Category: Client Resources

Medicaid and Medicaid Expansion in NC: Are you Eligible?

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Medicaid is a federal and state-funded health insurance program that provides full coverage for some vulnerable low-income North Carolinians. It improves access to healthcare and health outcomes for North Carolinians by increasing access to primary care providers, regular checkups, preventative care, and care for chronic conditions.

There are many different types or categories of Medicaid, each with its own income limits compared to the federal poverty line (FPL). Medicaid expansion is the newly implemented program in the state of North Carolina, covering adults aged 19-64 who meet the income requirements. This expands coverage to college students, working parents, childless adults, and more.

Have questions or think you may be eligible? Make a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Call 980-256-3782 or visit the website ncnavigator.org to schedule your free phone appointment today!

  • On March 27, 2023, Governor Cooper signed the Medicaid Expansion into law.
  • NC is the 41st state to expand Medicaid (Including the District of Columbia)
  • As July 2024, more than 500,000 people have enrolled in MXP

Who will be able to get health coverage through NC Medicaid?

Most people can get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if they meet the criteria below. If you were eligible before, you still are. Eligibility criteria:

  • You live in North Carolina
  • Age 19 through 64
  • You are a citizen (some non-U.S. citizens can get health coverage through NC Medicaid)
  • If your household income fits within the following chart:

Click here for a Medicaid PDF with more information.

What should I do?

To apply contact your local DSS office or schedule a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator by calling 980-256-3782 or visiting www.ncnavigator.org.

  • Contact your local DSS office to make sure they have your current mailing address, phone number, email, and other contact information.
    • Local DSS Offices:
      • Mecklenburg County
        • 704-336-3000
        • Wallace H. Kuralt Centre, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
        • Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
      • Union County
        • 704-296-4300
        • 2330 Concord Avenue Monroe, NC 28110
      • Cabarrus County
        • 704-920-1400
        • 1303 S. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083
  • Watch for mail, texts, or phone calls from DSS and respond promptly. 
  • Create an enhanced E-Pass account (https://epass.nc.gov):
    • View your benefits,
    • Upload documents supporting any changes, like income or household size,
    • Update your information online

If you are denied and think it is wrong, we may be able to help. Call 704-376-1600 (select public benefits option) or make an appointment online.

You have the right to:

You have the right to appeal.

If you believe there has been an error, you can appeal that decision. You have 60 days (about 2 months) from the date of the notice to ask for an appeal. If you do so within 10 business days, you can request that your Medicaid be continued while the appeal is reviewed. Call 704-376-1600 and press 2 (public benefits) for more information or make an appointment online.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are available for Medicare and Marketplace coverage. 

Individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may be eligible to enroll in Medicare or Marketplace coverage with a special enrollment period.

Health Insurance Navigators

NC Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

  • SHIIP counselors offer free and unbiased information regarding Medicare health care products and eligibility
  • 1-855-408-1212

Free legal assistance may be available.

If you think your Medicaid was wrongfully reduced or terminated, call 704-376-1600 and press 2 (public benefits) or make an appointment online.

For more helpful resources, visit NCMedHelp.org.

¡Asiste a Nuestra Fiesta de Regreso a Clases!

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El Centro de Defensa Legal de Charlotte se está asociando con YMCA of Greater Charlotte para organizar una fiesta de regreso a clases en Veterans Park Pavilion (2126 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205) el jueves 25 de julio de 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m.

El evento está diseñado para toda la familia y ofrece una ventanilla única para recursos locales sin fines de lucro, incluidos exámenes de salud, vacunas, beneficios públicos y más. Se proporcionará pizza y los niños en edad escolar recibirán una mochila gratuita y algunos útiles escolares.

Attend our Free Back to School Bash!

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Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is partnering with YMCA of Greater Charlotte to host a Back-to-School Bash at Veterans Park Pavilion (2126 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205) on Thursday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

The event is designed for the whole family and offers a one-stop shop for local nonprofit resources including health screenings, vaccinations, public benefits and more. Pizza will be provided, and school-aged children will receive a free backpack and some school supplies. 

Understanding the Tax Implications of Online Sports Betting in North Carolina

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Please note, the following information is meant to be used for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide legal or tax advice.

North Carolina legalized online sports betting in June 2023. In March 2024, eight online sportsbooks launched operations within the state. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission reported that wagers exceeded $659 million in the first month alone, signaling the significant public interest in sports betting.

Gambling comes with risks, including potential tax liabilities. It is important to stay informed about your obligations as a taxpayer if you choose to participate in online sports betting.

