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North Carolina • Mental Health
People with Bipolar Disorder in North Carolina can qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Eligibility depends on medical documentation, income, and work history. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Bipolar Disorder, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also have enough work credits for SSDI, or meet income and resource limits for SSI. Social Security reviews medical records, work history, and how your symptoms affect daily life. Children with Bipolar Disorder may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the criteria for a disability. [^1]
In North Carolina, people with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for state disability benefits if they are state employees or teachers. The Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for eligible state employees. To qualify for short-term disability, you need at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) within the last 36 months. Short-term benefits pay 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period. Long-term benefits begin after one year if you remain disabled. [^2]
North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers and community support programs for people with disabilities, including those with Bipolar Disorder. These programs provide services like case management, therapy, and supported employment. [^3]
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and health care. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. [^8]
SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. SSDI limits depend on your work history and earnings. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. [^1]
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits safe. [^9]
Contact NC’s Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) for free help with benefits planning, job training, and applications. [^4]
Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or state disability plans.
Gather medical records, contact Social Security for SSI/SSDI, apply for Medicaid through your local DSS office, and check with your HR if you are a state employee.
You need a diagnosis from a mental health professional, treatment records, and documentation of how your symptoms affect your ability to work and daily life.
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You can get help with job training and support through NC’s EIPD program.
State employees may get short-term and long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers and employment support programs.
It can take several months to get a decision from Social Security. State disability benefits may start after a 60-day waiting period for short-term, or after one year for long-term.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Yes, children may qualify for SSI if their Bipolar Disorder meets the criteria for a disability and their family meets income limits.
You can appeal the decision. Get help from a disability advocate or attorney to file an appeal and provide more medical evidence.
Yes, report changes to Social Security and Medicaid right away to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits safe.
Contact Social Security, your local Department of Social Services, or NC’s Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) for help.
