If you have diabetes in North Carolina, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, state disability programs, Medicaid, and other supports. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available for people with diabetes.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year and meet work credit requirements. For SSDI, you generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability starts. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your diabetes must meet SSA’s disability criteria. Both programs require that your diabetes prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals[1].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if your diabetes qualifies. They check if you are working, how severe your condition is, if it matches a listed impairment, if you can do past work, and if you can do any other work[3].
North Carolina offers disability benefits for state employees through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). If you are a public employee with at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS), you may qualify for short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000/month, after a 60-day waiting period, for up to one year. LTD pays a monthly benefit if you remain disabled after one year[2].
North Carolina also provides Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with diabetes, to help cover care and support services. These waivers may help with home and community-based services (HCBS) for those who qualify[4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the NC ABLE Program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including diabetes care[7].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit of $1,550/month (non-blind) or $2,590/month (blind)[1].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or fail to report changes. Report changes promptly to avoid penalties and ensure you get the right amount of benefits[1].
Contact your local Social Security office or state agency for help with your disability application. You can also get free help from disability advocates and legal aid organizations in North Carolina.
Yes, diabetes can qualify for SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least a year and meets SSA’s disability criteria. You must also meet the work credit requirements for SSDI[1][3].
The SGA limit for SSDI in North Carolina is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals and $2,590/month for blind individuals in 2025. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI[1].
You can apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. State employees should contact their HR or retirement system for DIP-NC benefits[1][2].
North Carolina offers disability benefits for state employees through DIP-NC. There are also Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with diabetes, to help cover care and support services[2][4].
Yes, if you have low income and meet eligibility requirements, you can get Medicaid in North Carolina. Medicaid covers diabetes care, supplies, and other medical needs[4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, including diabetes care[7].
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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The time to get disability benefits varies. SSDI/SSI applications can take several months to process. State disability benefits for employees may have different timelines[1][2].
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days of the decision. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing[1].
Yes, there are work incentives for SSDI/SSI recipients. You can work and earn some income without losing benefits, but you must not exceed the SGA limit[1].
Yes, children with diabetes may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, and other state programs. Contact your local Department of Social Services for more information[4].
