Department of Social Services

The Orange County Department of Social Services exists to provide protection to vulnerable children and adults, economic support to low-income individuals and families in crisis, and intervention services to at-risk persons residing in Orange County. The agency is the access point for most state and federal human services programs.

Applications and additional information about all programs are available at both Orange County office locations.

Orange County Food Resource List
Condado de Orange Lista de Recursos Alimentarios


Important Message for Orange County SNAP (FNS) Recipients

NCDHHS has received guidance from USDA and is working to issue the remainder of November SNAP benefits (to bring all participants to 100% of their November benefit amount). They anticipate that supplemental funds could be available on EBT cards as soon as Nov. 14, 2025.

  • Participants who already received partial November benefits will automatically receive the balance; no action is required by counties or participants.
  • Find food support if needed:
    • A full list of resources is available at: go.ncsu.edu/feedorangecounty.
  • Call us for help: If you have questions or need emergency food assistance, contact Orange County DSS at (919) 245-2800 or dssinfo@orangecountync.gov

What The County Is Doing

  • Orange County Social Services is coordinating with state agencies and tracking federal updates around FNS funding and distribution schedules.
     
  • Orange County Social Services and the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Orange County Center are working with local food assistance partners (food banks, community organizations) to plan for increased demand.

For more information on FNS benefits and impacts from the federal shutdown you may also visit NCDHHS’s website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns.

Donations

We can now accept donations online! Make a secure donation in a number of areas of care by visiting the Community Giving Fund page.

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Am I Eligible?

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services uses an online benefit estimator tool that can help determine whether you might be eligible for benefits.  Actual eligibility determination must be done at the Department of Social Services.

Applications Available for Download

Medicaid applications can be downloaded here.  Applications for the Food and Nutrition Services Program can be download in an English Version (PDF) or a Spanish Version.  Applications should be mailed to the agency to be processed.

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Report Abuse

To Report the abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child, elderly adult, or person with disabilities call (919) 245-2800.