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All kinds of help

Care

Help paying for child care and preschool, care for older adults, and support for people with disabilities. Your state runs help paying for child care and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Head Start is free preschool for young children in families with low income.Help in North Carolina and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

    Child Care Subsidy

    Child Care Subsidy helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or meet other qualifying needs.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

    Aging Services

    Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults and caregivers with local services and support.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

    Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services

    Local organizations arrange services and supports for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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