Fragile X Syndrome Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSDI requires work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Fragile X Syndrome can qualify if it meets these criteria and is documented by medical evidence. Both programs require you to meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and pass a disability review process [1].

• You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• SSDI: You need enough work credits based on your age and work history.
• SSI: Your income and resources must be below certain limits.
• Both programs use a five-step process to decide eligibility [2].

In North Carolina, people with Fragile X Syndrome may qualify for state disability benefits if they meet federal requirements. State employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) can get basic short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). To qualify, you need at least one year of creditable service in TSERS within the last 36 months. The DIP-NC plan pays up to 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days for short-term disability. If you remain disabled, long-term disability benefits may continue [3].

• Eligibility depends on years of service and plan requirements.
• State disability benefits are in addition to federal SSI/SSDI.
• Medicaid and Medicaid waivers are available for those who qualify based on income and disability [4].
• ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits [5].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI/SSDI.
• Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
• If you are a state employee, check with your HR for DIP-NC benefits.
• Explore ABLE accounts for savings [6].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis and treatment history for Fragile X Syndrome.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal, medical, and financial information [7].
• Step 3: If you are a state employee, contact your HR office to apply for DIP-NC disability benefits. You must have at least one year of creditable service in TSERS within the last 36 months [3].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services. You can also apply online or by phone [8].
• Step 5: If you want to save for disability-related expenses, open an ABLE account. This does not affect SSI/SSDI or Medicaid eligibility [5].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments [9].

• SSI/SSDI: Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who meet income and work requirements.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses [10].

• DIP-NC: Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees in TSERS. Pays up to 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days for short-term disability. Long-term benefits may continue if you remain disabled [3].
• Medicaid Waivers: Special programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Fragile X Syndrome. These waivers provide home and community-based services [4].
• ABLE Accounts: North Carolina offers ABLE accounts to help save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits [5].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work [11].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. The account can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses [5].

SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI limits depend on work credits and earnings. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size [12].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible [9].

• 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

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• NC Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

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

  Website

  For Medicaid and EIPD questions.

• Can Fragile X Syndrome qualify for SSI/SSDI in North Carolina?

  Yes, Fragile X Syndrome can qualify for SSI/SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA requirements. You must provide medical evidence and meet income/resource limits for SSI.

• What state disability benefits are available for Fragile X Syndrome in North Carolina?

  State employees in TSERS may get short-term and long-term disability benefits through DIP-NC. Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts are also available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?

  You can apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services, online, or by phone. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and residency.

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

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. North Carolina offers ABLE accounts for eligible residents.

• Do I need to report changes to my benefits?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties.

• What work incentives are available for people with disabilities in North Carolina?

  North Carolina offers work incentives through the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) program. These incentives help people with disabilities prepare for and find work.