Hard of Hearing Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you need to have earned enough work credits based on your employment history. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to determine eligibility. Hearing loss can qualify if it meets SSA’s criteria for disability.

• SSDI: Generally requires 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability begins.
• SSI: No work credits needed, but strict income and asset limits apply.
• Both programs require a medical evaluation to confirm disability status.

Source: SSA

In North Carolina, people who are hard of hearing may qualify for state disability benefits if they are state employees or teachers covered by the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). The Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for eligible employees. To qualify, you must have at least one year of contributing membership service in TSERS within the 36 months before your disability. State disability benefits may be limited if you have fewer than five years of creditable service.

North Carolina also offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing. These programs can help pay for hearing aids, assistive devices, and other supports. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income, resources, and disability status.

Source: NC State Human Resources Source: NC Medicaid

• Gather medical records and proof of hearing loss.
• Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI and state disability plans.
• Contact Social Security to start your federal application.
• Apply for North Carolina Medicaid if you need health coverage.
• Reach out to your employer’s HR for state disability benefits.
• Explore Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.

• Step 1: Get a medical evaluation from an audiologist or ENT to document your hearing loss. This report is needed for all applications.
• Step 2: Check if you qualify for SSDI or SSI by reviewing your work history and income. Use the SSA’s online tools or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Submit all required documents, including medical records.
• Step 4: If you are a state employee or teacher, contact your HR department to apply for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). You’ll need to provide proof of service and disability.
• Step 5: Apply for North Carolina Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services or online. Medicaid can cover hearing aids and other assistive devices.
• Step 6: Look into Medicaid waivers for additional services. These waivers can provide home and community-based supports.
• Step 7: Consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• Step 8: Report any changes in your income, work status, or health to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA Source: NC State Human Resources Source: NC Medicaid

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who are disabled and have a work history. After 24 months, you may qualify for Medicare.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with low income and limited resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.

Source: SSA Source: Medicare Source: Medicaid

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for eligible state employees and teachers. Short-term benefits start after 60 days of disability and pay up to $3,000 per month for up to a year. Long-term benefits begin after a year and continue as long as you are disabled.
• North Carolina Medicaid: Covers health care, including hearing aids and assistive devices, for eligible people with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.

Source: NC State Human Resources Source: NC Medicaid

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits.

Source: NC ABLE

Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the individual resource limit is $2,000 and the couple limit is $3,000. SSDI has no resource limit, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. North Carolina Medicaid has its own income and resource limits, which vary by program.

Source: SSA Source: NC Medicaid

You must report changes in your income, work status, or health to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your situation changes. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay the money. Contact Social Security or your state agency if you have questions.

Source: SSA Source: NC Medicaid

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• North Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Hours: Varies by county

  Website

  For Medicaid and state benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits if I am hard of hearing in North Carolina?

  Yes, if your hearing loss meets federal or state disability criteria, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state disability plans. Medical documentation is required to prove your disability.

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

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income.

• What state disability benefits are available for hard of hearing people in NC?

  State employees and teachers may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Medicaid and Medicaid waivers are also available for eligible residents.

• Does North Carolina Medicaid cover hearing aids?

  Yes, North Carolina Medicaid covers hearing aids and other assistive devices for eligible people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while you work. Report any changes to avoid overpayments.

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

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, and other qualified costs.