Polk County

Local offices in Polk County

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

• Human services · County office

  Polk County Department of Social Services

  231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756

  Help here

  • Food and cash assistanceApply for food help, Medicaid, and Work First cash assistance.
  • Child care assistanceAsk about help paying for child care.
  • Child supportGet help with child support services and cases.
  • Family and adult protectionGet help with child protective services or adult protective services.
  Call 828-894-2100DirectionsWebsite

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

• Public health · County office

  Polk County Health and Human Services Agency WIC Clinic

  2881 NC 108 Hwy East, Columbus, NC 28722

  Help here

  • WIC nutrition supportAsk about WIC food benefits and nutrition support for eligible families.
  Call 828-894-8271DirectionsWebsite

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

• Community action · Nonprofit

  Western Carolina Community Action, Inc.

  220 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville, NC 28792

  Help here

  • Community action servicesContact the agency about community assistance programs serving Polk County.
  Call 828-693-1711DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on wcca.net

• Public health · County office

  Polk County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health

  2881 NC 108 Hwy East, Columbus, NC 28722

  Help here

  • Public health servicesContact the health department about local public health services and programs.
  Call 828-894-8271DirectionsWebsite

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

• Older adults · Regional office

  Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging

  339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806

  Help here

  • Aging and caregiver supportGet information and referrals for older adults and family caregivers in Polk County.
  Call 828-251-6622DirectionsWebsite

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

• Veterans · County office

  Polk County Veterans Service Office

  75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722

  Help here

  • Veterans benefits helpGet help applying for veterans benefits and filing claims.
  Call 828-894-0003DirectionsWebsite

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

• Jobs and training · State office

  NCWorks Career Center, Rutherford County

  223 Charlotte Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

  Help here

  • Job search and employment helpGet help with job searches, career services, and employment resources.
  Call 828-286-3042DirectionsWebsite

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

• State office

  NCDMV Driver License Office, Forest City

  596 Withrow Road, Forest City, NC 28043

  Help here

  • Driver and vehicle servicesVisit for driver license and motor vehicle services.
  Call 828-286-2973DirectionsWebsite

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

• Library · County office

  Polk County Public Libraries

  1289 W. Mills St, Columbus, NC 28722

  Help here

  • Library servicesBorrow books and use library learning and digital resources.
  Call 828-894-8721DirectionsWebsite

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

Polk County, North Carolina website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Polk County

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

Cities and towns in Polk County

• Columbus
• Saluda
• Tryon

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