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North Carolina • Learning
People with dyslexia in North Carolina may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special education supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, dyslexia must be severe enough to prevent substantial work or learning. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability. Adults with dyslexia that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. All applicants must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which includes medical evidence and functional limitations [4].
In North Carolina, dyslexia may qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Students with dyslexia can receive Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans. Adults with dyslexia may qualify for state disability benefits if they are state employees through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). To qualify, you must have at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) and meet plan requirements. DIP-NC provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for qualifying disabilities, including those that affect learning and work [1].
Federal programs for dyslexia include SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. SSI provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources. SSDI pays benefits to those with a qualifying work history. Medicaid covers health care for low-income individuals. Children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria. Adults with dyslexia that began before age 22 may qualify for DAC benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. All programs require proof of disability and meeting income/resource limits [4].
North Carolina offers several programs for people with dyslexia. State employees may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC), which provides short-term and long-term disability benefits. DIP-NC requires at least one year of creditable service in TSERS. The state also provides special education services under IDEA, including IEPs and 504 Plans for students with dyslexia. Medicaid waivers, such as the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), offer home and community-based services for eligible adults. North Carolina also has ABLE accounts for saving disability-related expenses [1][6][8].
North Carolina offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Learn more at the official ABLE website or through your state’s ABLE program [6].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Check with your local Department of Social Services for exact limits [4].
If you get SSI or SSDI, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if there’s a mistake. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your reports and communications with Social Security [4].
Contact the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090 for expert help with disability benefits in North Carolina.
Yes, if dyslexia is severe enough to prevent substantial work or learning, it can qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability, including medical evidence and functional limitations [4].
Students with dyslexia in North Carolina can get special education services under IDEA, including IEPs and 504 Plans. These plans provide tailored support to help students succeed in school [1].
If you are a state employee, contact your HR to apply for DIP-NC benefits. You need at least one year of creditable service in TSERS and must meet plan requirements [1].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses [6].
Yes, adults with dyslexia may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and resource limits. Medicaid covers health care and may include home and community-based services through waivers like CAP/DA [8].
CAP/DA is a Medicaid program that provides home and community-based services for disabled adults at risk of institutionalization. It helps people with disabilities live independently in their communities [8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Work incentives let people with disabilities keep SSI or SSDI benefits while working. These include trial work periods, continued Medicaid coverage, and help with work expenses [4].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both require proof of disability, but SSDI has no income limit, only a work credit requirement [4].
Yes, children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria. Benefits are based on the child’s disability and family income [4].
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision with help from a disability advocate or attorney. You must file your appeal within 60 days of the denial notice [4].
