News & Information
Buncombe County Economic Services / Public Assistance provides low income individuals and families with assistance to support their self-sufficiency through job training and employment services, food assistance, quality health care and health care coverage, energy assistance and other economic supports for families.
Services Provided:
Adults
Supporting the economic opportunities of adults in Buncombe County effects more than just that individual.
Crisis Intervention
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) provides assistance to low-income households that are in a heating or cooling related emergency and have an income that is below 150% of poverty level.
Energy Assistance
Programs are available that may help you pay your heating bills.
Families and Children
In Buncombe County, economic support for the health and wellbeing of children and families is a top priority.
Food and Nutrition
Food Assistance is a federal program that provides a monthly allotment of Food Stamp benefits issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (ATM cards).
Special Assistance
Special Assistance is an assistance payment to eligible individuals who reside in licensed domiciliary homes, rest homes or family care homes. Medical assistance (Medicaid) is also provided to help pay medical bills.
Skills Training and Employment Program
If you are a Food and Nutrition Services recipient in Buncombe County and under the age of 60, the STEP program can help you find a job, get a better job, obtain skills training, or earn a GED at no cost to you.
Youth Employment Permits
Buncombe County Social Work Services staff issues youth employment certificates for youth between the ages of 14 and 18.
Work First
Work First Employment Services assists with training, work experience, and supportive casework services to enable Work First Family Assistance recipients to become self-sufficient and self-supporting.
Take a look at some of our brochures.