Social Services

On July 1, 2010 the Department of Health and Human Services deployed a new web-based tool called ePASS that allows individuals to screen themselves for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits. On November 22, 2010 Phase II of ePASS expanded to allow completion and printing of a food and nutrition services application. Applicants can apply for FNS benefits by using the ePASS application or completing the DSS-8207. County DSS agencies are required to use and process the signed ePASS application the same as a signed DSS-8207. A sample of the ePASS application can be found at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/ncfast/epass_sample.pdf and the ePASS URL is https://epass.nc.gov. Feel free to share the website information with potential customers as you see fit.
County DSS agencies are encouraged to have access to ePASS on their county website. Banner and logo choices which can be installed on the agency’s webpage can be found at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/county/promote_epass.html

Phone (828) 837-7455 Address 4800 W US Hwy. 64 Murphy, NC 28906 Department Head Donna Crawford donna.crawford@cherokeecounty-nc.gov Director Clerical Unit Cindy Palmer Business Officer Income Maintenance Unit Pat Stalcup  Supervisor    Adult Services Unit Bebeie McClure Supervisor   Foster Care Unit Donna Pendergrass Supervisor CPS Unit Stephanie McKeon Supervisor         DSS Board Members: Melanie Forrister, Chairman Kandy Barnard Larry Westmoreland Dana Jones Eugene Morrow

The Cherokee County Department of Social Services provides the residents of Cherokee County with Federal and State mandated Human Services. The mission of this Department, as set forth by the County Commissioners, is "to serve the citizens of Cherokee County efficiently and effectively with compassionate and positive attitudes in order to enable these citizens to realize the need to strive for self-sufficiency which in turn fosters a more positive self-image, thus improving their quality of life."

Click on any of the programs listed below to get a brief description of each program and its eligibility requirements.

• North Carolina Division of Social Services

Family and Children's Social Services

• Child Protective Services
• Foster Care Services and Permanency Planning Services
• Adoption Services
• Day Care Services
• WorkFirst Employment Services
• Family Planning Services
• Food Stamp Program
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, previously AFDC)
• Medicaid to Families and Children
• Medicaid Transportation Services
• North Carolina Health Choice for Children
• Family Crisis and Assistance Fund
• CRISIS Program
• Carolina Access
• Program Integrity or Fraud Investigations

Senior Social Services

• Adult Protective Services
• Guardianship Services
• Protective Payee Services
• In-home Aide Services
• Food Stamp Program
• Adult Medicaid
• Medicaid Transportation Services
• LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited also on the basis of religion or political beliefs.

To file a complaint of discrimination, contact USDA or HHS. Write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). Write HHS, Director, Office for Civil Rights, Room 506-F, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201 or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (202) 619-3257 (TTY). USDA and HHS are equal opportunity providers and employers.”