The North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy provides information on the tax implications of online sports betting for North Carolinians in the video below. This video offers an overview of the responsibilities of taxpayers who participate in online sports betting or other gambling activities. It also covers other important considerations, such as the requirement to keep accurate records of gambling activities and how gambling income may affect your eligibility for public benefits.

Helpful resources:

IRS Interactive Tax Assistant – How do I claim my gambling winnings and/or losses? This online interactive questionnaire will help you determine how to claim your wins and losses.

IRS Interactive Tax Assistant – As a nonresident alien, are my gambling winnings exempt from federal income tax? This online interactive questionnaire will help you determine if your winnings are tax exempt and if you’re eligible to claim of refund of withholdings.

IRS Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens

IRS website

Taxpayer Advocate Service website

NCDOR website

To contact the North Carolina Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, call 980-353-3530.

2023 Taxes: Accessing Free Resources and Avoiding Scams 

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Avoid Scams and Fraud During Tax Season 

Those filing their taxes may be a target for scams and fraud. Remember that the IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.  

Be wary of tax preparers who promise higher returns or “free money” from the IRS. It is important to choose a tax preparer that has a valid IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number. 

Free Resources are Available: 

Free resources are available to assist eligible individuals filing their taxes. The IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. To locate a VITA or TCE site near you, visit irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or call 800-906-9887. 

Additional resources include: 

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (5535 Albemarle Rd, Charlotte) is hosting free tax filing clinics during the 2024 tax filing season. Visit vitalatino.org/cita-vita or call (980) 388-1768 to schedule an appointment at a VITA Latino clinic at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy: 

  • Saturday, March 16, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • Monday, April 8, 2024, 1 – 5 p.m. 

Discover You Were Signed Up for A Health Insurance Plan Through the Marketplace Without Your Consent? Free Help is Available. 

If an individual discovers Marketplace fraud, a Marketplace healthcare plan that they were signed up for without their consent or knowledge, they should report this to the Marketplace. Click here for more information on next steps. 

Health insurance navigators are available to provide free assistance to those with questions concerning their taxes and health insurance coverage through the Marketplace (also referred to as Obamacare, Healthcare.gov and Affordable Care Act). Those who reside in Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County and Union County can call 980-256-3782 for assistance. North Carolina residents in all other counties can call 1-855-733-3711 for assistance. 

Property Tax Relief Assistance (updated on April 8, 2026)

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As property values climb across North Carolina, many homeowners are feeling the strain of rising housing costs—especially higher property taxes. The good news is that help may be available. North Carolina offers valuable property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans. If you’re eligible, you could significantly reduce your annual property tax bill. These programs are time‑sensitive, so don’t miss your opportunity—applications must be filed by June 1, 2026.

Need Help Applying?

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is here to help. Our team can assist low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and disabled veterans in preparing their North Carolina property tax relief applications. Call 980-256-7952 to learn more about eligibility for our services.

Additionally, you can attend our property tax clinic for in-person assistance:

Property Tax Relief Clinic
Date: April 30, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, 5535 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
Register: Call 980-256-7952 to schedule an appointment

Can’t attend in person? Virtual appointments are available! Call 980-256-7952 to schedule a phone appointment for assistance applying for property tax relief.

Who is Eligible for Property Tax Relief?

North Carolina currently has multiple programs that may provide tax relief to eligible applicants. The following information is an overview of the criteria for the two programs for which we can aid in applying:

1. Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exemption

If you are a qualifying homeowner, you may be eligible for an exclusion of either $25,000 or 50% of your home’s taxable value (whichever is greater). To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Your name must be on the deed or title of your residence as of January 1, 2026
  • The home must be your primary residence
  • You must be a North Carolina resident
  • You must be at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled (A total and permanent disability means a condition that prevents you from obtaining gainful employment.)
  • Your household income (including your spouse’s) must be $38,800 or less for 2025

2. Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion

Disabled veterans in Mecklenburg County may qualify for an additional property tax benefit. If eligible, they may receive an exclusion of the first $45,000 of their home’s taxable value.

To qualify:

  • The veteran must have received an honorable discharge
  • The home must be occupied by the disabled veteran
  • The veteran must be 100% totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected injury
  • Surviving spouses (who have not remarried) of qualifying disabled veterans may also be eligible

There is no age or income limitation for this exemption.

How and When to Apply

Applications must be submitted to the Assessor’s Office in your county between January 1, 2026 and June 1, 2026.

