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North Carolina • Chronic Illness
People with kidney disease in North Carolina may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Eligibility depends on medical status, work history, and income. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To get federal disability benefits for kidney disease in North Carolina, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. You need a medical condition that stops you from working and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. You also need enough work credits, usually 40 total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. If you don’t have enough work credits, you may still qualify for SSI based on low income and assets. Children with kidney disease may qualify for benefits if a parent receives Social Security or if the child is disabled before age 22. The SSA uses a five-step process to decide if you qualify, including a review of your medical records and work history. [^1][^2]
In North Carolina, people with kidney disease may qualify for state disability benefits if they are state employees or teachers. The Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) offers short-term and long-term disability benefits for eligible state workers. To get short-term disability, you need at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) within the last 36 months. Short-term benefits pay 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period. Long-term benefits start after one year if you are still disabled. State employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits. North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care at home instead of in a facility. [^3][^4]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account if your disability started before age 26. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and use the funds for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Earnings in the account are tax-free. To open an account, visit the NC ABLE website or call 1-800-772-1213 for help. [^5]
For SSI in North Carolina, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple (2025). For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) and still be considered disabled. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For CAP/DA, you must be medically fragile and at risk for institutionalization. Check with your local Department of Social Services for exact limits.
If your health, income, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, report changes to your local Department of Social Services. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to set up a repayment plan or ask for a waiver. [^6]
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Department of Social Services for help with disability benefits. NCWorks Career Centers and EIPD offices also offer support.
Yes, if your kidney disease stops you from working for at least a year, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. State employees may also get benefits through DIP-NC. You need to meet medical and work history rules.
SSDI pays based on your work history. SSI pays up to $943 per month for an individual. DIP-NC pays up to $3,000 per month for state employees. Medicaid covers health care costs.
No, but severe kidney disease that stops you from working for at least a year can qualify. The SSA looks at your medical records and how your condition affects your ability to work.
Yes, there are work incentives for SSDI and SSI. You can earn some income without losing benefits. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.
It can take 3–6 months to get a decision on SSDI or SSI. State disability benefits may start after a 60-day waiting period. Medicaid can take several weeks to process.
A Medicaid waiver lets you get long-term care at home instead of in a facility. In North Carolina, CAP/DA is a waiver for people with disabilities. You must be medically fragile and at risk for institutionalization. Apply through your local Department of Social Services.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, if a parent receives Social Security or if the child is disabled before age 22. Children may get benefits as a dependent or as a disabled adult child.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one if your disability started before age 26. Visit the NC ABLE website or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
Yes, you must report changes in health, income, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
You can get help from Social Security, your local Department of Social Services, NCWorks Career Centers, or the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office.
