Grants for Seniors in Charlotte

Grants and Assistance for Seniors in Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), North Carolina

Last updated: August 2025


Key takeaways

  • Start local: For most benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, LIEAP/CIP), apply through Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS). For guidance and referrals, call NC 211. For housing, check INLIVIAN (Charlotte’s Housing Authority), but expect waitlists.
  • For Medicare decisions and savings, SHIIP offers free, unbiased counseling. They can screen you for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help for prescriptions.
  • Emergency help is available, but funds are limited. Crisis Assistance Ministry is the main nonprofit for urgent rent/utility assistance in Charlotte.
  • Home repair and accessibility: Look at NCHFA’s Urgent Repair Program, Weatherization, and local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte.
  • Property tax relief: If you’re 65+ or disabled, check the Homestead Exclusion, Circuit Breaker Deferment, and Disabled Veteran’s Exclusion through Mecklenburg County Assessor.
  • Reality check: Most housing and repair programs have waitlists or brief application windows. Apply early, keep copies of everything, and re‑apply each year if required.

If you need emergency help

  • Life‑threatening emergencies: Call 911.
  • Mental health or suicidal thoughts: Call or text 988 (24/7) via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • Elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation: If in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, contact Mecklenburg County Adult Protective Services via DSS or see NC DHHS Adult Protective Services.
  • Can’t pay rent or utilities this month: Contact Crisis Assistance Ministry for emergency financial assistance.
  • Not sure where to start: Call NC 211 to find local food, housing, healthcare, and transportation help.

Quick emergency contacts (Charlotte/Mecklenburg)

Need Who to contact Phone Learn more
Immediate danger 911 911
Mental health crisis 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 988 Lifeline
Elder abuse or neglect Mecklenburg County DSS Adult Protective Services Adult Protective Services (NC DHHS)
Emergency rent/utility help Crisis Assistance Ministry (Charlotte) 704‑371‑3001 Crisis Assistance Ministry
General help finding services NC 211 2‑1‑1 or 888‑892‑1162 NC 211
Disaster updates and shelters ReadyNC (NC Emergency Management) ReadyNC

Tip: For urgent heat or cooling needs (disconnection or unsafe temperatures), apply for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) at Mecklenburg County DSS while also calling Crisis Assistance Ministry.


How to use this guide

  • We cover what each program does, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect.
  • Keep a folder with: photo ID, Social Security number, proof of income/resources, lease or mortgage, utility bills, and medical documentation. Many programs require the same papers.
  • Expect waitlists. Apply early each season/year and set reminders to reapply if needed.

Programs by need (quick start)

Your need Start here Highlights
Lower Medicare costs or plan choice Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Free counseling; screens for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
Emergency rent or utilities Crisis Assistance Ministry and CIP via Mecklenburg DSS One‑time emergency help; bring proof of crisis
Ongoing help with heat costs LIEAP via Mecklenburg DSS Seasonal payment to your heating vendor; older adults get early window
Rent help or affordable apartments INLIVIAN (Charlotte Housing Authority) Housing Choice Voucher & public housing; long waitlists are common
Home repairs and accessibility NCHFA Urgent Repair Program and Weatherization (NC DEQ) Fix health/safety hazards and lower energy bills
In‑home care to avoid facility placement Medicaid CAP/DA, Personal Care Services, PACE in NC Help with daily activities; coordinated care teams
Food help SNAP/Food & Nutrition Services, Mecklenburg Senior Nutrition EBT for groceries; congregate and home‑delivered meals
Property taxes Mecklenburg County property tax relief Homestead Exclusion, Circuit Breaker, Disabled Veteran’s Exclusion
Legal help Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and Legal Aid of North Carolina – Seniors Benefits, housing, consumer, healthcare directives

Reality check: Some programs open and close as funds are used. If a program is closed, ask when to check back and whether there’s a waitlist you can join.


Money and basic needs

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • What it is: Monthly federal benefit for people 65+ or disabled with very limited income and resources.
  • Why it matters: Often opens eligibility to Medicaid and boosts SNAP benefits.
  • Apply: Online or by phone via the Social Security Administration. See Apply for SSI (SSA).

