If you have heart disease in North Carolina, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and the Disability Income Plan (DIP-NC). These programs can help cover medical costs, provide income support, and connect you to community services.
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).
For more details, see the SSA’s benefits page: How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA (accessed 2025-11-06).
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).
Contact the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office or your local NCWorks Career Center for personalized help with applying for benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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You can get help from the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office, local NCWorks Career Centers, or the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities. They offer expert advice and support.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. The funds grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.
You can appeal the decision. Contact the agency that denied your benefits for information on the appeals process. You may also get help from a disability advocate or legal aid organization.
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.
