A workplace injury can leave several needs unresolved at once: a question about a claim form, help locating a community service, or support exploring future work. Start with the need you are trying to address. These resources have different roles, and contacting one does not replace a workers’ compensation filing or establish eligibility for benefits.

For local health and human-service referrals: NC 211

NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Its website lets you search by need and location. You can also call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 for free, confidential information about community health and human services.

Describe the specific need and where you live. Ask the referred program about its service area, eligibility, documents, current availability and application steps. A referral is a starting point, not a promise that assistance or funding is available.

For Industrial Commission forms and procedures

The Industrial Commission’s injured-worker information includes current forms and procedural guidance. Unrepresented claimants can contact its Information Specialists with questions about Commission procedures and forms. The specialists cannot provide legal advice.

Have the claim number, employer, injury date and exact form or notice available when relevant. A question about how to submit a document is different from a question about whether signing it protects your interests. Preserve deadlines and seek individual legal advice when the question concerns rights, a disputed decision or a proposed settlement.

For disability-related employment support: EIPD

North Carolina’s Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities division offers individualized services related to employment and independent living. Eligibility and services depend on the program and individual needs. Its employment services may include assessment, vocational planning, training or job-placement assistance for eligible people.

Contact the appropriate office to discuss the actual barrier and application process. Ask which services are available, whether a cost contribution applies and how assistance would coordinate with existing rehabilitation or other benefits. Do not assume that a workplace injury automatically qualifies someone for every program.

Check current availability before relying on a service

As of September 2026, EIPD’s Independent Living priority-of-service notice reports a pause on purchases of new and additional Independent Living services effective August 1, 2026. The notice explains waiting-list rules and how existing approved service plans are treated. This is a specific Independent Living program limitation, not a statement that every EIPD employment service has stopped.

Check the current notice and ask the program about your situation before making plans around an anticipated purchase or service. Ask about other available resources if the requested assistance is paused or unavailable.

Keep a short referral follow-up list

  • The need you described and the organization contacted.
  • The person or office responding and the date.
  • The eligibility or application information requested.
  • The next step, who will take it and any stated deadline.

Keep applications for community help separate from claim filings and medical authorization requests. If the unresolved question concerns workers’ compensation benefits, treatment authorization or work restrictions, Rosensteel Fleishman can discuss workers’ compensation questions alongside other support needs. Bring the relevant notices and correspondence so the discussion can identify which system or decision needs attention.