If you have cancer in North Carolina, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in North Carolina, your cancer must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet Social Security Administration (SSA) medical and work credit requirements. Certain cancers are automatically considered disabling under SSA’s impairment list. If your cancer is severe enough, you may qualify even if it’s not on the list. You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) and meet income and asset limits for SSI. SSDI requires work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes.
SSA: How to Qualify for Disability (2025-11-06)
In North Carolina, public employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). If you have at least one year of creditable service in TSERS, you can get short-term disability (STD) after a 60-day waiting period. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. If you remain disabled, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) after one year. Employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits. Private sector workers may have access to employer-sponsored disability plans.
NC State Human Resources: Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)
Social Security: Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06)
NC Department of Social Services: Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06) Social Security: Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06)
Social Security: Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)
NC State Human Resources: Disability Benefits (2025-11-06) NC Medicaid (2025-11-06) NC EIPD (2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account through the NC ABLE Program. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
NC ABLE Program (2025-11-06)
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Some income, like SSDI and certain work earnings, may not count. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. In North Carolina, the Medicaid income limit for adults is about $1,677/month for a single person. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits.
Social Security: SSI Limits (2025-11-06) NC Medicaid: Eligibility (2025-11-06)
If your condition or income changes, you must report it to Social Security and other agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
Social Security: Reporting Changes (2025-11-06) NC DSS: Reporting Changes (2025-11-06) NC Medicaid: Reporting Changes (2025-11-06)
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Department of Social Services for free help with applications.
Yes, if your cancer prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Certain cancers are automatically considered disabling. You must meet SSA medical and work credit requirements.
SSDI payments depend on your work history. SSI pays up to $943/month in 2025. State disability (DIP-NC) pays 50% of your salary, up to $3,000/month, for up to 365 days.
No, you must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2025, SGA is $1,550/month for most people. If your cancer limits your ability to work, you may qualify.
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You can earn up to $1,050/month in 2025 and still get SSI. SSDI has a trial work period.
You need medical records showing your cancer diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work. SSA may ask for more tests or a consultative exam.
SSA usually makes a decision in 3–5 months. Some cancers are fast-tracked. If denied, you can appeal, which may take longer.
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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Yes, if you have low income and assets, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid covers cancer treatment, hospital stays, and some home care.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI.
Yes, you must report changes in your condition or income to Social Security and other agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
You can get help from Social Security, your local DSS office, or the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) program. There are also nonprofit groups that offer free help.
