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North Carolina • Chronic Illness
People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in North Carolina may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs and Medicaid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and additional supports.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in North Carolina, you must meet Social Security's medical and work requirements. For SSDI, you need enough work credits based on your age and recent work history. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, up to four per year. Most adults need 20 credits in the last 10 years and 40 total credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must prevent substantial work. The SGA threshold in 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Medical evidence must show your condition is severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1][6].
North Carolina has additional programs for people with disabilities. Public employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Eligibility depends on years of creditable service. If you have at least one year of service, you may receive short-term disability (STD) benefits after a 60-day waiting period. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to a year. If you remain disabled, long-term disability (LTD) benefits may follow. State employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits[2][7]. North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis live independently[3].
Collect Documentation: Get medical records that show your diagnosis, symptoms, and how Myalgic Encephalomyelitis limits your ability to work. Include doctor notes, test results, and treatment history.
Check Eligibility: Review SSDI and SSI requirements. For SSDI, confirm you have enough work credits. For SSI, check income and resource limits.
Apply for Federal Benefits: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Submit all required forms and medical evidence.
Apply for State Benefits: If you are a state employee, contact your HR office to apply for DIP-NC. If you have low income, apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
Follow Up: Respond to any requests for more information. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
Get Help: Use resources like Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) for support with applications and work incentives[1][4][2].
Federal disability programs in North Carolina include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history and a severe disability. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof that your disability prevents substantial work. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare. SSI recipients may qualify for Medicaid[5][6].
North Carolina offers the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) for public employees in TSERS. If you have at least one year of creditable service, you may receive short-term disability benefits after a 60-day waiting period. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to a year. If you remain disabled, long-term disability benefits may follow. State employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits. North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis live independently[2][7][3].
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 began before age 26. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Learn more about ABLE accounts and eligibility[internal_link: /guides/able-accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. North Carolina may have additional rules for Medicaid and other programs. Earnings above the SGA threshold ($1,550/month) may affect SSDI eligibility. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments[1][6].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the official reporting channels and keep records of all communications. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[internal_link: /guides/overpayments-and-reporting].
Contact Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090 for free help with applications and work incentives[4].
Yes, if your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working and you meet the work credit requirements. You must provide medical evidence showing your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1][6].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI. Blind individuals have a higher limit of $2,590 per month[1].
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 to provide medical records and work history[1][4].
Public employees in TSERS may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). If you have at least one year of service, you may receive short-term disability benefits after a 60-day waiting period. LTD benefits may follow if you remain disabled[2][7].
Yes, if you have low income and meet other eligibility requirements. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and home and community-based services[3].
The process can take several months to over a year. It depends on how quickly you provide documentation and whether your claim is approved or needs an appeal[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can appeal within 60 days. The appeals process includes reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council. Get help from a disability advocate if needed[1].
Yes, Social Security offers work incentives like the Ticket to Work program. These help you try to work without losing benefits. Contact EIPD for support[internal_link: /guides/work-incentives].
Yes, if your disability began before age 26. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[internal_link: /guides/able-accounts].
SSDI is based on work history and requires work credits. SSI is based on financial need and is for people with limited income and resources[internal_link: /guides/ssi-ssdi].
