How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (NC has 16 AAAs) / NC Division of Aging and Adult Services - DAAS (state level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services; nc211.org; epass.nc.gov WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; NC 211; DAAS regional office

Online Option

ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services; nc211.org; epass.nc.gov

Where to Go

Your regional AAA; local senior center; NC 211; DAAS regional office

County-specific variations apply

NC's 16 AAAs each cover multiple counties. Piedmont Triad (Guilford, Forsyth, etc.), Centralina (Charlotte/Mecklenburg area), Triangle East (Wake/Durham/Johnston area), and Cape Fear (New Hanover/Wilmington) AAAs serve the most populated regions. Appalachian/mountain AAAs and coastal NC AAAs cover large geographic areas with significant rural challenges and long travel distances for seniors. Tribal lands in Swain and Cherokee counties (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) have tribal senior services that operate independently.

North Carolina Notes

Important state-specific details

SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program): NC's free Medicare counseling program - contact your regional AAA or DAAS at (919) 855-3400; helps with Medicare plan selection, billing disputes, and Part D.
COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (CAP/DA): NC's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver for adults 65+ and disabled; provides home-based care; apply through NC Medicaid at (888) 245-0179.
PROPERTY TAX EXCLUSIONS: Elderly Exclusion and Circuit Breaker programs provide significant property tax relief for qualifying NC seniors - apply with County Assessor using Form AV-9.
LIEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program): helps with heating/cooling costs; apply through county DSS offices; important given NC's climate variation.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through county DSS; statewide APS line: (800) 662-7030.
NC Senior Law Helpline: (877) 579-7562 - free legal advice for NC residents 60+.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

NC DAAS - ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services | (919) 855-3400; SHIIP: (919) 807-6900; APS: (800) 662-7030; NC 211: dial 211; NC Senior Law Helpline: (877) 579-7562