NCDHHS & Bladen County DSS has received a letter from the Federal Government indicating potential disruptions to November FNS benefits if the federal shutdown persists. We are currently working to understand the full implications of this disruption for North Carolina. This may result in November FNS benefits not being issued on your usual schedule or for your regular benefit amount. We recognize the importance of these benefits and will provide updates as soon as federal guidance is available.

 

For further information on FNS benefits and the impact of the federal shutdown, please visit the NCDHHS website at //www.ncdhhs.gov/fns. You can also check your balance using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.

 

 LOCAL FOOD BANKS CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

 

The United States Department of Agriculture has ordered a pause on all November SNAP benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. Unless the USDA lifts their suspension in the coming days, November SNAP benefits will not be issued. The NC Department of Health and Human Services is ready to act quickly if the USDA allows North Carolina to resume November SNAP benefits. You can still use your EBT card and current benefits at retailers and grocers that accept SNAP/EBT in North Carolina. You can check your balance in the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.  Although USDA has suspended SNAP benefits for November, please still continue to follow reporting requirements, including recertifying for benefits during your usual recertification schedule. DSS is still open for business and will continue to process new SNAP applications, recertifications, and change reports. We know how important these benefits are. NCDHHS will continue to share updates on this situation on their website at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/federal-government-shutdown.

Local Foodbanks

Bladen Crisis Center- 208 Morehead Street Elizabethtown, NC (Thursday 9:30am-12:30pm) - Contact Tenecia Johnson at 910-879-1032

E&G Development Corporation- 818 Farmers Union Road Clarkton, NC (1^st Saturday 9am-12pm) - Contact Fanny Walden (910-625-1532)

Joy Fellowship Outreach Services- 18336 NC Hwy 87 West Tar Heel, NC (4^th Saturday 10am-2:00pm) - Contact Teresa Burns at 910-862-3440 or 910-551-4153.

Our Lady of the Snows- 701 West Broad Street (Mondays and Thursday’s 8:30am- 2:30pm) - Contact Marquerite Worytko at 910-872-4533

Windsor United Methodist Church- 12863 NC Hwy 242 North Ammon, NC (3^RD Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm) - Contact Sharon Moore at 910-850-1460

Zara Betterment/Carvers Creek Citizens Association- 2104 South Elwell Ferry Road Council, NC (3^rd Wednesday 8:30am) - Contact Quessie Peterson at 910-876-2334

 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Welcome to the Bladen County Department of Social Services (DSS)

We are dedicated to strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across our community by providing access to essential support services. Our mission is rooted in compassion, partnership, and empowerment—working hand in hand with citizens to enrich lives and build a stronger Bladen County.

Bladen County DSS offers a broad range of services to support families at every stage of life. These include Medicaid, long-term care, income-based childcare support, foster care and adoption services, child protective

services, and assistance for families in need through Work First. We also help parents secure childcare while working or attending school, provide nutrition assistance through Food and Nutrition Services, and offer child support services to ensure children receive the care they need.

For individuals facing challenges with heating or cooling costs, we provide help through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Adult services and protective programs focus on safety, dignity, and independence. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation helps eligible clients access critical healthcare appointments. We also work to maintain program integrity and prevent fraud, ensuring services are used as intended.

Interpreter services are available for non-English-speaking clients, and we encourage the use of ePASS—North Carolina’s online portal for applying to programs such as Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, TANF/Work First, and energy assistance. Through this secure system, applicants can manage their benefits, submit updates, and check eligibility anytime.

Did you know that eligible recipients of Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services can apply for a free fishing license? Just bring your state ID, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

We are also proud to partner with A Shelter Friend, a local nonprofit organization, to offer free spay and neuter services for pets owned by low-income Bladen County residents. To learn more, call our office or visit us in person.

Your well-being is our priority. We are here to serve with care, commitment, and community spirit.

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📌 Agency Information

📍 208 East McKay Street, Elizabethtown, NC
FNS (Food Stamps) located at: NCWorks Career Center, 401 Mercer Mill Road

🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

📞 Abuse Reports (Business Hours): (910) 862-6800

📱 After Hours: (910) 862-8141

🚨 Emergency: Dial 911

 

 

 

 

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🎓 Internship Opportunities

Contact Megan Watts or Jill Sampson at (910) 862-6800 to inquire about social work internships.