Children Protective Services
If you have ever wondered what constitutes a child protective services report but didn't know where to look, this information is available via the manual website. To view the CPS manual, please click here.
Facebook
DSS recognizes the importance of communicating with the citizens of McDowell County through any possible avenue. Therefore, we have created a Facebook page to keep citizens informed on what the department has going on and any changes that might occur. You also have the ability to send a private message concerning changes that need to occur with the services that you receive. The administrator will check the messages daily and forward to the appropriate worker. Please do not include social security numbers in your message. To visit the page, click here.
Apply for Benefits Online
Have
you ever wondered if you are eligible for Food and Nutrition or Medicaid, but
didn't have the time to stop by DSS and apply in person? If you answered yes,
then EPASS is for you. The state recently rolled out an electronic
application system that will allow someone to apply in the
comfort of their own home. EPASS asks a series of questions to determine which
economic service benefits you may be eligible for. At the end of the
preassessment, EPASS will instruct you on which programs you may be eligible for
based on the information you provided. The system will then allow you to submit
your FNS application electronically and will be delivered into a work queue for
DSS to access and determine eligibility. EPASS will also allow you to check on
the status of your application. At this time medicaid applications can be taken
online, but not submitted electronically. This means you will need to complete
the application, print, and either drop off at DSS or mail to 145 East Court
Street Marion NC 28752. To access the EPASS site, click here.
Work Support Strategies
Local Departments of Social Services in North Carolina are changing to meet the needs of their clients. Work Support Strategies is an initiative sponsored by the N.C Department of Health and Human Services to streamline services for front line workers to provide better outcomes and create more positive experiences for the families and individuals they serve. Please click here, to watch the WSS video.
NC Fast and What It Means for You
McDowell County implemented a new statewide software program called NC Fast. NC Fast ( North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology) is a software program designed to help families apply for services by seeing one worker, versus multiple workers for different programs. Like any new technology, there are issues with NC Fast. Therefore, it is important that you call and check your EBT balance before shopping to ensure your benefits will issued correctly. We appreciate your patience during this transition period.
Report Changes Online
If you need to report a change for your Food and Nutrition, Work First, Medicaid, or Day Care case, you are now able to do so online. To do so, click here.
211 Introduced in McDowell County
McDowell County residents now have access to the United Way's information line, 211. This service is free, confidential, 24-7, and available in any language. 211 is your connection to food, clothing, shelter, child care services, consumer help, counseling, crisis intervention, health care, housing, senior services, support groups and volunteer opportunities. Just pick up your phone, dial 211, and be connected to a live operator that will assist you in finding resources within the community to help you or your family.
McDowell County and Project Lazarus
McDowell County has partnered with Project Lazarus to assist in the fight of drug overdose prevention. To learn more information about this project, please visit the Project Lazarus website, or read the article from the McDowell News website.
Cip
We do not currently have funds for cooling/heating assistance.
