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NC LINKS Program
COVID-19 is impacting us all.
NC LINKS can help.
NC LINKS, a program of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, serves youth and young adults between 13 and 21 years of age who are or have been in foster care to assist with education, employment, pregnancy prevention, and other activities.
More information and resources about COVID-19 can be found here https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/.
SIX RESOURCES NC LINKS YOUTH SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
1. Supplemental Foster Care COVID-19 Payments
- Young adults in Foster Care 18 to 21 will receive an additional $100 a month for April, May, and June.
- This money is sent the same way as regular monthly foster care payments, for example:
- If you receive your payment directly, then the $100 will come directly to you.
- If you are not receiving your payment directly, then the $100 will be made to the same person the regular monthly payment goes to.
2. Additional LINKS Transitional and Housing Funds
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 and in the Foster Care 18-21 program you are eligible for LINKS Transitional and Housing funds to assist with rent, rent deposits, room and board, and other transitional costs.
- If you are between ages 18 and 21 and are not in the Foster Care 18 to 21 program you are eligible for funding and supports through NC LINKS and may be eligible for additional supports if you have been impacted by COVID-19.
3. Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
- The P-EBT helped families and congregate care settings purchase food during the pandemic. Benefits are also available for children and youth in foster care.
- If you are still in high school, in foster care, and under 18, this benefit is provided to your placement.
- If you are still in high school and in Foster Care 18 to 21 you may receive this benefit directly.
- These benefits are automatically provided and there is no need to apply. For additional information, please refer to: https://www.covid19.ncdhhs.gov/information/human-services/pandemic-electronic-benefit-transfer-p-ebt-program.
4. Foster Care to Success
- The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) and NC Reach Programs: Continue to provide outreach and support services. There are limited resources available for emergency use. If you are receiving ETV or NC Reach funds, please reach out to your coordinator for support.
- https://www.fc2sprograms.org
5. NC 2-1-1 North Carolina’s COVID Information Hub
- NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service for free and confidential information, including food access, mental/physical health needs, housing resources, and other community resources.
- https://www.nc211.org/coronavirus-covid-19
6. Assurance Wireless
- Assurance Wireless is a Federal Lifeline Assistance program that can help eligible low-income individuals receive free data, unlimited texting, free monthly minutes, and a free phone.
- https://www.assurancewireless.com