Department of Social Services

Mission

To improve the quality of life for Pender County citizens by ensuring effective service delivery for all clients and motivating clients to accept some personal responsibility for improving their situations in order to become self-sufficient. 

Social Services  

Welcome to the Pender County Department of Social Services (DSS). From birth to death, families count on county departments of social services for direct services that address issues of poverty, family violence, and exploitation. County DSS offices provide citizens with resources and services to maximize their well-being and self-determination. We strive to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable citizens, the poor, the children, the aged, the disabled and the sick, as well as promote self-reliance and self-sufficiency for individuals and families. County departments of social services provide a wide variety of social work and economic services programs. 

Services Offered

• Medicaid for Family and Children's 
• Medicaid for Aging Adults
• Medicaid-Specialized Programs
• Food and Nutrition Services
• Supportive Services 
• Work First Family Assistance 
• Child Support Services  
• Child Welfare Services 
• Adult Services 
• Foster Home Licensing

CPS/APS Referrals are received on a 24-hour basis. An intake social worker is available Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm, for walk-ins and can be reached by calling (910) 259-1240. Emergency Duty Social Workers are available between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday and between the hours of 5 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m., Monday, incoming calls are referred through dispatch at the Pender County Sheriff’s Department. Pender County Sheriff Department non-emergency number is (910) 259-1515. 

ePass

ePASS is a quick and easy way for individuals and families to learn about and apply for available benefits and services. Online applications are available for Food and Nutrition Services (formerly Food Stamps) as well as Medical Assistance (Medicaid and NC Health Choice or CHIP). You can learn if you are potentially eligible for Medical Assistance by completing an electronic pre-assessment screening.

Access ePASS