Aphasia Benefits in North Carolina

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), your aphasia must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months.
• For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started.
• For SSI, your income and resources must be below strict limits, regardless of work history.
• Children with aphasia may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the criteria for a child's disability.
• Adults whose disability began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent's work record.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06)

• North Carolina state employees who participate in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC).
• Eligibility for short-term disability (STD) requires at least one year of contributing membership service in TSERS within the 36 months before disability.
• STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period, for up to 365 days.
• If you remain disabled after a year, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
• State employees with fewer than five years of creditable service may have limited benefits.
• North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care services.

Source: NC Office of State Human Resources (accessed 2025-11-06), NC Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06)

• If you have aphasia, start by applying for Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) online or by phone.
• Gather medical records that document your diagnosis and how aphasia affects your daily life and ability to work.
• If you are a state employee, contact your HR department about the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Social Services.
• Get expert help from the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) program.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06), NC DB101 (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Gather Documentation

  • Collect medical records, doctor's notes, and any speech/language therapy reports that detail your aphasia diagnosis and its impact.
  • Prepare proof of income, resources, and work history.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits

  • Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • Clearly describe how aphasia prevents you from working and performing daily activities.

• Step 3: Apply for State Benefits

  • If you are a state employee, contact your HR department to apply for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC).
  • For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Social Services office.

• Step 4: Seek Expert Help

  • Call the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090 for help with work planning and benefits.
  • Use the DB101 North Carolina website for benefits planning tools and information.

• Step 5: Follow Up and Appeal

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
  • If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Seek help from a disability advocate or attorney.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays monthly benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Available to most SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Available to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits to eligible state employees.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need long-term care.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.
• North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD): Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and collects input on state plans.

Source: NC Office of State Human Resources (accessed 2025-11-06), NC Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06), NC DB101 (accessed 2025-11-06), NCCDD (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other means-tested benefits.
• You can use ABLE account funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
• North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE United program.

Source: NC DB101 (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual.
• SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings.
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06)

• You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
• Always keep records of your benefits and report changes promptly.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• NC Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For work planning and benefits help.
• NC Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for aphasia in North Carolina?

  Yes, if your aphasia is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. State employees may also qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with aphasia?

  Gather medical records that document your aphasia and its impact. Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Clearly explain how aphasia affects your ability to work.

• What state disability benefits are available for aphasia in NC?

  State employees may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC), which provides short-term and long-term disability benefits. Medicaid waivers are also available for long-term care.

• How much money can I get from disability benefits in NC?

  SSDI payments are based on your work history. SSI payments are up to $943 per month in 2025. State disability plans may pay up to 50% of your salary, up to $3,000 per month.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for aphasia?

  Yes, Social Security offers work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits. The Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) program can help.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more.