Additional Resources

Mecklenburg County Property Tax Relief Programs

Property Tax Relief Application Form

El Centro de Apoyo recibe la expansión de Medicaid en Carolina del Norte

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La expansión de Medicaid finalmente es una realidad en Carolina del Norte, y el Centro de Apoyo Legal de Charlotte recibió el anuncio del estado, en el que comunicaron que se implementará este programa a partir del 1 de diciembre de este año. Celebramos que casi 600,000 habitantes de Carolina del Norte ahora tendrán acceso a coberturas de salud y ya no tendrán que vivir con miedo a tener enfermedades o accidentes. Al mismo tiempo, los defensores de nuestro Programa de Apoyo Familiar y Atención Médica están listos para monitorear de cerca la implementación del programa y asegurarse de que los residentes elegibles de Carolina del Norte reciban un acceso oportuno y significativo a la cobertura.

Para apoyar este nuevo capítulo de Medicaid en Carolina del Norte, el Centro de Apoyo organizará eventos de inscripción y nuestros navegadores de salud tendrán citas disponibles para toda la comunidad, tanto en persona como de forma virtual, para ayudar con el proceso de inscripción. Para mantenerse al tanto de todos los eventos que organizaremos, por favor siga nuestras redes sociales (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn) y visite regularmente nuestro sitio web. Creemos que estas iniciativas proporcionarán recursos y asistencia valiosa a quienes lo necesiten, y esperamos tener un impacto positivo en la vida de nuestros vecinos en el área metropolitana de Charlotte.

Advocacy Center welcomes Medicaid expansion in North Carolina

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Medicaid Expansion is finally a reality in North Carolina, and Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy welcomes the announcement that the state will implement this program beginning December 1st. We celebrate that nearly 600,000 North Carolinians will now have access to health coverage and will no longer have to live in fear of illness or accidents. At the same time, our Family Support and Health Care Program advocates stand ready to closely monitor the program’s implementation to ensure that eligible North Carolinians receive timely, meaningful access to coverage.

In support of this new chapter of Medicaid in North Carolina, the Advocacy Center will host enrollment events, and our navigators will have available appointments, both in person and virtually, throughout the community to assist with enrollment. To stay updated on all the events we will be hosting, please follow our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn) and regularly visit our website. We believe that these initiatives will provide valuable resources and assistance to those in need, and we look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors in the greater Charlotte area.

¿Le han robado sus Cupones de Alimentos?

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Una nueva estafa ha sido reportada, esta hace referencia a estafadores clonando las tarjetas EBT y robando la información de los beneficiarios del Programa de Cupones de Alimentos (FNS) en Carolina del Norte. Si usted ha sido afectado, es posible que pueda recibir un reemplazo y recuperar sus beneficios.

¡Los beneficios que le han sido robados podrán ser recuperados! Descubra los detalles:

Ciertos beneficios de Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición (FNS) que han sido robados a través del esquema de tarjetas clonadas y otros métodos fraudulentos similares pueden ser reemplazados entre el 1 de octubre de 2022 y el 30 de septiembre de 2024.

Consejos para que le ayudarán a proteger su información:

  • Revise regularmente su cuenta EBT en busca de cargos no autorizados.
  • Cambie el PIN de la tarjeta EBT regularmente, utilizando un número nuevo cada vez.
  • Seleccione un PIN difícil.
  • Revise regularmente las máquinas lectoras de las tarjetas en busca de dispositivos que adulteran las máquinas.

Para obtener más información sobre estos consejos, visite aquí.

Lea a continuación para conocer más información sobre sus derechos y cómo solicitar beneficios de reemplazo:

  • ¿Fueron robados sus beneficios de EBT/Cupones de Alimentos desde el 1 de octubre de 2022 y hasta el 25 de agosto de 2023?

Si informó el robo de sus beneficios de EBT o Cupones de Alimentos durante esas fechas al Centro de Llamadas de EBT, debería haber recibido un aviso, una carta de presentación y una declaración juramentada en blanco. Debe enviar esa declaración jurada antes del 27 de septiembre de 2023 al DSS por correo, fax, en persona o por teléfono. Si no tiene la declaración jurada, puede encontrar copias en la oficina de DSS.

  • ¿Qué es una declaración juramentada?

Una declaración juramentada es una declaración juramentada voluntaria, que se utilizará como verificación de que está diciendo la verdad con respecto a los beneficios de EBT o Cupones de Alimentos robados.

  • ¿Descubrió el robo durante el 1 de octubre de 2022 y el 25 de agosto de 2023 pero no lo informó al centro de llamadas de EBT?

Deberá enviar una declaración juramentada firmada antes del 27 de septiembre de 2023. Puede hacer clic en los enlaces a continuación para obtener el formulario de la declaración juramentada o visitar su oficina de DSS del condado para solicitar ayuda. Debe completar, firmar y enviar la declaración juramentada por correo, fax, en persona o por teléfono.

  • Haga clic aquí para obtener el formato de la declaración juramentada en español.
  • Haga clic aquí para obtener el formato de la declaración juramentada en inglés.

