Department of Social Services
The mission of Avery County Department of Social Services is to be an advocate for and protector of the young, disabled, and aged citizens of Avery County. To be an agency that works as a team to administer services and public assistance programs in an efficient, timely, consistent, and professional manner.
Avery County DSS Board Meetings are held the second Monday of each Month at 4:00 PM in the Commissioner's Board Room in the Avery County Administrative Building at 175 Linville Street, Newland NC.
Raquel Jennings, Director
Mailing Address:
Avery County Department of Social Services
175 Linville Street
Newland, NC 28657
Phone (828) 733-8230
Fax (828) 733-8245
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm
Job Opportunities
Social Worker IA & T
Social Worker IA&T Lead Worker
Social Work Supervisor III
Verifications for Medicaid Recertification may be sent to
avery.dss@averycountync.gov
Extra Food and Nutrition Benefits for Covid-19
Will end in March 2023
Beneficiaries will be receiving a notice in the mail that states the extra FNS allotments that you have been receiving due to the Covid-19 health emergency are ending.
February 2023 is the last month that these benefits will be paid out.
Neither the North Carolina Department of Heath and Human Services nor
Avery County Department of Social Services have control over this change.
To see the complete letter, please click here.
Applications are available in the Main Hallway for programs; a DROP BOX will be available to return applications/verifications to the agency; Interviews will be conducted by telephone with a signed application. If you have any questions or need information, you may call 828-733-8230 during normal business hours.
SEE BELOW HOW TO APPLY FOR SERVICES
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES
You can apply for Food and Nutrition Benefits via:
Online @ https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do
By picking up/dropping off a paper application at the office (drop box located at the front doors available 24 hours)
By mail to 175 Linville St. Newland, NC 28657
By fax @ 828-733-8245
By email @ jennifer.jennings@averycountync.gov
*Clients can request an application be sent to them by calling 828-733-8230 or emailing jennifer.jennings@averycountync.gov. Clients may also print a paper application at: https://files.nc.gov/ncdhhs/dss-8207-ia.pdf.
MEDICAID
You can apply for Medicaid benefits via:
Online @ https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do
By picking up/dropping off a paper application at the office (drop box located at the front doors available 24 hours)
By mail to 175 Linville St. Newland, NC 28657
By fax @ 828-733-8245
By email Adult Medicaid: ashley.mckinney@averycountync.gov
Family and Children's Medicaid: beth.mclaughlin@averycountync.gov
*Clients can request an application be sent to them by calling 828-733-8230
Child Support:
For ALL child support questions you may contact Nicole Witz at 828-733-8281 or Customer Service at 1-800-992-9457.
Child Support Applications may be obtained by any of the following options:
• By picking up/dropping off a paper application at the office (drop box located at the front doors available 24 hours)
• Call 828-733-8281 for an application to be mailed to you
• Request an application by emailing nicole.witz@averycountync.gov
DAYCARE:
YOU CAN APPLY FOR BENEFITS VIA:
By picking up/dropping off a paper application at the office (drop box located at the front doors available 24 hours)
By mail to 175 Linville St. Newland, NC 28657
By fax @ 828-733-8245