finance Agency site
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
North Carolina Neighborhood Revitalization Program (state Community Development Block Grant)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Rural Economic Development Division, NC Department of Commerce
What you get
Grants to local governments that fund housing rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation, replacement housing and emergency repairs for low- and moderate-income residents. $13.7 million awarded to 13 communities in June 2026
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
At least 70% of grant funds must benefit low- and moderate-income households, using HUD income limits (2026)
How to apply
You do not apply to the state. Ask your city or county government whether it has an active housing rehabilitation grant. All municipalities except 24 HUD entitlement cities, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro, and all counties except Mecklenburg, Wake, Union and Cumberland, can receive state funds; the entitlement communities run their own programs
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants in North Carolina
federal-in-stateHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
loan and grant
Who runs it
USDA Rural Development, North Carolina state office
What you get
The federal program terms are described on our nationwide programs page. The North Carolina delivery details are not listed here, so check with the state office.
Who qualifies
62 or older for the grant portion; no age minimum for the loan
Income limit
Very low income, at or below 50% of area median income, by county
How to apply
Apply year-round through the USDA Rural Development area office serving your county; eligibility is limited to designated rural areas
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
State Energy Office, NC Department of Environmental Quality, delivered by local community action and weatherization agencies
What you get
No-cost insulation, air sealing, efficient lighting, heating and cooling system improvements, health and safety repairs and other energy efficiency upgrades. 838 homes weatherized in 2025
Who qualifies
no age limit; older adults are a priority group
Income limit
At or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, about $66,000 for a household of four (2026). Households receiving Work First cash assistance or Supplemental Security Income qualify automatically, as do households income-eligible for HUD means-tested programs
How to apply
Find your local weatherization service provider by county at weatherizenc.org and apply through that agency, which determines eligibility. Renters qualify with landlord approval
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
State Energy Office, NC Department of Environmental Quality, funded by NC Department of Health and Human Services, delivered by local community action agencies
What you get
Repair or replacement of a home heating or cooling system. 543 heating and cooling units repaired or replaced in 2025
Who qualifies
no age limit; older adults are a priority group
Income limit
At or below 200% of the federal poverty level (2026)
How to apply
Apply through the same local weatherization agency that handles the Weatherization Assistance Program; find yours by county at weatherizenc.org
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
The State Energy Office page presents the Weatherization Assistance Program and HARRP as the income-qualified efficiency offerings. Individual utilities may run their own efficiency rebates; check with your electric or gas company directly.
Utility bill assistance and discounts
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
federal-in-stateOwners or renters
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
NC Division of Social Services, NC Department of Health and Human Services, delivered by county Departments of Social Services
What you get
One-time annual payment made directly to your energy company. FY2026 payments were $400 for households at 0 to 50% of the federal poverty level and $300 for households at 51 to 100%
Who qualifies
no age limit; households with a member 60 or older get a priority application window
Income limit
At or below 130% of the federal poverty level, about $1,695 a month for a one-person household (FY2026)
How to apply
Apply at the county Department of Social Services where you live, or online at epass.nc.gov. Households that include someone 60 or older, or someone receiving disability services through the NC Division of Aging, can apply December 1 through 31. Everyone else applies January 2 through March 31 or until funds run out
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
NC Division of Social Services, NC Department of Health and Human Services, delivered by county Departments of Social Services
What you get
Emergency payment to prevent or end a heating or cooling crisis. Amount is based on what it takes to resolve the crisis; benefit levels may rise to as much as $1,000 when funds allow (FY2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
At or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FY2026). Countable resources must be at or below $4,500 for households with a member 60 or older or with a disability, and $3,000 for all other households
How to apply
Apply at your county Department of Social Services by mail, email, fax or drop-off, or online at epass.nc.gov. Applications are taken July 1 through June 30 each year or until the county's allocation runs out. A face-to-face interview is not currently required, and a disconnect notice is not currently required
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Funded by Duke Energy Progress customers, employees and corporate donations; administered by county Departments of Social Services under NC Department of Health and Human Services energy policy
What you get
Up to $2,500 per application and $2,500 per household per state fiscal year (policy manual change 3-2024, in effect 2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Countable gross income at or below 150% of the current federal poverty level
How to apply
Apply at the county Department of Social Services where you live, starting the first working day of July and continuing until the county's allocation is spent or the state fiscal year ends. Assistance is authorized within 18 to 48 hours
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Funded by Piedmont Natural Gas customers, employees and corporate donations; administered by county Departments of Social Services under NC Department of Health and Human Services energy policy
What you get
Maximum $200 per application and $200 per household per state fiscal year (policy manual change 3-2024, in effect 2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Total countable household income at or below 150% of the current federal poverty level
How to apply
Apply at the county Department of Social Services where you live. You do not have to heat with natural gas to qualify, and funds can be used for any fuel type as well as reconnection charges
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
If your utility is not named here, check its own website for current offerings.
