About
We represent people in cases involving denial, termination, reduction or overpayment of benefits in many federal and state programs, including food stamps, Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI), veterans’ benefits and more.
We also handle cases involving nursing home and assisted-living discharges, state-funded mental health services, child-care subsidies and other services from the N.C. Department of Social Services (for example: non-Medicaid transportation).
Get Help
Legal Aid NC Helpline
Toll-Free: 1 (866) 219-LANC (5262)
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday & Thursday
Apply for free help with civil (non-criminal) legal issues. Those 60 and older should call the Senior Helpline.
Clinics
We provide free legal help to low-income North Carolinians in civil cases involving basic human needs like safety, shelter, income and more.
Social Security Disability
Attend our free Social Security Disability Clinic to learn about the types of adult Social Security Disability benefits, how to qualify, the application process, and what you will need to…
Emergency SNAP
The extra food stamp (FNS/SNAP) payment, officially called Emergency Allotments, will end in February 2023. Starting in March, you will only get your regular food stamp payment loaded to your…
Videos

Social Security Disability Clinic

Applying for a replacement social security card or requesting a copy of your birth certificate in NC

Important deadline for Social Security recipients and your COVID-19 economic stimulus payments

Social Security Disability Clinic

What happens to Food Stamps during the Coronavirus crisis?

Ruth & Advanced Directives

Ruth & Social Security Law

Ruth & Food Stamps / Medicaid

SSDI Clinic

Public benefits law

Have You Received Exemption Papers?
Resources
For a complete list of resources, visit Government Benefits – All Resources.
News

Attention NC Medicaid Beneficiaries: Notice of Proposed Settlement and Notice of Your Rights Under Franklin v. Kinsley.

Nellie Kearney series
February food stamps available early due to federal shutdown
RALEIGH · January 17, 2019 – If you receive Food and Nutrition Services benefits (food stamps), your…
Attention Medicaid beneficiaries: Notice of your rights under Hawkins v. Cohen
RALEIGH · March 1, 2019 –Hawkins v. Cohen (5:17-CV-581 E.D.N.C.) is a federal lawsuit filed…