Where can I get help with food? 

You need to come to the New Hanover County Department of Social Services and see a Social Worker in Services Intake who will assess your need and explore options for assistance.

I moved to New Hanover County from another part of the State, how do I get my benefits transferred?

You need to notify the county from which you came of your move.  You must reapply for Food Stamps in the county where you live.  Most other programs can transfer your case to your new county of residence. 

Can I get help with transportation to and from work or Medical appointments?

If you are receiving Medicaid and you need assistance getting to medical treatment, call the Transportation Coordinator at 798-3752 for last names beginning with A – H,  798-3751 I - Q or 798-3489 R - Z or come into the New Hanover County Department of Social Services. 

Assistance with transportation to and from work is based on income and availability of funds.  You will need to see a social worker in Services Intake.  Call 798-3400 to make an appointment.

Can I get Social Security and Medicare from Social Services?

Social Security and Medicare are both administered by the Social Security Administration located at  1528 S. 16th Street.            Social Services administers the Medicaid program.

How do I report fraud?

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving Medicaid Providers (doctors, pharmacies, etc.,), you should contact the Program Integrity Section of the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance.  You can reach the Program Integrity Section toll-free by calling the CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030 and asking for the DMA Program Integrity Section. 

To report fraudulent activity involving grocers, you should contact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at          910-790-2929.

To report recipient fraud in any program, contact the Department of Social Services in which the recipient lives.  For New Hanover County Department of Social Services, call 798-3400.

How can I get help with collecting my child support?

Child Support Enforcement services are available to anyone who has custody of a minor dependent child regardless of income.     Child Support Enforcement can help in location of absent parents, establishment of paternity for children born outside of marriage, establishment of support obligations, collection and distribution of support, and enforcement of support obligations.   In New Hanover County, child support is contracted to DynTek.  The office is located at 108 Cinema Drive in Wilmington. 

Call 343-3355 for an appointment. 

How do I apply for a job with DSS?

The New Hanover County Department of Human resources accepts applications on behalf of the Department of Social Services.  Applications for Economic Services are accepted on an on-going basis and are maintained by the County Department of Human Resources.  The Department of Social Services requests applications as vacancies occur.

All other vacancies are advertised.  The County Department of Human Resources accepts applications for these vacancies as they occur and forwards them to the Department of Social Services. 

You may contact the Department of Human Resources regarding the status of vacancies within the county, including the Department of Social Services.  The number is (910) 798-7178.  New Hanover County also has a “Job Line” number that  consists of a recording listing job opportunities within the county.  That number is (910) 798-7163.  You may also visit New Hanover County’s web site at  www.nhcgov.com. 

What are your hours?

The agency is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Wednesday - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Who is over the Director?

The Director of Social Services is appointed by the Board of Social Services in accordance with the merit system rules of the State Personnel Commission.

How do I get to your office?

The New Hanover County Department of Social Services is located between 16th and 17th Streets at 1650 Greenfield Street.  Some familiar landmarks that are close to our facility are the Wilmington Housing Authority, the Social Security Administration, and the Scottish Rite Temple.

If my teenager wants to get a job, what do I have to do?

Go to the following website and follow the instructions for completing a Youth Work Permit:

http://www.nclabor.com/wh/youth_instructions.htm