Panic Disorder Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Panic Disorder is listed as a qualifying mental health condition if it severely limits your ability to work. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. Children with Panic Disorder may qualify for benefits if the disability began before age 22 or if a parent receives Social Security benefits. [^1][^2]

In North Carolina, state employees who participate in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). This plan provides short-term and long-term disability benefits if you have at least one year of creditable service. If you have fewer than five years of service, benefits may be limited. Panic Disorder can qualify if it meets the plan’s medical criteria. Medicaid waivers like CAP/DA are available for adults needing home and community-based services. [^3][^4]

• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to start an SSI or SSDI application.
• Contact your local Department of Social Services for Medicaid or SNAP.
• For state disability benefits, talk to your employer’s HR department.
• Use the DB101 Benefits Planning Estimator to check your eligibility. [^5]

• Step 1: Gather medical records that show your Panic Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI) online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to answer questions about your medical condition and work history.
• Step 3: If you are a state employee, ask your HR department about DIP-NC and NCFlex disability plans.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or SNAP through your local Department of Social Services.
• Step 5: If you need home and community-based services, ask about the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA).
• Step 6: Use the DB101 Benefits Planning Estimator to see how work affects your benefits.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments. [^5][^6][^7]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Benefits for adults whose disability began before age 22 and whose parent receives Social Security benefits. [^1][^2]

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with at least one year of creditable service.
• Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA): Medicaid waiver for home and community-based services for adults at risk of institutionalization.
• NCFlex Disability Plan: Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance for state employees.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Help with job training and finding work for people with disabilities. [^3][^4][^8]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses like therapy, education, and housing. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. [^9]

SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual. North Carolina may have additional rules for Medicaid and SNAP. Work incentives allow you to keep some benefits while working. [^10]

You must report changes in income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you work or get other benefits. Report changes promptly to Social Security and your state agency. [^11]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and questions.
• North Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-662-7030

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other state benefits.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Website

  For help with work and disability benefits planning.

• Can Panic Disorder qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, Panic Disorder can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence and meet federal or state requirements.

• What state disability benefits are available for Panic Disorder in North Carolina?

  State employees may get benefits through DIP-NC or NCFlex. Medicaid waivers like CAP/DA are available for home and community-based services.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with Panic Disorder in North Carolina?

  Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and information about your work history.

• What is the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC)?

  DIP-NC provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with at least one year of creditable service. Benefits are paid if you are disabled due to a medical condition like Panic Disorder.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for Panic Disorder?

  Yes, work incentives allow you to keep some benefits while working. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.

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

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.