Huntington’s Disease Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. Huntington’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the disability definition. Children with Huntington’s Disease may qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security benefits. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s record. ^1

• SSDI: Must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and meet the work credit requirement.
• SSI: Must have low income and resources, and meet the disability definition.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Must be unmarried, have a disability before age 22, and meet the adult disability definition.

In North Carolina, public employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). If you have at least one year of creditable service in TSERS, you can get short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. LTD pays a monthly benefit if you remain disabled after a year. ^2

• Eligibility depends on years of service and meeting plan requirements.
• If you have fewer than five years of service, benefits may be limited.
• Private sector employees may access state disability through employer plans or private insurance.

• Check if you meet SSDI or SSI eligibility.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• For state disability, contact your employer or HR department.
• For Medicaid, apply through your local Department of Social Services.
• For work support, contact Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD).

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI, SSI, and state disability plans. Huntington’s Disease is a qualifying condition for SSDI.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, work history, and personal information.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: If you are a public employee, check with your HR department about DIP-NC or NCFlex disability plans.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services. You may qualify for Medicaid waivers for home care.
• Step 6: Contact EIPD for work support and benefits counseling.
• Step 7: Explore ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits.
• Step 8: Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

Each step may require different documents and forms. See the official links for details.

• 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 if you have limited income and resources and meet the disability definition.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Available if you meet income and disability requirements.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): For adults with a disability that began before age 22, based on a parent’s Social Security record.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help you work while receiving benefits.

These programs can help cover medical costs, living expenses, and long-term care.

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for public employees in TSERS. 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.
• NCFlex Voluntary Disability Plan: Allows public employees to supplement basic STD/LTD coverage.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like CAP/DA provide home and community-based services for disabled adults at risk of institutionalization.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Offers work support and benefits counseling.
• ABLE Accounts: Let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits.

These programs can help with income replacement, medical costs, and long-term care.

ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. See the official ABLE account guide for details.

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month (2025). For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot have substantial earnings. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For ABLE accounts, you can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit). See the official guides for current limits.

Report any changes in income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reduction. See the official guide for how to report changes and avoid overpayments.

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

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI, get help with benefits.
• NC Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Website

  Get work support and benefits counseling.
• NC Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with benefits.

• Does Huntington’s Disease qualify for SSDI in North Carolina?

  Yes, Huntington’s Disease is a qualifying condition for SSDI if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You must have enough work credits and be unable to work for at least 12 months.

• Can I get Medicaid with Huntington’s Disease in North Carolina?

  Yes, if you meet income and disability requirements. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and long-term care. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for home care.

• What state disability benefits are available for public employees in North Carolina?

  Public employees in TSERS may qualify for DIP-NC, which provides short-term and long-term disability benefits. 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.

• 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 will need medical records, work history, and personal information.

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

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free.

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

  Yes, there are work incentives and programs to help you work while receiving benefits. Contact EIPD for work support and benefits counseling.