People with Muscular Dystrophy in North Carolina can access federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid waivers, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key support resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For Muscular Dystrophy, this means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Adults must be unable to do any substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). Children under 18 may qualify if their condition meets the SSA’s childhood disability criteria. Benefits include SSI (for low-income individuals) and SSDI (for those with work history) [4].
In North Carolina, adults with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for Medicaid waivers like the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), which provides home and community-based services to avoid institutionalization. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and functional need. State employees with Muscular Dystrophy may also qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC), which offers short-term and long-term disability benefits if they have at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) [1].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account through the NC ABLE Program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing [3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. For CAP/DA, income and asset limits apply based on functional need and program rules [7].
It is important to report any changes in income, employment, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to understand how work affects your benefits [3].
Contact the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) for expert help with benefits applications and work planning.
People with Muscular Dystrophy in North Carolina can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history, while SSI is for low-income individuals. Both programs provide monthly payments and access to health coverage [4].
To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, contact your local Department of Social Services or apply online at ePass.nc.gov. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability. Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities [3].
CAP/DA is a Medicaid waiver program in North Carolina that provides home and community-based services for disabled adults at risk of institutionalization. Services include personal care, home modifications, and respite care. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and functional need [7].
Yes, state employees in North Carolina with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). This plan offers short-term and long-term disability benefits if you have at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) [1].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account through the NC ABLE Program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility [3].
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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Working while disabled can affect your SSI and SSDI benefits. Social Security has work incentives that allow some to keep benefits while working. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for more information [3].
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) provides assistive technology services for people with disabilities. Services include device loans, demonstrations, and training. NCATP is funded by state and federal sources [2].
Report changes in income, employment, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more information [3].
North Carolina’s Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. EIPD offers job training, placement, and support services [3].
Yes, North Carolina offers the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) for state employees. This plan provides short-term and long-term disability benefits if you have at least one year of creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) [1].
