Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You also need enough work credits based on your earnings. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, up to four credits per year. Most adults need 40 credits (10 years of work), but younger people may need fewer. You must also be earning less than $1,550 per month (non-blind) or $2,590 (blind) to meet the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. If you don’t have enough work credits, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is based on financial need and not work history[1][3][8].

North Carolina does not have a state-run short-term or long-term disability program for private workers, but public employees may qualify for benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). If you work for the state or as a teacher and are part of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS), you may get short-term disability (STD) after 60 days of disability and long-term disability (LTD) after a year, if you have enough creditable service. These benefits pay up to 50% of your monthly salary, capped at $3,000 per month for STD. State-specific programs are limited for private workers, so most people with COPD will rely on federal SSDI or SSI[2][7].

• Check if you meet SSDI work credit and medical requirements.
• Gather medical records showing your COPD diagnosis and how it limits your work.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• For state disability (if a public employee), contact your HR or retirement office[1][2][3].

• Step 1: Review SSDI eligibility. You need enough work credits and a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year.
• Step 2: Collect medical evidence. This includes doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment records for your COPD.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for SSI if you have low income and assets.
• Step 4: Wait for a decision. The North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your case and may ask for more information.
• Step 5: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Appeals include reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council.
• Step 6: If you are a state employee, check with your HR or retirement office for DIP-NC benefits. You must have at least one year of creditable service to qualify for STD, and more for LTD[1][2][3][7].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments if you have enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of receiving SSDI.
• Medicaid: May be available if you qualify for SSI or have low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help you return to work without losing benefits[5][8].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees and teachers in TSERS. STD pays up to 50% of salary (max $3,000/month) for up to a year after a 60-day waiting period. LTD pays after a year if you remain disabled and have enough service.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs for people with disabilities to get home and community-based services. These are not specific to COPD but may help with care needs[2][4][7].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. This can help cover costs related to COPD, like medical supplies or home modifications[6].

For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must earn less than $1,550/month (non-blind) or $2,590/month (blind) to qualify. For SSI, income limits are much lower and depend on your living situation. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual, but North Carolina may have a higher state supplement. Check with your local Social Security office for exact numbers[1][8].

If your income or work status changes, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. This includes returning to work, getting a raise, or starting a new job. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Always report changes promptly to avoid problems[1][5].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI, get help with claims.
• NC Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, food benefits, and other state programs.

• Can COPD qualify me for disability in North Carolina?

  Yes, COPD can qualify you for SSDI or SSI if it stops you from working and is expected to last at least a year. You must meet work credit and medical requirements. The Social Security Administration reviews your medical records to decide if your COPD is severe enough[1][3][8].

• How do I apply for disability benefits with COPD in North Carolina?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Gather medical records showing your COPD diagnosis and how it limits your work. If you are a state employee, check with your HR office for DIP-NC benefits[1][2][3].

• What medical evidence do I need for a COPD disability claim?

  You need doctor’s notes, test results (like spirometry), treatment records, and a statement from your doctor about how COPD limits your ability to work. The more detailed your records, the better your chance of approval[1][3].

• How long does it take to get a decision on a disability claim in North Carolina?

  It usually takes 3–6 months to get a decision from Social Security. If your claim is denied and you appeal, it can take longer. The North Carolina Disability Determination Services reviews your case and may ask for more information[1][3].

• Can I work while getting disability for COPD in North Carolina?

  You can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind). Social Security allows for unsuccessful work attempts if you try to return to work but stop within six months due to your COPD[1][5].