If you need to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina or have questions about your coverage, knowing where to find your local office is the first step. North Carolina administers Medicaid through 100 county Departments of Social Services (DSS) offices, meaning there is a local office in every county across the state. Whether you prefer to apply online, by phone, or in person, this guide will help you find the right Medicaid office location in North Carolina and walk you through the application process.
For a broader look at all available programs in the state, visit our North Carolina Benefits Overview. You can also check your eligibility for Medicaid and other programs in just a few minutes using our free screening tool.
How North Carolina Medicaid Offices Are Organized
Unlike some states that operate Medicaid through a single centralized office, North Carolina relies on a network of county-level DSS offices. Each of the state's 100 counties has its own Department of Social Services responsible for processing Medicaid applications, verifying eligibility, and helping residents access benefits.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) oversees the Medicaid program at the state level, but your local county DSS office is where you will apply, submit documents, and get assistance with your case.
You can find the full interactive directory of all county DSS offices on the official NCDHHS website at ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-county-department-social-services-dss-offices.
Major Medicaid Office Locations by County
Below are office details for some of the largest counties in North Carolina. If your county is not listed here, use the NCDHHS directory linked above or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 to find your nearest office.
Wake County (Raleigh)
- Office: Wake County Human Services
- Address: 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh, NC 27610
- Phone: 919-212-7000
- Website: wake.gov
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
- Office: Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources
- Address: 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
- Phone: 980-314-5500
- Website: dcr.mecknc.gov
- Note: Mecklenburg County encourages residents to access services online through NC ePASS or at a Community Resource Center location.
Guilford County (Greensboro)
- Office: Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services
- Address: 1203 Maple St., Greensboro, NC 27405
- Phone: 336-641-3000
- Website: guilfordcountync.gov
Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
- Office: Forsyth County Department of Social Services
- Address: 741 North Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Phone: 336-703-3800
- Website: forsyth.cc/dss
Cumberland County (Fayetteville)
- Office: Cumberland County Department of Social Services
- Address: 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28302
- Phone: 910-323-1540
- Website: co.cumberland.nc.us/departments/social-services-group/social-services
Durham County (Durham)
- Office: Durham County Department of Social Services
- Address: 414 E. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Phone: 919-560-8000
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Buncombe County (Asheville)
- Office: Buncombe County Health and Human Services
- Address: 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
- Phone: 828-250-5500
- Website: buncombecounty.org
New Hanover County (Wilmington)
- Office: New Hanover County Department of Social Services
- Address: 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: 910-798-3400
NC Medicaid Contact Center
For statewide questions about Medicaid eligibility, application status, or coverage, you can reach the NC Medicaid Contact Center:
- Phone: 1-888-245-0179
- TTY: 711 or RelayNC.com
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
The Contact Center can help you with general questions, but your local county DSS office handles application processing and case management.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in North Carolina
North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023, significantly broadening eligibility. Under the expansion, adults ages 19 through 64 with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may now qualify for coverage even if they do not have children or a disability.
General eligibility categories include:
- Adults ages 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of FPL (approximately $1,730 per month for an individual, based on recent figures; check current limits at your local office)
- Pregnant women with income up to 196% of FPL
- Children under age 19 with varying income limits depending on age
- Parents and caretaker relatives of dependent children
- Seniors age 65 and older and people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements
- Children under NC Health Choice (CHIP) for families with slightly higher incomes
Income limits are updated periodically based on Federal Poverty Level changes. The best way to find out if you qualify is to use our free eligibility screener or apply directly through your county DSS office.
How to Apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
You have several options for submitting a Medicaid application in North Carolina:
Option 1: Apply Online Through ePASS
The fastest and most convenient method is applying online through North Carolina's ePASS portal.
- Visit epass.nc.gov
- Create an account or log in to an existing one
- Select "Apply for Benefits" and choose Medical Assistance
- Complete the application with your personal, household, and income information
- Upload any required documents (proof of income, identification, residency)
- Submit the application
ePASS is available around the clock, so you can apply at any time that works for you.
Option 2: Apply In Person at Your County DSS Office
If you prefer face-to-face help, visit your local county DSS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday. Bring the following documents:
- Photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letter)
- Proof of North Carolina residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Any medical bills or insurance information
A caseworker can help you complete the application and answer questions about what documentation is needed.
Option 3: Apply by Phone
Call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 to request a paper application be mailed to you or to get help starting your application over the phone.
Option 4: Mail or Fax a Paper Application
You can download a paper application from the NCDHHS website, fill it out, and mail or fax it to your local county DSS office. Contact your county office for their specific mailing address and fax number.
What to Expect After You Apply
After submitting your Medicaid application in North Carolina, here is what typically happens:
- Application review: Your county DSS office will review your application and may contact you for additional information or documents.
- Processing time: North Carolina aims to process Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-related applications). Processing times can vary by county.
- Eligibility determination: You will receive a notice by mail letting you know whether you have been approved or denied.
- Choosing a health plan: If approved, you will be enrolled in NC Medicaid Managed Care and may need to choose a health plan. NC Medicaid currently works with several managed care organizations to deliver services.
- Receiving your Medicaid card: Once enrolled, you will receive information about your coverage and how to access care.
If your application is denied, the notice will explain the reason and how to appeal the decision.
Tips for Visiting Your Local DSS Office
To make your visit as smooth as possible:
- Call ahead to confirm office hours, as some counties have modified schedules
- Bring all required documents to avoid return trips
- Arrive early since wait times can be long, especially at larger offices
- Ask about appointments because some counties offer scheduled visits to reduce wait times
- Bring a list of questions so you do not forget anything during your visit
- Check for satellite locations as some larger counties operate multiple service centers
Other Benefits You May Qualify For
When you visit your county DSS office for Medicaid, ask about other programs you may be eligible for, including:
- SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services): Helps pay for groceries
- LIHEAP: Assistance with heating and cooling costs
- WIC: Nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children
- NC Health Choice: Health coverage for children in families with slightly higher incomes
- Childcare subsidies: Help paying for child care so you can work or attend school
You can check your potential eligibility for all of these programs at once using our free benefits screener.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the Medicaid office in my county?
Visit the NCDHHS county DSS directory at ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-county-department-social-services-dss-offices. Select your county on the map to see the address, phone number, and website for your local office. You can also call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 for help.
Can I apply for Medicaid online in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina offers online applications through the ePASS portal at epass.nc.gov. You can apply for Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits 24 hours a day without visiting an office.
What documents do I need to apply for Medicaid in NC?
You will generally need photo identification, Social Security numbers for all applicants, proof of income, proof of residency in North Carolina, and proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status. Your county DSS office can tell you exactly what is required for your situation.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-related Medicaid applications may take up to 90 days. If additional documentation is needed, the process may take longer, so submit all required documents as quickly as possible.
Is North Carolina a Medicaid expansion state?
Yes. North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023. Adults ages 19 through 64 with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level can now qualify for coverage, even if they do not have dependent children.
What if I do not live near a DSS office?
You can apply online through ePASS, call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179, or mail a paper application to your county DSS office. You do not need to visit in person to apply.
Can I check my Medicaid application status online?
Yes. Log in to your ePASS account at epass.nc.gov to check the status of your application. You can also call your local county DSS office for updates.
Get Started Today
Finding and visiting your local Medicaid office in North Carolina does not have to be complicated. With 100 county DSS offices across the state, online applications through ePASS, and the statewide Medicaid Contact Center, you have multiple ways to apply and get help.
Not sure if you qualify? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs in just a few minutes. It is fast, free, and confidential.
