North Carolinians with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and specialized state programs. Eligibility depends on the severity of your condition, income, and work history. This guide explains what’s available, how to apply, and where to get help in NC.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, you must have a medically documented condition that severely limits your ability to work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from past jobs. For SSI, your income and assets must be very low. Your condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of impairments; if your OCD is severe enough, it may qualify. Your case will be reviewed by the North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS), which uses a five-step process to decide if you meet federal disability standards[2]. The process considers your medical evidence, ability to work, and whether you can adjust to other work.
North Carolina state employees and teachers may qualify for short-term (STD) and long-term (LTD) disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Eligibility depends on your years of service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). For STD, you generally need at least one year of membership service within the last 36 months. Benefits start after a 60-day waiting period and pay up to 50% of your salary, max $3,000/month for up to one year. LTD may continue if you’re still disabled after a year. Non-state employees should focus on federal programs or Medicaid options. State-specific programs for mental health disabilities like OCD are limited; Medicaid waivers (like CAP/DA) may help if you’re at risk of institutionalization, but these are not OCD-specific[1][6]. For most people with OCD, federal benefits and Medicaid are the main pathways.
Start by gathering your medical records, work history, and financial information. Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. For North Carolina state employee disability, contact your human resources department. For Medicaid, apply online at NC Medicaid or through your county DSS office. Use the North Carolina DB101 tools to estimate benefits and learn how work affects your eligibility[4].
1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, therapist or psychiatrist notes, treatment history, and any work records. For SSDI, have your earnings history ready. For SSI, gather proof of income, assets, and living expenses. 2. Complete the Application: For SSI/SSDI, fill out the online Social Security Disability application at ssa.gov. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. The process includes a detailed medical review by North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS)[2]. For state employee disability, submit forms through your employer’s HR. 3. Submit Evidence: Provide all requested documents. The DDS may ask for more information or schedule a consultative exam. 4. Track Your Claim: Check your status online or by phone. Appeals are possible if denied. 5. Explore Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you’ll likely get Medicaid automatically. Otherwise, apply separately through NC Medicaid or your county DSS. 6. Seek Help: Contact Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) or local NCWorks Career Centers for employment and benefit counseling. Use the DB101 NC plan to see how work and benefits interact[4]. 7. Consider Appeals: If denied, you can appeal. Get help from legal aid or a disability attorney if needed.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For low-income individuals with disabilities, including severe OCD. SSI provides monthly cash assistance and usually comes with automatic Medicaid eligibility in North Carolina. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who’ve worked and paid into Social Security. SSDI pays monthly benefits and, after a 24-month waiting period, includes Medicare[5]. Medicare: Health insurance for people receiving SSDI after 24 months. Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including many SSI recipients. Work Incentives: Both SSI and SSDI have programs to help you return to work without losing benefits. Learn more in our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): For state employees and teachers with enough creditable service. Provides short-term (up to 50% salary, max $3,000/month for one year) and long-term disability benefits after a 60-day waiting period[1]. Medicaid Waivers: North Carolina’s Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) offers home- and community-based services for those at risk of institutionalization, but availability and eligibility are limited[6]. Employment Support: The EIPD program helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. Local NCWorks Career Centers and the Division of Services for the Blind also offer employment services. There are no state-specific cash assistance programs for mental health disabilities like OCD outside of these systems.
North Carolina ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Funds can be used for qualifying disability expenses. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI has strict income and asset limits—generally, you can’t have more than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples) and your income must be very low. SSDI does not have income or asset limits, but you must have enough work credits. Medicaid income limits vary; many SSI recipients qualify automatically. ABLE accounts can help you save without affecting eligibility.
If you get too much SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes in your income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration and NC Medicaid. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips.
Contact NC DB101, NC EIPD, or your local NCWorks Career Center for free help with applications, appeals, and benefits planning. You don’t have to do this alone—North Carolina has resources to guide you.
Working may affect your benefits, but North Carolina has programs to help you keep more of what you earn and transition back to work safely. Use the SSI Income Estimator and SSI & SSDI Work Incentives to plan ahead.
Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. State employees may also qualify for short-term or long-term disability through DIP-NC[1][2].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person. Gather medical records and proof of income. Your claim will be reviewed by North Carolina Disability Determination Services[2][4].
Working can affect your SSI and SSDI benefits, but there are work incentives and programs to help you transition back to work. Use DB101 NC’s tools to estimate how work impacts your benefits[4].
North Carolina Medicaid covers mental health services, and CAP/DA provides home- and community-based waivers for those at risk of institutionalization, but these are not specific to OCD[6].
DIP-NC provides disability benefits to state employees and teachers with enough service credits. Benefits start after a 60-day waiting period and may continue if you remain disabled[1].
SSI has strict asset limits, but ABLE accounts allow you to save without losing eligibility. Learn more in our [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) guide.
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 have the right to appeal. Contact a disability attorney or legal aid for help. Many people are approved after appealing.
Yes, the EIPD program, NCWorks Career Centers, and the Division of Services for the Blind offer employment support for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions[4].
It can take several months to over a year, depending on your case and whether you need to appeal. Track your claim online and respond quickly to requests for information.
If you get SSI, you’ll usually get Medicaid. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months. Some people qualify for both, which is called “dual eligibility.” See our [Medicaid vs Medicare](/guides/medicaid-vs-medicare) guide.
