Social Services

Mission: 

The Gates County Department of Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of the citizens of our community.  We accomplish this through the provision of public assistance, child and adult protection, and support services that promote self-sufficiency. We serve each person with compassion, efficiency, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

The programs are state-supervised, and county-administered as follows:

Income Maintenance programs include Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), also known as Work First Family Assistance (WFFA), Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, Disabled and Families and Children, North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC), Special Assistance for Adults, Food Stamps and Program Integrity (Fraud Investigations). Each program has set guidelines to determine eligibility, primarily based on income.

Service programs the department offers may vary from year to year, depending on the funds available from the state and federal government. Programs that are mandated by state and federal laws must be offered, and include Child Protective Services and Investigations, Adult Protective Services and Investigations, Protective Payee Services, and Child Daycare. Work First Employment Services is a program offered to assist those receiving Work First cash assistance to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Additional programs include the emergency assistance program (EA) and an emergency heating and cooling program known as CRISIS. Eligibility for these programs is based upon income guidelines and the nature of the crisis/emergency.

Services offered through the Department of Social Services are designed to be temporary in nature. They assist in the provision of basic needs while allowing individuals and families the opportunity to gain independence and self-sufficiency. Safety, permanence, and self-sufficiency for children, adults, and the elderly and disabled are the guiding principles.

For more information about the Department of Social Services, visit the NC Division of Social Services website at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services

 

Franklin et al v Kinsley (Formerly Hawkins v Cohen) Final Notice to Class of Proposed Settlement

Please click above to see the attached linked document (both in English and Spanish regarding the FINAL class action notice of Proposed Settlement of Franklin et al. v. Kinsley (Formerly Hawkins v. Cohen).

 

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Public Notice & Information

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet an income test.
• Have reserves at or below $2,250.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

You may apply through the following means:

• Click the headline link above for a copy of the LIEAP Application to submit to the local office.
• Complete the application online at the EPass website by clicking HERE!.
• Completing an application in our office