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North Carolina • Chronic Illness
North Carolina residents with asthma may be eligible for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, state Medicaid waivers, and public health resources. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help—especially if asthma limits your ability to work or live independently.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition (like severe asthma) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You also need enough work credits based on your age when your disability began—generally, 20 credits in the last 10 years for those 31 and older. If you earn more than $1,550/month (non-blind, 2025), you usually won’t qualify[1]. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For both, your asthma must be well-documented and severe enough to meet Social Security’s strict medical criteria[1][4].
North Carolina Medicaid may cover adults and children with asthma, especially if income is low or you qualify for SSI. The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) offers home and community-based services for those at risk of institutionalization, but asthma must cause significant functional limitations[8]. State employees (including teachers) may get short- and long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC or NCFlex if they meet service requirements—for example, at least one year of membership service for short-term benefits[2]. North Carolina’s EIPD program helps people with disabilities plan for work and understand how earnings affect benefits[3].
Start by contacting Social Security for SSI or SSDI applications—call 1-800-772-1213 or apply online. For Medicaid, contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or call NC Medicaid at 1-888-245-0179. State employees should contact their HR department about DIP-NC or NCFlex benefits. Use the DB101 North Carolina tool to estimate your potential benefits and get personalized help[3].
For SSI/SSDI: Gather medical records proving your asthma is severe and limits your ability to work. Complete the online application at ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office. If denied, you can appeal—North Carolina has a structured appeals process[1]. For Medicaid: Apply online, by phone, or at your county DSS office. Provide proof of income, residency, and disability. For DIP-NC/NCFlex: State employees should submit required medical documentation to their employer’s HR department after a 60-day waiting period for short-term benefits; long-term benefits may follow if disability continues[2]. For CAP/DA: Contact your local DSS and ask about the Community Alternatives Program. You’ll need a medical assessment showing that asthma puts you at risk of needing nursing home care[8]. At any stage, experts at EIPD (1-800-689-9090) or DB101 can help you understand options and next steps[3].
SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash benefits if your asthma meets Social Security’s disability definition. SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs require thorough medical documentation. Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI. Medicaid may be available if you qualify for SSI or meet low-income guidelines. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are possible if your disability began before age 22 and a parent is receiving Social Security[4]. ABLE Accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[7].
North Carolina Medicaid covers doctor visits, medications (including asthma controllers), and hospital care for eligible residents. CAP/DA is a Medicaid waiver program that helps adults with disabilities stay at home instead of in a nursing facility[8]. DIP-NC offers short- and long-term disability income for state employees (including teachers) who meet service requirements—short-term benefits pay 50% of salary up to $3,000/month for up to one year[2]. NCFlex is a voluntary plan state employees can buy for extra coverage. EIPD (1-800-689-9090) helps people with disabilities plan for employment and benefits[3]. DB101 North Carolina provides online tools to estimate benefits and plan finances[3]. Learn more on our All benefits in your state hub.
North Carolina residents with disabilities (including asthma) can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds in these accounts generally don’t count toward asset limits. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
For SSI in 2025, countable income must be below federal limits (about $943/month for individuals, $1,415 for couples). SSDI has no strict income limit, but you can’t engage in substantial gainful activity (earning over $1,550/month if non-blind)[1][4]. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
Always report changes in your income, work status, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to do so can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips.
North Carolina’s EIPD program (1-800-689-9090) offers free help with applications, appeals, and benefits planning. They can explain how working affects your benefits and connect you to local resources.
If you work for the state (including teachers), you may have access to DIP-NC and NCFlex disability plans—contact your HR department to learn more about short- and long-term coverage.
If asthma puts you at risk of needing a nursing home, ask your county DSS about CAP/DA. This waiver helps pay for in-home care and other services.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent work for at least 12 months and you meet medical and financial criteria for SSI or SSDI. State Medicaid and waivers like CAP/DA may also help if you need long-term care at home[1][8].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Gather your medical records and be ready to explain how asthma limits your daily activities[1][3].
You may qualify for short- or long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC or NCFlex plans. Contact your HR department for details and required paperwork[2].
Yes, Medicaid covers asthma medications, doctor visits, and hospital care for those who qualify. Apply through your county DSS office or online[3].
Yes. Earning over certain limits may reduce or stop SSI or SSDI. North Carolina’s EIPD program can help you understand work incentives and reporting requirements[3].
CAP/DA is a Medicaid waiver that helps adults with disabilities (including severe asthma) stay at home instead of moving to a nursing facility. Apply through your county DSS and show you are at risk of institutionalization[8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Always consult official agencies or a qualified professional for decisions about your benefits.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds in the account generally don’t count toward asset limits[7].
You have the right to appeal. North Carolina has a structured appeals process. Consider contacting EIPD or DB101 for help with your case[1][3].
Call EIPD at 1-800-689-9090, use the DB101 North Carolina online tools, or contact your local DSS office for personalized assistance[3].
Children may qualify for SSI or Medicaid if asthma severely limits their activities. Families should contact their local DSS or Social Security for more information[4].
