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North Carolina • Neurological/Developmental
North Carolina offers federal and state benefits for people with Cerebral Palsy, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, short- and long-term disability plans for state employees, and ABLE accounts. Navigating these programs involves checking eligibility, gathering documents, and applying directly with each agency for comprehensive support.
To qualify for SSI, you must have low income and limited resources, and you must have a severe disability (such as Cerebral Palsy) that meets Social Security’s definition, or be the child of a recipient with similar requirements for medical severity and household resources. SSI is a needs-based program, so income and asset limits apply. For SSDI, you and/or your parents must have paid enough into Social Security and meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability. You also may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if you are disabled before age 22 and your parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[4]. In this case, your own work history does not matter, but you cannot have substantial earnings ($1,620/month in 2025 for a DAC).[4]
State employees in North Carolina may be eligible for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC), which provides short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits if you are a participant in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). To qualify for STD, you generally need at least one year of contributing membership service in the last 36 months. STD pays 50% of your salary (up to $3,000/month) after a 60-day waiting period, for up to one year. If you are still disabled, you may qualify for LTD, which begins after STD ends and requires continued eligibility. Note: eligibility and benefit amounts depend on years of service and plan rules[1]. For Medicaid, North Carolina offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with developmental disabilities like Cerebral Palsy, but enrollment may be limited and waiting lists can be long—contact your local Department of Social Services for details[2].
SSI helps people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged. For children with severe Cerebral Palsy, SSI can provide critical monthly income and access to Medicaid. SSDI is for those with a sufficient work history (or, for Disabled Adult Children, a parent’s work history) and a qualifying disability[4]. Medicare begins after a 24-month waiting period for SSDI recipients[5]. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid—national ABLE rules apply in NC, but each state’s details vary.
North Carolina offers Medicaid waivers for home- and community-based services (HCBS), which can fund supports for daily living, therapies, and respite care for people with Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities[2]. State employees have access to the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC), which provides short-term (up to 50% of salary, max $3,000/month) and long-term disability benefits after a waiting period, depending on years of service[1]. Work supports are available through Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD), which helps with job training, placement, and benefits counseling[3]. The state also participates in the ABLE Act, allowing tax-advantaged savings for disability expenses. Always check with your county DSS for the latest on waiver openings and eligibility criteria.
North Carolina ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Earnings and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. ABLE accounts are especially helpful for people with Cerebral Palsy who receive SSI or Medicaid. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits—in 2025, a single person can generally have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, and income limits depend on your living situation. SSDI has no asset limit, but you cannot perform substantial gainful activity ($1,550/month for non-blind in 2025). For Disabled Adult Child benefits, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month in 2025[4]. Medicaid in NC also has income and asset limits.
If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits. Use our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips and checklists.
North Carolina is gathering public input for its next Five-Year State Plan (2027–2031). If you want to advocate for better services for Cerebral Palsy, attend an NCCDD Listening Session (see schedule online). Your voice matters[2].
NC Medicaid waiver availability and waiting lists change often—contact your county DSS directly for the latest information and to request a functional eligibility screening.
EIPD helps North Carolinians with disabilities—including Cerebral Palsy—prepare for and find work, while offering benefits counseling and work incentives support. Call 1-800-689-9090 to connect with local services[3].
Yes, if your child meets SSI’s strict disability and financial criteria, they may receive monthly cash and Medicaid. Asset and income limits apply to the household. Medical evidence is required to prove the severity of the condition.
Work may reduce your SSI payment, but not right away. Special work incentives and exclusions apply. Contact EIPD (1-800-689-9090) or see our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
Waivers can pay for in-home supports, therapies, respite care, and more. Demand is high and waiting lists are common—contact your local DSS for current status and eligibility rules.
If you participate in TSERS, you may qualify for short-term (up to 50% of salary, max $3,000/month) and long-term disability benefits after a waiting period, based on your years of service[1].
Yes, through a North Carolina ABLE account. Earnings and withdrawals for disability expenses are tax-free and do not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
SSI is needs-based (income/assets matter); SSDI requires work credits (or a parent’s for children). See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide.
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and does not guarantee eligibility or benefits. Always check with official agencies for the latest rules, application procedures, and benefit amounts.
Call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) for SSI/SSDI, NC Medicaid (1-888-245-0179) for waivers, and your county DSS for Medicaid details.
You may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits on a parent’s Social Security record, even if you never worked[4].
Report any changes in income, living situation, or health immediately to avoid overpayments. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) guide.
Contact NC’s Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090, your local DSS, or a benefits specialist for counseling[3].
