Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For SSI, your income and assets must be below certain limits. Cystic Fibrosis is listed as a qualifying condition if it causes severe impairment. Children with Cystic Fibrosis may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA’s definition of disability. Adults whose disability began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child benefits based on a parent’s record [4].

In North Carolina, adults with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid if their income is low enough. The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) offers home and community-based services to those who would otherwise need institutional care. State employees with Cystic Fibrosis may be eligible for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC), which provides short-term and long-term disability benefits. Eligibility for DIP-NC depends on years of service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). Employees with at least one year of service may get short-term disability after a 60-day waiting period, and long-term disability if they remain disabled after a year [1].

• Check if you meet federal disability criteria for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security.
• For Medicaid, contact your local Department of Social Services.
• For state employee disability, contact your HR office.
• For CAP/DA, ask your Medicaid case manager or local Area Agency on Aging.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the official NC ABLE program site.

• Step 1: Gather medical records showing your Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for Social Security disability (SSDI or SSI) online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal, medical, and work history details [4].
• Step 3: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Ask for help from a disability advocate if needed.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services. You may qualify for CAP/DA if you need home care and meet income and disability criteria [7].
• Step 5: If you are a state employee, contact your HR office to apply for DIP-NC benefits. You will need to provide medical documentation and proof of service [1].
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits [3].
• Step 7: Use work incentives if you want to try working. Programs like Ticket to Work can help you keep benefits while you test your ability to work [3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. After 24 months, you get Medicare [4][5].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for low-income people with disabilities. You may also get Medicaid [4].
• Medicare: Health coverage for those on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. In NC, this includes CAP/DA for home care [7].
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Benefits for adults whose disability began before age 22, based on a parent’s Social Security record [4].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees. STD pays 50% of salary (up to $3,000/month) after a 60-day wait. LTD pays after 12 months if still disabled [1].
• Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA): Medicaid waiver for home and community-based services for disabled adults at risk of institutionalization. Covers personal care, home modifications, and more [7].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. Offers counseling, training, and support [3].
• North Carolina Medicaid: Provides health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Contact your local DSS office for details [3].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility [3].

North Carolina offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for housing, education, transportation, and more. To open an account, visit the official NC ABLE program site [3].

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month in 2025 for an individual. For Medicaid, limits vary by program and household size. For CAP/DA, you must meet both income and disability criteria. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work (more than $1,620/month in 2025) [4].

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid right away. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits [3].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:30am–5:00pm Mon–Fri

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare questions.
• NC Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Hours: Varies by county

  Website

  For Medicaid and CAP/DA applications.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Hours: Varies

  Website

  For work and employment support.

• Can I get disability benefits for Cystic Fibrosis in North Carolina?

  Yes, if your Cystic Fibrosis meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state programs like CAP/DA or DIP-NC. Medical proof is required [4][1][7].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in North Carolina?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You will need medical records and personal information. The process can take several months [4].

• What is the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC)?

  DIP-NC is a state program for TSERS members. It provides short-term and long-term disability benefits. You must have at least one year of service to qualify [1].

• What is CAP/DA and who qualifies?

  CAP/DA is a Medicaid waiver for disabled adults who need home care. You must meet income and disability criteria. It covers services like personal care and home modifications [7].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits?

  Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients. Programs like Ticket to Work help you keep benefits while you try working [3].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for housing, education, and more [3].

• How long does it take to get disability benefits?