Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in North Carolina

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].

• Apply for SSI or SSDI: Start your application online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. North Carolina’s DDS will review your medical evidence and may schedule a consultative exam[2]. You can appeal if denied, but professional help is recommended for complex cases, especially if ADHD is not your only impairment. Keep copies of all documents.
• Apply for Medicaid: Visit your county DSS office or use the North Carolina Medicaid portal. You may qualify based on income, disability, or both. For children, ask about Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefits, which include mental health services. Adults may qualify if they receive SSI or meet income guidelines.
• State Employee Disability Benefits: State employees in TSERS should contact their HR department for DIP-NC forms and guidance. STD begins after a 60-day waiting period if you meet service requirements[1].
• Employment and Support Services: Reach out to EIPD, Division of Services for the Blind, or your local NCWorks Career Center for help with job training, assistive technology, and workplace accommodations[3].
• CAP/DA Waiver: If you are an adult at risk of institutionalization due to combined conditions, ask your county DSS about CAP/DA. Applications require medical documentation and a screening for level of care needs[6].
• Monitor and Report Changes: Once enrolled in any benefit, promptly report changes in income, living situation, or health, to avoid overpayments.
• Consider an ABLE Account: Open an account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides cash assistance to low-income people with disabilities, including children and adults with ADHD if their condition is severe enough[2][4]. Children’s eligibility is based on functional limitations compared to peers. Adults must meet both medical and financial criteria.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and now have a severe disability, including ADHD if it meets SSA criteria[2][4]. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits may be available if your disability began before age 22 and your parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits[4].
• Medicare: For those on SSDI, Medicare starts after 24 months of benefit receipt.
• Twitter to Work/Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): Federal work incentives let you set aside income and resources for approved goals without losing benefits immediately.

• North Carolina Medicaid: Covers some mental health and ADHD services, particularly for children under EPSDT. Adults may qualify based on income or disability if federally eligible (e.g., SSI)[3].
• Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA): Medicaid waiver that offers home and community supports (e.g., personal care, respite) to adults at risk of institutionalization. ADHD alone does not typically qualify, but those with additional impairments should explore this option[6].
• DIP-NC (Disability Income Plan of North Carolina): For state employees in TSERS, provides short-term (up to 50% salary, max $3,000/month) and long-term disability income replacement after a waiting period[1]. Not available to private sector workers.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): State-funded program offering job training, supported employment, and workplace accommodations for North Carolinians with disabilities[3].
• ABLE Accounts: North Carolinians can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Current state-specific data on dedicated ADHD benefits is limited. For most, supports are accessed through Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and, for state employees, DIP-NC.

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.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications
• NC Medicaid
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Website

  For Medicaid eligibility and services
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Website

  For employment support and training
• Your County Department of Social Services (DSS)
  Phone: (Find your local office)

  Hours: Varies

  Website

  For Medicaid applications and support

• Can adults with ADHD get SSDI in North Carolina?

  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].

• Is ADHD covered by North Carolina Medicaid?

  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].

• What state programs help adults with ADHD in North Carolina?

  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].

• How does work affect my disability benefits?

  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.

• Can children with ADHD get SSI in North Carolina?

  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].

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help?