Heart Disease Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, including heart disease, to decide if your condition is severe enough. You must also meet the work credit requirement, which depends on your age and how long you have worked. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof of your disability and regular reporting of changes in your situation.

For more details, see the SSA’s eligibility page: How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA (accessed 2025-11-06).

In North Carolina, state employees who are part of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for the Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC). This plan provides short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits. To be eligible for STD, you need at least one year of creditable service in TSERS within the 36 months before your disability. The STD benefit is 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. If you remain disabled after a year, you may qualify for LTD benefits. Non-state employees may still qualify for other state programs like Medicaid waivers and community-based services.

For more details, see the NC State Human Resources Disability Benefits Guide: Disability - NC State Human Resources (accessed 2025-11-06).

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov or by phone.
• Contact your local Department of Social Services for Medicaid.
• If you are a state employee, check with your HR for DIP-NC.
• Use the DB101 NC Benefits Estimator for personalized help.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment, and how your heart disease affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also apply in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 3: For Medicaid, contact your local Department of Social Services or call 1-888-245-0179. You may need to provide proof of income and disability.
• Step 4: If you are a state employee, talk to your HR about the Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC) and how to apply.
• Step 5: Use the DB101 NC Benefits Estimator to see how work affects your benefits and get personalized advice.
• Step 6: Attend public input sessions or contact the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities for support and updates on state programs.
• Step 7: Keep all records and report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments if you have a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments for people with limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Ticket to Work: Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

For more details, see the SSA’s benefits page: How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA (accessed 2025-11-06).

• Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC): Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with heart disease. STD pays 50% of salary up to $3,000/month for up to 365 days. LTD pays a monthly benefit if you remain disabled after a year.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs like CAP/DA provide home and community-based services for disabled adults, including those with heart disease.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.
• North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD): Collects public input and supports services for people with disabilities.

For more details, see the NC State Human Resources Disability Benefits Guide: Disability - NC State Human Resources (accessed 2025-11-06) and the Medicaid CAP/DA page: Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) (accessed 2025-11-06).

ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. The account can be used for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the funds grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

For more details, see the ABLE National Resource Center: ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-06).

For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict 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 you are blind). For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Use the DB101 NC Benefits Estimator to see how your income affects your eligibility.

For more details, see the SSA’s SSI page: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (accessed 2025-11-06).

It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs as soon as possible. Keep records of all communications and payments. If you have questions, contact the agency or use the DB101 NC Benefits Estimator for help.

For more details, see the SSA’s reporting page: Reporting Changes to Social Security (accessed 2025-11-06).

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

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI and get help with reporting changes.
• North Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other state benefits.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Website

  Get help preparing for and finding work.

• What federal benefits can I get for heart disease in North Carolina?

  You may qualify for SSDI if you have a work history and meet the disability criteria. SSI is available for those with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof of your disability and regular reporting of changes.

• Does North Carolina have state disability benefits for heart disease?

  State employees may qualify for the Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC), which provides short-term and long-term disability benefits. Non-state employees may qualify for Medicaid waivers and community-based services.

• 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 local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history.

• What is the Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC) and who is eligible?

  DIP-NC provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with heart disease. To be eligible, you need at least one year of creditable service in TSERS within the 36 months before your disability.

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

  Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount. For SSI, there are strict income limits. Use the DB101 NC Benefits Estimator to see how work affects your benefits.

• What Medicaid waivers are available for heart disease in North Carolina?

  North Carolina offers Medicaid waivers like CAP/DA, which provide home and community-based services for disabled adults, including those with heart disease. These programs help avoid institutionalization and support independent living.