People who are blind in North Carolina can get federal and state benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and work support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To get federal disability benefits for blindness in North Carolina, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year. For SSI, you must have low income and resources, and be blind or disabled. Blindness is defined as having vision worse than 20/200 in the better eye or a very narrow field of vision. SSA has a list of conditions that automatically qualify, including legal blindness. You must also be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) [1].
If you are blind, you may qualify for higher SGA limits and special work incentives. You can get help from the SSA or a local agency to see if you qualify [2].
In North Carolina, people who are blind may get extra help from state programs. The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) helps people who are blind prepare for work, get training, and find jobs. You may also get assistive technology and other support through state-funded programs. To qualify for DSB services, you must be legally blind and need help with employment or daily living. State employees who are blind may also get disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) if they have enough service time in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) [3].
North Carolina Medicaid may cover extra services for people who are blind, such as vision aids and home care. You must meet income and asset rules to qualify for Medicaid [4].
An ABLE account lets people who are blind save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. North Carolina offers the NC ABLE account. You can open an account online or by phone [8].
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. You can use the DB101 Benefits Estimator to see how work affects your benefits [9].
You must report changes in your income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. See our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes for more details [10].
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or the Division of Services for the Blind at 1-800-689-9090 for help with your application.
For Social Security, blindness means vision worse than 20/200 in the better eye or a very narrow field of vision. You must also be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). Medical records must prove your condition.
Yes, you can work and get SSI or SSDI if you are blind. There are special work incentives and higher SGA limits for people who are blind. You must report your earnings to Social Security.
North Carolina offers work support through the Division of Services for the Blind, Medicaid for extra services, and assistive technology programs. State employees may get disability benefits through DIP-NC.
Call Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI. Contact the Division of Services for the Blind for work support. Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
The SSI income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Income limits for Medicaid vary by program and household size. Use the DB101 Benefits Estimator to see how work affects your benefits.
Yes, you can get Medicare after 24 months of SSDI if you are blind. Medicare covers hospital and medical care, but not all vision services.
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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An ABLE account lets people who are blind save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation.
Yes, you must report changes in your income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
North Carolina offers assistive technology through the NCATP program. Services may include screen readers, magnifiers, and other devices to help with daily living and work.
Yes, some Medicaid programs and local agencies offer transportation help for people who are blind. Contact your local Department of Social Services or the Division of Services for the Blind for more information.