State/County Special Assistance (SA) and Special Assistance In‑Home (SA/IH)

One‑time emergency help

  • Nonprofit help: Crisis Assistance Ministry offers emergency rent/utility payments (704‑371‑3001). Bring photo ID, proof of income, bills, and any eviction or disconnection notice.
  • County help: Some emergency aid may be available through DSS or partner agencies; call NC 211 for current openings.
  • Salvation Army – Greater Charlotte: May assist with utilities, rent, and basic needs depending on funds. See The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.

Reality check: Funds prioritize households with urgent notices (eviction, shut‑off). The earlier you call after receiving a notice, the better your chances.


Housing and rent assistance (Charlotte/Mecklenburg)

INLIVIAN (Housing Authority of the City of Charlotte)

  • What it is: Manages Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing apartments.
  • How it works: You typically pay about 30% of your income toward rent; voucher covers the rest up to payment standards.
  • Apply: Visit INLIVIAN for waitlist status and applications.
  • Reality check: Waitlists can be long or closed. Apply to multiple options and sign up for alerts.

Coordinated Entry and homelessness services

Affordable apartments (including senior housing)

Property tax relief for homeowners 65+ (Mecklenburg County)

Apply through the Mecklenburg County Assessor—generally by June 1. The right choice depends on your income, disability/veteran status, and how long you plan to remain in the home.

Program Who it helps What it does Learn more
Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion (G.S. 105‑277.1) Age 65+ or totally & permanently disabled; income under the annual limit Excludes part of your home’s appraised value from taxation Mecklenburg County – Exclusions & Deferrals
Homestead Circuit Breaker Deferment (G.S. 105‑277.1B) Age 65+ or disabled; income under limits Limits taxes to a % of income and defers the rest (a lien is recorded) NC Dept. of Revenue – Circuit Breaker
Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Exclusion (G.S. 105‑277.1C) Honorably discharged disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse Excludes part of home’s value regardless of income NC DOR – Disabled Veteran’s Exclusion

Tip: Bring proof of age/disability and your prior‑year income. Ask the Assessor’s Office which option best fits your situation.


Home repairs, safety, and accessibility

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) programs

  • Urgent Repair Program (URP): Fixes health/safety hazards (e.g., unsafe floors, HVAC failures). Assistance is typically an interest‑free, deferred loan forgiven over time. Learn more: NCHFA – Urgent Repair Program.
  • Essential Single‑Family Rehabilitation (ESFR): Major repairs needed for safe living; assistance is forgiven step‑by‑step. Learn more: NCHFA – ESFR.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

  • What it does: Free energy upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and HVAC tuning to lower bills and improve comfort.
  • Learn more and find your local provider: Weatherization Assistance (NC DEQ).

USDA Section 504 Home Repair (rural homeowners)

Local nonprofits (Charlotte area)

Table: Home repair and accessibility at a glance

Program Typical help Who qualifies Where to apply
NCHFA Urgent Repair (URP) Emergency health/safety fixes Income limits; seniors prioritized NCHFA URP
NCHFA ESFR Major rehab for safe living Up to 80% AMI (varies) NCHFA ESFR
Weatherization (WAP) Insulation, air sealing, HVAC Income‑based NC DEQ Weatherization
USDA Section 504 Grants/loans to remove hazards Rural, owner‑occupied; 62+ for grants USDA RD NC
Habitat Charlotte Region Critical home repairs, accessibility Income‑based Habitat Critical Repair
Rebuilding Together CLT Safety repairs and modifications Income‑based Rebuilding Together CLT

Reality check: Programs may close when funds run out. Call early in the year and ask to be added to interest or wait lists. Keep checking back.


Utilities, energy, phone, and internet

Low‑Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

  • What it is: Seasonal one‑time payment to your heating vendor; older adults usually get an early application window.
  • Apply: Through Mecklenburg County DSS. Learn more: LIEAP (NC DHHS).

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

  • What it is: Emergency help if you face a heating or cooling crisis (e.g., a disconnection notice or unsafe indoor temperatures).
  • Apply: Through Mecklenburg County DSS. Learn more: CIP (NC DHHS).

Duke Energy customer assistance

Charlotte Water assistance

Lifeline phone/internet discount

Important: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended benefits for most households in 2024 unless renewed by Congress. Check status at the FCC ACP page. Ask providers about low‑cost options like Spectrum Internet Assist.

