If you have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and live in North Carolina, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, work support, Medicaid, and more. This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and North Carolina-specific programs—including Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts—to help you live and work with confidence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[2][4]. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits based on your age and work history[4]. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Mental and neurological disorders—including ADHD—must meet or equal the severity of a condition listed in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 'Blue Book' of impairments. ADHD alone is rarely severe enough to qualify an adult for SSDI or SSI; most successful claims involve significant additional impairments, such as learning disability, anxiety, or depression. Children’s SSI claims are based on how ADHD affects their functioning compared to other children their age. Claims are reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS) in North Carolina, which assesses your medical evidence and functional limitations[2].
North Carolina state employees enrolled in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for short-term (STD) or long-term (LTD) disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Eligibility depends on your years of service and, for STD, at least one year of contributing membership within the last 36 months[1]. These programs are generally not available to private sector workers. Medicaid in North Carolina may cover some treatments for ADHD, especially for children, but coverage for adults is limited unless you have a severe co-occurring condition or qualify due to low income. The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) provides home and community-based services to adults at risk of institutionalization, but ADHD alone is unlikely to meet eligibility unless paired with another serious condition[6]. For most people with ADHD, the main state-level support comes through Medicaid and, for some, vocational rehabilitation and employment support services. Always check with state agencies for the latest eligibility details, as programs and criteria may change.
Step 1: Gather your medical records, work history, and proof of income. Step 2: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to start your SSI or SSDI application[3]. Step 3: For North Carolina Medicaid, contact your county Department of Social Services or apply online[3]. Step 4: If you are a state employee, contact your HR department for DIP-NC benefits[1]. Step 5: For employment support, contact Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090[3].
North Carolina residents with a disability (including ADHD) can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, health, and more. Yearly limits apply, but accounts offer tax-advantaged growth and flexibility.
SSI has strict income and resource limits ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple in 2025). Medicaid in North Carolina also has income rules, though some programs have higher thresholds or waivers. ABLE accounts allow savings up to $100,000 without impacting SSI eligibility. Always check current federal and state limits when applying.
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or health to Social Security and North Carolina Medicaid to avoid overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips. Keep records of all changes and official communications.
ADHD alone is rarely enough to qualify adults for SSDI or SSI. Most successful claims are for people with additional, severe impairments. If you have ADHD plus another diagnosis (like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities), talk to a professional about your options.
North Carolina Medicaid may cover diagnosis, therapy, and medication for children with ADHD through the EPSDT program. Contact your local DSS to learn more.
You can work and keep some benefits. North Carolina’s EIPD and Ticket to Work programs help you explore employment without losing all support. See the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
Adults with ADHD can qualify for SSDI only if their condition is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months and they have sufficient work credits. ADHD alone rarely meets this bar; most successful claims involve additional impairments like learning disabilities, anxiety, or depression[2][4].
Medicaid may cover treatments for ADHD, especially for children, but adult coverage depends on income or disability severity. If you receive SSI or have very low income, you may qualify. Ask your county DSS or Medicaid office for details[3].
Most help for adults comes through Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and employment support like EIPD. The CAP/DA waiver is for adults with severe disabilities at risk of institutionalization, not typically for ADHD alone[3][6].
Earnings can reduce or stop SSI and Medicaid. SSDI allows some work under the Ticket to Work program. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details. ABLE accounts let you save without affecting SSI up to $100,000.
Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their symptoms severely limit daily functioning compared to same-age peers. The application reviews medical, school, and home evidence[2][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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ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for qualifying expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid. Eligible North Carolinians can deposit up to certain limits annually and use funds flexibly.
You must report changes, like new income or a move, to Social Security and North Carolina Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) guide for help.
State employees in TSERS may qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC, but private sector workers are not eligible[1]. Contact your HR for details.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, your county DSS for Medicaid, or EIPD at 1-800-689-9090 for employment help. Free legal clinics and disability advocates can also assist[3].
