Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in North Carolina, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. This means your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. Children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the criteria and their parents meet certain requirements[4].

In North Carolina, state employees who are part of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may be eligible for short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). To get short-term disability (STD), you need at least one year of contributing membership service in TSERS within the last 36 months. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period, for up to 365 days. If you remain disabled, long-term disability (LTD) may begin after one year, paying a monthly benefit for as long as you qualify as disabled. Eligibility and benefit amounts may be limited if you have fewer than five years of creditable service[1].

• Check if your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome meets Social Security's disability definition.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If you are a state employee, contact your HR office about DIP-NC benefits.
• Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
• Explore work support programs like EIPD for job help.

• Step 1: Review the Social Security Administration's disability criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Make sure your condition is severe and expected to last at least 12 months[4].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, doctor's notes, and a detailed work history. These documents are crucial for your application.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Be ready to provide all required documents.
• Step 4: If you are a state employee, contact your HR office to learn about DIP-NC short-term and long-term disability benefits. Submit any required forms and medical evidence.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services office or online. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and may provide additional support services.
• Step 6: Contact the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) program for help with job training, finding work, and understanding work incentives.
• Step 7: Attend public input sessions or community meetings to learn about new programs and services for people with disabilities in North Carolina[2].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. After 24 months, you become eligible for Medicare[5].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources. SSI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after a 24-month waiting period from the start of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people, including those with disabilities. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, therapies, and support services[4].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees who are part of TSERS. STD pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period, for up to 365 days. LTD pays a monthly benefit for as long as you qualify as disabled[1].
• Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA): A Medicaid waiver program that provides home and community-based services for adults with disabilities who are medically fragile and at risk for institutionalization[8].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work, and provides support for job retention[3].
• North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD): Collects public input and helps shape future services and supports for people with disabilities in North Carolina[2].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free[3].

For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) and still be considered disabled. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors[4].

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. Keep records of all communications and payments[4].

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

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with federal disability benefits.
• NC Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with state benefits.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Website

  Get help with job training and work support.

• Can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) in North Carolina if it meets Social Security's definition of disability. You must show that your condition is severe, prevents you from working, and is expected to last at least 12 months[4].

• What state disability benefits are available for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in North Carolina?

  State employees in North Carolina may qualify for short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). These benefits are available if you are part of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS)[1].

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in North Carolina?

  You can apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Be sure to provide medical records and work history to support your application[4].

• What is the waiting period for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  For DIP-NC short-term disability, there is a 60-day waiting period before benefits start. For SSDI, there is a 5-month waiting period before payments begin. Medicare coverage starts after 24 months of receiving SSDI[1][5].

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Social Security has work incentives to help people with disabilities try working without losing benefits[4].