Tip: Tell your utility if you use life‑sustaining medical equipment at home. Ask about medical necessity forms, payment plans, and third‑party shut‑off notifications.


Health coverage, care, and supports

Medicare counseling (free)

  • SHIIP (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program) gives unbiased help comparing Medicare, Medigap, Part D, and Medicare Advantage plans. They also screen for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) and Extra Help for prescriptions.
  • Contact: SHIIP (NC Department of Insurance), phone: 855‑408‑1212.

Medicaid for seniors (Aged, Blind, Disabled—ABD)

  • Helps pay Medicare premiums and covers services Medicare doesn’t. Income and asset limits apply.
  • Apply: Mecklenburg County DSS or online with NC ePass. Learn more: NC Medicaid – Beneficiaries.

In‑home supports and long‑term care

  • Personal Care Services (PCS): Help with bathing, dressing, mobility at home or in adult care homes. NC Medicaid – PCS.
  • CAP/DA Waiver (Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults): In‑home services and case management to avoid nursing home placement. NC Medicaid – CAP/DA.
  • PACE (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly): Team‑based care including adult day health, primary care, therapies, and transportation for people 55+ who meet nursing facility level of care. PACE in North Carolina. Local program: PACE of the Southern Piedmont (Charlotte) – see PACE of the Southern Piedmont.

Medical transportation

  • Medicaid Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you have Medicaid, contact Mecklenburg DSS to schedule rides to covered medical visits. Learn more: NC Medicaid Transportation.
  • General transit and paratransit: CATS runs the Special Transportation Service (STS) for ADA‑eligible riders who cannot use fixed routes. See CATS – Special Transportation Service (STS).

Low‑ and no‑cost clinics and pharmacy help

Dental care

Vision, hearing, and assistive technology

Table: Health coverage and care at a glance

Need Program What it does Where to start
Medicare decisions & savings SHIIP Unbiased counseling; MSP and Extra Help screening SHIIP (NC DOI)
Help with Medicare costs QMB, SLMB, QI Pay Part B premium and/or cost‑sharing Apply at Mecklenburg DSS
Full Medicaid (ABD) NC Medicaid Health coverage beyond Medicare NC Medicaid – Beneficiaries
In‑home supports PCS, CAP/DA Help with daily activities; case management PCS / CAP/DA
Team‑based all‑inclusive care PACE Adult day health, primary care, therapies, transport PACE in NC
Medical transport NEMT Rides to covered appointments NC Medicaid Transportation
Low/no‑cost clinics FQHCs, free clinics Primary care, pharmacy, some specialty NCAFCC Directory / HRSA Finder

Food and nutrition

  • SNAP/Food & Nutrition Services (FNS): Monthly EBT benefit for groceries. Older adults can use simplified medical deductions to boost benefits if they have high out‑of‑pocket medical costs. Apply via NC ePass or Mecklenburg County DSS. Learn more: FNS – NC DHHS.
  • Congregate and Home‑Delivered Meals: Mecklenburg County Senior Nutrition runs meal sites and home‑delivered meals for homebound older adults. See Mecklenburg County Senior Nutrition.
  • Food pantries: Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays provides emergency food pantries and home‑delivered meals to qualifying clients. See Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays.
  • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Seasonal produce vouchers at participating markets. See SFMNP – NC DHHS for state info (ask local senior center about availability).

Tip: While waiting for benefits to start, call NC 211 or visit the Loaves & Fishes site to locate a nearby pantry quickly.


Transportation and getting around

  • CATS Special Transportation Service (STS): Door‑to‑door ADA paratransit for riders unable to use fixed routes. Eligibility required. See CATS – STS.
  • Reduced fares: Seniors may qualify for reduced fares on CATS fixed routes. See CATS Fares and Passes.
  • Medicaid rides: If you have Medicaid, use county‑arranged NEMT rides. See NC Medicaid Transportation.
  • Statewide resource: Find My Ride NC lists local transportation options and paratransit services.

Reality check: Paratransit rides must be booked ahead. Ask about pick‑up windows, return trips, and no‑show policies to avoid penalties.


Work, money management, and taxes


Legal help and advocacy


Inclusive supports: veterans, LGBTQ+, disability, tribal members, rural seniors

Veteran seniors

LGBTQ+ seniors

  • SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: 877‑360‑LGBT (5428). See SAGE USA.
  • Ask SHIIP, your AAA, and clinics for affirming providers. You have the right to equal treatment in housing and healthcare. Report discrimination to the appropriate agency.