  • ¿Descubrió el robo desde el 26 de agosto de 2023 y hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2024?

Tiene 30 días para presentar una declaración juramentada desde la fecha en la que descubrió dicho robo.

  • ¿Cómo presentar un reclamo?

Deberá completar una declaración juramentada firmada y presentarla por correo, fax, en persona o por teléfono con una firma telefónica en DSS. Carolina del Norte tiene 30 días para revisar su declaración juramentada para aprobarla o denegarla. Si se deniega la declaración juramentada tiene derecho a una audiencia.

  • ¿Cuánto recibiré de vuelta?

Es posible que no reciba todos los beneficios que le robaron. El beneficio de reemplazo será menor que la cantidad robada del hogar o igual a dos meses de la asignación mensual del hogar inmediatamente anterior a la fecha en que se robaron los beneficios.

  • ¿Cuántas veces puedo presentar un reclamo?

Solo podrá solicitar que se reemplacen sus beneficios dos veces durante un año fiscal federal, que es del 1 de octubre al 30 de septiembre.

  • ¿Qué beneficios se pueden reemplazar?

Los siguientes beneficios pueden ser reemplazados: Servicios Regulares de Alimentos y Nutrición, Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Simplificada (SNAP), Programa de Asistencia Nutricional de Desastres Suplementarios (D-SNAP) y Asignaciones de Emergencia (EA).

Más información:

Si tiene preguntas, necesita más información o ha sido víctima de esta estafa y se encuentra en el condado de Mecklenburg, llame a nuestra línea de ayuda para clientes al 704-376-1600 (inglés) o al 800-247-1931 (español), deje un mensaje de voz y nuestro equipo de admisión de Cupones de Alimentos se pondrá en contacto.

Food Stamp Benefits Stolen? 

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Ver información en español

A new EBT card scam has data thieves stealing information on EBT cards. Scammers are skimming and cloning EBT cards and are stealing benefits from Food Stamp (FNS) recipients in North Carolina. If you’ve been affected, you may be able to receive a replacement for your benefits.  

Stolen Benefits Can Now Be Replaced! 

Certain Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits can receive replacement for benefits stolen between October 1st, 2022 through September 30th, 2024 through card skimming, card cloning, and other similar fraudulent methods. 

Tips to Protect Your Information

  • Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. 
  • Change the PIN to the EBT card regularly, using a new number each time. 
  • Select a “difficult” PIN. 
  • Regularly check card reading machines for skimming devices. 

To learn more about these tips please visit here.

Read below to learn more about your rights and how to request replacement benefits: 

  • Were your EBT benefits/Food Stamps stolen from October 01, 2022 through August 25, 2023? 

If you reported your stolen EBT or Food Stamp benefits during those dates to the EBT Call Center, you should have received a notice, a cover letter, and a blank affidavit. You must submit that affidavit by September 27, 2023 to DSS by mail, fax, in person, or over the phone. If you do not have the affidavit, copies can be found at the DSS office. 

  • What is an affidavit?  

An affidavit is a voluntary sworn statement made under oath, which will be used as verification that you are telling the truth regarding stolen EBT or Food Stamp benefits.  

  • Did you discover the theft during October 01, 2022 – August 25, 2023 but did not report to the EBT call center?  

You must also submit a signed affidavit by September 27, 2023. You can click on the links below to obtain the affidavit or visit your county DSS to request assistance. You must fill out, sign and submit the affidavit via mail, fax, in person or over the phone. 

Click here for fillable affidavit in Spanish.

Click here for fillable affidavit in English.

  • Did you discover the theft from August 26, 2023 – September 30, 2024?  

You have 30 days to file an affidavit from the date of discovery. How do I file a claim? An affidavit will need to be filed out which you sign and submit via mail, fax, in person, or over the phone with a telephonic signature at DSS. North Carolina has 30 days to look over your affidavit and approve/deny. If the affidavit is denied you have the right to a hearing.  

  • How much will I get back?  

You may not get back all of the benefits that were stolen. The replacement benefit will be the lesser of the amount stolen from the household or the amount equal to two months of the monthly allotment of the household immediately prior to the date on which the benefits were stolen.  

  • How many times can I submit a claim?  

You can only ask for your benefits to be replaced two times in a federal fiscal year, which is October 1st – September 30th.  

  • What benefits can be replaced?  

The following benefits can be replaced: regular Food and Nutrition Services, simplified nutritional assistance program (SNAP), Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), and Emergency Allotments (EA). 

For any issues or questions in Mecklenburg County, call our client helpline at 704-376-1600 (English) or 800-247-1931 (Spanish) to leave a voicemail for our Food Stamps intake.