Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. For adults, this means a condition that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months. For children, the condition must severely limit activities and last at least 12 months. Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify if it meets these criteria. Adults must have a qualifying work history for SSDI, while SSI is based on financial need. Children may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and asset limits. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are available for adults whose disability began before age 22 and whose parent is receiving Social Security benefits[4].

In North Carolina, eligibility for state disability benefits depends on employment status and service history. State employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). This plan offers short-term and long-term disability benefits after a 60-day waiting period. Eligibility requires at least one year of contributing membership service in TSERS within the 36 months before disability. The short-term plan pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. Long-term benefits may follow if the disability continues[1]. North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can be crucial for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder[8].

• Check eligibility for SSI/SSDI using the Social Security website.
• Contact your local Department of Social Services for Medicaid and SSI.
• If you are a state employee, contact your HR office for DIP-NC benefits.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
• Use the DB101 North Carolina tool for benefits planning[3].

• Step 1: Gather medical records and proof of diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Children may need additional documentation from schools or doctors.
• Step 3: If eligible, apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services or online at nc.gov.
• Step 4: For state disability benefits (DIP-NC), contact your HR office if you are a state employee. Provide service history and medical documentation.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) through the NC Department of Health and Human Services. These waivers provide home and community-based services.
• Step 6: Use the DB101 North Carolina tool to estimate benefits and plan for work incentives[3].
• Step 7: Attend public input sessions or contact advocacy groups for support and updates on state policies[2].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Benefits for adults whose disability began before age 22 and whose parent is receiving Social Security benefits[4].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees in TSERS. Short-term pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. Long-term benefits may follow if the disability continues[1].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and Community-Based Services waivers provide support for individuals with disabilities to live in the community rather than institutions. These include the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)[8].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. Contact EIPD for support and resources[3].
• North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD): Advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities. Attend public input sessions for updates and to provide feedback[2].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. North Carolina offers ABLE accounts through the NC ABLE Program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Contact the NC ABLE Program for more information[6].

Income limits for SSI and Medicaid vary based on household size and state rules. For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Medicaid limits are higher and vary by program. Use the DB101 North Carolina tool to estimate your eligibility[3].

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for more information[4].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare questions.
• North Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

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

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For employment support and benefits planning.

• What federal benefits are available for Autism Spectrum Disorder in North Carolina?

  Federal benefits include SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, and Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits. These programs provide cash payments, health insurance, and support for people with disabilities.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in North Carolina?

  Apply online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need medical records and proof of income. Children may need additional documentation from schools or doctors.

• What state disability benefits are available for Autism Spectrum Disorder in North Carolina?

  State employees may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). This plan offers short-term and long-term disability benefits after a 60-day waiting period.

• What Medicaid waivers are available for Autism Spectrum Disorder in North Carolina?

  North Carolina offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA). These waivers provide support for individuals to live in the community.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?

  Apply through your local Department of Social Services or online at nc.gov. You will need proof of income, resources, and medical records.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help in North Carolina?

  An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. North Carolina offers ABLE accounts through the NC ABLE Program.