Seniors with disabilities

Tribal members (North Carolina)

Rural seniors near Mecklenburg

  • Repairs: USDA Section 504 and NCHFA programs are vital where contractors are scarce.
  • Healthcare: Use HRSA Find a Health Center for clinics with sliding fees and telehealth.
  • Internet/phone: Lifeline can reduce monthly bills; ACP ended for most in 2024—check the FCC ACP page and low‑cost provider plans.

Resources by region (Charlotte/Mecklenburg) – who to call first

Topic Best first call Alternate
Unsure where to start NC 211 (dial 2‑1‑1) Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Medicare costs & plans SHIIP (855‑408‑1212) Centralina AAA
Medicaid, SNAP, LIEAP/CIP Mecklenburg County DSS – apply via NC ePass Mecklenburg DSS – Benefits info
Home repairs & safety NCHFA – URP/ESFR Habitat Charlotte Region
Transportation CATS – STS Paratransit Find My Ride NC
Veteran benefits Mecklenburg County Veterans Services NC DMVA
Legal issues Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Legal Aid of NC – Seniors
Emergency rent/utility help Crisis Assistance Ministry NC 211

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs in Charlotte?

Apply through Mecklenburg County DSS or online via NC ePass. For help deciding and to screen for QMB/SLMB/QI and Extra Help, contact SHIIP at 855‑408‑1212.

I have a shut‑off or eviction notice. What should I do first?

Go to Crisis Assistance Ministry and apply for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) at Mecklenburg DSS. Bring your notice, photo ID, and proof of income.

The Section 8 waitlist looks closed. Any other options?

Check INLIVIAN regularly for waitlist openings, apply for public housing when open, and search NCHousingSearch.org for income‑restricted apartments. Ask NC 211 about local rental assistance funds and eviction diversion resources.

Can I get help to stay in my home instead of moving to a facility?

Yes. Ask about CAP/DA, Personal Care Services, and PACE. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, your Area Agency on Aging can explain local programs and private‑pay options.

Are there programs for home repairs like ramps or fixing a broken HVAC?

Yes: NCHFA Urgent Repair, ESFR, Weatherization (NC DEQ), USDA Section 504 for rural homeowners, and local nonprofits like Habitat Charlotte Region and Rebuilding Together CLT.

Where can I get free or low‑cost dental care in Charlotte?

Start with Dental Lifeline Network (DDS) – NC, watch for NC Missions of Mercy clinic dates, and check the NCAFCC clinic directory for dental services in Mecklenburg and nearby counties.

How can I lower my property taxes?

If you’re 65+ or disabled, ask about the Homestead Exclusion, Circuit Breaker Deferment, or Disabled Veteran’s Exclusion. Start at Mecklenburg County – Exclusions & Deferrals and review state details at the NC Department of Revenue.

Do I get a discount on phone or internet?

Lifeline offers a monthly discount. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended for most in 2024 unless renewed—check the FCC ACP page. Ask providers (e.g., Spectrum Internet Assist) about low‑cost plans.

Who can help me pick a Medicare plan and avoid scams?

SHIIP counselors provide free, unbiased help and can screen for savings programs and Extra Help. Contact SHIIP at 855‑408‑1212. To report consumer scams, visit the NC DOJ – Consumer Protection.

Where do I report elder abuse or a suspicious caregiver?

If immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, report to Mecklenburg County DSS Adult Protective Services. Learn how to report at NC DHHS – Adult Protective Services.


Additional program details and official sources


Reality checks, warnings, and tips

  • Expect waitlists. Apply early and confirm your spot each season/year.
  • Keep copies of everything. Record names, dates, and what you were told.
  • No fees to apply. If anyone asks you to pay to “speed up” a benefit application, it’s a red flag.
  • Re‑evaluate every year. Medicare plans, property tax relief, and energy programs often require yearly action.
  • Ask for accommodations. Agencies must help if you have a disability (form assistance, interpreters, alternative formats).

Disclaimer

We work to keep this guide accurate and up to date, but programs can change, close, or pause funding. Always confirm details with the official agency or program link provided here. We are not a government agency; we compile information to help you find assistance.


About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: August 2025
  • Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.