Property tax relief
Elderly or Disabled Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
exclusion
Who runs it
NC Department of Revenue, administered by county tax assessors
What you get
Excludes the greater of the first $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of your permanent residence (2026 tax year)
Who qualifies
65 or older as of January 1, or totally and permanently disabled at any age
Income limit
$38,800 for the 2026 tax year, based on your income for the previous year
How to apply
File Form AV-9 with the county tax assessor where the property is located by June 1. If you are under 65 and applying as a disabled owner, also file Form AV-9A Certification of Disability. Do not send the form to the Department of Revenue. Find your county assessor's address and phone in the Department of Revenue's county assessors list at https://www.ncdor.gov/documents/north-carolina-county-assessors-list
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
NC Department of Revenue, administered by county tax assessors
What you get
Excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of your permanent residence (2026 tax year)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; there is no income limitation for this program
How to apply
File Form NCDVA-9 Certification for Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Exclusion, completed first by a Veterans Service Officer at a State or County Veterans Service Office, then file it with Form AV-9 with the county tax assessor by June 1. Find your county assessor's address and phone in the Department of Revenue's county assessors list at https://www.ncdor.gov/documents/north-carolina-county-assessors-list
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program (G.S. 105-277.1B)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
deferral
Who runs it
NC Department of Revenue, administered by county tax assessors
What you get
Limits your property tax to 4% of your income if your income is at or below $38,800, or 5% of your income if it is above $38,800 but not above $58,200 (2026 tax year). Everything above that limit is deferred, not forgiven
Who qualifies
65 or older as of January 1, or totally and permanently disabled at any age
Income limit
$38,800 for the 4% tier and $58,200 for the 5% tier (2026 tax year)
How to apply
File Form AV-9 with the county tax assessor by June 1, and file a new application every year. You must have owned the property for the last five full years and occupied it, and every owner must qualify and elect to defer or no benefit is allowed. Find your county assessor's address and phone in the Department of Revenue's county assessors list at https://www.ncdor.gov/documents/north-carolina-county-assessors-list
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Form AV-9 is the single application for all three North Carolina property tax relief programs and all three require that you own and occupy the home, so no renter-side property tax relief exists at the state level.
Insurance-related help
North Carolina FAIR Plan (North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association
What you get
Basic property insurance statewide as a market of last resort for property owners who cannot get coverage in the standard market (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; eligibility rests on being unable to obtain coverage in the standard market, not on income
How to apply
Apply through a licensed North Carolina insurance agent, or call the association
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
North Carolina Department of Insurance
What you get
Free one-on-one counseling on Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, Medicare supplement (Medigap) policies, long-term care insurance, prescription drug plans, help paying Medicare costs, and fraud protection through the Senior Medicare Patrol (2026)
Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries, typically 65 or older, and younger people with disabilities on Medicare
Income limit
None; free to all Medicare beneficiaries regardless of income
How to apply
Call the toll-free line for phone help or to be connected with a counselor in your county; counselors are available in all 100 counties and local sessions are by appointment. Email ncshiip@ncdoi.gov
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
The last-resort pools address availability, not affordability. Check ncdoi.gov in case a new program launches.
HomeShare-relevant extras
Raleigh accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules
county-cityHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
City of Raleigh Planning and Development
What you get
One accessory dwelling unit allowed per single-family lot, or two on parcels in a designated Frequent Transit Area. The unit must sit on the same lot as the main home, have a permanent foundation, and be smaller in gross floor area than the main home (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None
How to apply
Apply through Raleigh Planning and Development. The path depends on the type: a detached unit follows the New Single-Family Dwelling process, an addition follows the Accessory Structure and Addition process, and converting existing space follows the ADU Change-of-Use process. A Fast Track program offers pre-reviewed plans
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) in North Carolina
county-cityRenters
Type of help
voucher
Who runs it
Local Public Housing Authorities across North Carolina, not the state housing finance agency
What you get
Rental subsidy paying the difference between roughly 30% of adjusted household income and the unit rent (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Set by each local housing authority using HUD limits, generally very low income
How to apply
Apply directly to your local Public Housing Authority. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency does not distribute vouchers and warns that anyone offering to sign you up for Section 8 through the agency is running a scam. Find your local authority in HUD's North Carolina contact list
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
NC Department of Health and Human Services, accessed through local LME/MCO behavioral health organizations
What you get
Rental assistance for people with behavioral health disabilities moving out of institutional or otherwise restrictive settings into their own home in the community (2026)
Who qualifies
adults
Income limit
Set through the program; no published dollar figure
How to apply
Contact your local LME/MCO behavioral health organization through the NCDHHS LME/MCO directory
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
We did not identify a program in this category. That does not always mean none exists, so it is worth asking your city or county.
Programs that work the same in every state
Some of the biggest sources of help are federal and work much the same everywhere, including USDA Section 504 home repair, LIHEAP energy assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and VA housing grants. They are described once, in detail, on our federal programs page, and the entries above give you the North Carolina contacts.
One more option
Sharing your home is not on this list, but it belongs beside it.
Every program here helps you afford the home you have. Home sharing does something different: it turns a spare room into steady income and company. It is worth considering before you sell, before you move, and before things get harder to manage alone.