People with epilepsy in North Carolina can qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, and support resources.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition like epilepsy that stops you from working for at least 12 months. You need to meet Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements, including work credits for SSDI and income/asset limits for SSI. The SSA reviews your medical records and work history to decide if you qualify. If your epilepsy is severe enough to prevent any substantial work, you may be eligible for benefits [1].
In North Carolina, people with epilepsy may qualify for state disability benefits if they are state employees or teachers in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). TSERS members can get basic short-term and long-term disability (STD/LTD) through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). If you have at least one year of creditable service in TSERS, you may get up to 50% of your monthly salary (max $3,000/month) for up to a year after a 60-day waiting period. After a year, long-term disability benefits may continue if you remain disabled [2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Contact your local EIPD office for help [7].
SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Check with your local Department of Social Services for exact numbers [5].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits and how to report changes [8].
Contact the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090 for help with applications and support.
Yes, if your epilepsy is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI. State employees may also get extra benefits through DIP-NC or NCFlex.
Gather medical records, call Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI, and contact your HR if you are a state employee. You can also apply for Medicaid and get help from local agencies.
You need a doctor’s diagnosis, seizure frequency records, and details on how epilepsy limits your daily life and work. The SSA will review your medical records to decide if you qualify.
Yes, state employees and teachers in TSERS may get short-term and long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC. Others may qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid waivers if they have low income or other disabilities.
SSI pays up to $943/month for an individual in 2025. SSDI pays based on your work history. DIP-NC pays up to $3,000/month for state employees. Medicaid and food benefits may also be available.
Yes, but there are limits. SSI has strict income rules, and SSDI has a trial work period. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits.
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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An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for medical care, education, and housing.
Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Medicaid. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes.
Medicaid waivers are mainly for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but some people with epilepsy may qualify if they have other qualifying conditions.
Contact Social Security, your local Department of Social Services, or the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) for help with applications and support.
