Rutherford County

Local offices in Rutherford County

We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.

• Human services · County office

  Rutherford County Department of Social Services

  389 Fairground Road, Spindale, NC 28160

  Help here

  • Benefits and family supportAsk about food, medical, child care, and cash assistance programs.
  • Child supportGet help with child support services and cases.
  Call 828-287-6165DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncdhhs.gov

• Public health · Regional office

  Foothills Health District WIC, Rutherford County

  221 Callahan Koon Road, Spindale, NC 28160

  Help here

  • WICEligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children can get healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.Apply online
  Call 828-287-6238DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on foothillshd.org

• Housing help · Regional office

  Foothills Regional Commission Housing Programs

  111 W Court Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

  Help here

  • Housing assistanceContact the regional housing office about rental assistance and housing programs.
  Call 828-287-2281DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on frcnc.gov

• Local office · Regional office

  NC 211

  Help here

  • Community service referralsCall or search online to find local help with needs such as food, housing, health care, and utilities.
  Call 888-892-1162Website

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on nc211.org

• Public health · Regional office

  Foothills Health District, Rutherford County

  221 Callahan Koon Road, Spindale, NC 28160

  Help here

  • Public health servicesContact the health department about local clinic and public health services.Read more
  Call 828-287-6100DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on foothillshd.org

• Older adults · Regional office

  Foothills Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging

  111 W Court Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

  Help here

  • Aging information and referralsOlder adults and their caregivers can get information and referrals to local services.
  Call 828-287-2281DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on frcnc.gov

• Veterans · County office

  Rutherford County Veterans Service Office

  303 Fairground Road, Spindale, NC 28160

  Help here

  • Veterans benefits assistanceVeterans and their families can get help understanding and applying for benefits.
  Call 828-287-6185DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on milvets.nc.gov

• Library · County office

  Rutherford County Library System

  145 College Avenue, Suite D, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

  Help here

  • Library servicesBorrow books and other materials, use library resources, and attend public programs.
  Call 828-287-6115DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on rutherfordcountylibrary.org

Rutherford County Government website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Rutherford County

Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.

Cities and towns in Rutherford County

• Bosticnot checked yet
• Chimney Rock Villagenot checked yet
• Ellenboro
• Forest City
• Lake Lure
• Ruthnot checked yet
• Rutherfordton
• Spindale

North Carolina programs by kind of help

These are run by North Carolina and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.

• FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
• HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
• HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
• MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
• CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
• EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
• WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
• Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
• SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help anyone can use

These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security retirement benefits

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Medicare

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

  Call 1-800-633-4227
• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

  Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• VA health care

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

  Call 1-877-222-8387
• VA disability compensation and benefits

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

  Call 1-800-827-1000
• FAFSA, the federal student aid form

  U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Federal Pell Grant

  U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• HealthCare.gov

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

  Call 1-800-318-2596
• Lifeline phone and internet discount

  Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

  Call 1-800-234-9473
• Head Start and Early Head Start

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

  Call 1-866-763-6481
• IRS Free File

  Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

• VITA and TCE free tax help

  Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

  Call 1-800-906-9887
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

  Call 1-800-829-1040
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

• Replace a Social Security card

  Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• FEMA disaster assistance

  Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

  Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026