If you have arthritis in North Carolina, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, state disability plans, Medicaid, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition like arthritis that stops you from working and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. You also need enough work credits, usually 40 total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to decide if you qualify. If you don’t have enough work credits, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on low income and resources [7].
In 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). If you have at least one year of creditable service in TSERS, you can get short-term disability (STD) benefits after a 60-day waiting period. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. If you remain disabled, long-term disability (LTD) benefits may start after a year. Employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits [1].
North Carolina also offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including arthritis, who meet income and functional requirements. These programs help pay for medical care, therapy, and support services [4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses like medical care, therapy, and education. Contributions are limited each year, and the account can grow tax-free. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in North Carolina [4].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. North Carolina Medicaid has different income limits based on your age, family size, and disability status. Check with your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office for current Medicaid income limits [4].
If you get too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to Social Security right away to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [4].
Contact the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090 for free help with disability benefits and work support in North Carolina.
Yes, arthritis can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents you from working for at least a year. You must provide medical proof and meet work or income requirements. State employees may also qualify for DIP-NC benefits if they have enough service time [1][7].
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online at ssa.gov. You’ll need medical records and work history. Local Social Security offices can help you start the process [7].
State employees with arthritis may get short- and long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC if they have at least one year of creditable service in TSERS. Benefits include monthly payments for up to a year for STD and ongoing payments for LTD if eligible [1].
Yes, if your income and resources are low enough, you can get Medicaid in North Carolina. Medicaid covers medical care, therapy, and support services for people with disabilities, including arthritis [4].
Medicaid waivers in North Carolina help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including arthritis. These programs can cover therapy, personal care, and other support services [4].
Working can affect your SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid benefits. North Carolina offers work incentives and support programs to help you keep benefits while working. Contact EIPD at 1-800-689-9090 for help [4].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses like medical care and therapy [4].
SSDI payments vary based on your work history and earnings. The average monthly SSDI payment in 2025 is about $1,489, but your amount may be higher or lower [7].
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing. Contact Social Security or a local advocacy group for help with appeals [4].
You can get help from Social Security, your local Department of Social Services (DSS), Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD), and local NCWorks Career Centers [4].
