Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) with Parkinson’s Disease, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security or if they have a qualifying disability that began before age 22 [4].

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). Eligibility depends on years of creditable service. Employees with at least one year of contributing membership in TSERS (within the last 36 months) may receive short-term disability (STD) benefits after a 60-day waiting period. STD pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. If disabled longer, long-term disability (LTD) benefits may apply [1].

North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which may support those with Parkinson’s Disease who need home and community-based services [2].

Eligibility for state programs may vary based on employment status, income, and service history.

• Gather medical records showing Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and impact on work.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSDI or SSI.
• If you are a state employee, check with your HR for DIP-NC eligibility.
• Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
• Explore Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how Parkinson’s Disease affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal, work, and medical information [4].
• Step 3: If you are a state employee, contact your HR department to apply for DIP-NC benefits. You may need to provide proof of disability and service history [1].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services. You can also call NC Medicaid at 1-888-245-0179 for assistance [3].
• Step 5: If you need home and community-based services, apply for a Medicaid waiver. Contact your local DSS office or visit the state Medicaid website for details [2].
• Step 6: Consider applying for an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits [3].
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, employment, or health to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility [3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. After 24 months, you become eligible for Medicare [4][6].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid [4].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI. Covers hospital, medical, and prescription drug costs [6].
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. SSI recipients are often automatically eligible for Medicaid [4].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with at least one year of contributing membership in TSERS. STD pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. LTD benefits may apply after 365 days [1][5].
• Medicaid Waivers: North Carolina offers Medicaid waivers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which may support those with Parkinson’s Disease who need home and community-based services [2].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. Contact EIPD at 1-800-689-9090 for assistance [3].
• North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD): Provides advocacy and support for people with disabilities. Attend public input sessions to help shape future services [2].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free [3].

For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings record [4].

It is important to report any changes in income, employment, or health to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility for benefits. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Contact Social Security or your local Department of Social Services to report changes [3].

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

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI
• NC Medicaid
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with benefits
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Website

  Get help with work and benefits

• What federal benefits can I get with Parkinson’s Disease in North Carolina?

  You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if Parkinson’s Disease prevents you from working. SSDI requires work credits, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments and may lead to Medicaid or Medicare eligibility [4].

• Does North Carolina have state disability benefits for Parkinson’s Disease?

  Yes, state employees may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) if they have at least one year of contributing membership in TSERS. DIP-NC provides short-term and long-term disability benefits based on salary and service history [1][5].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina with Parkinson’s Disease?

  Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services. You can also call NC Medicaid at 1-888-245-0179. Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities [3].

• What is a Medicaid waiver, and how can it help me?

  A Medicaid waiver allows people with disabilities to receive home and community-based services instead of institutional care. North Carolina offers waivers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which may support those with Parkinson’s Disease who need extra help [2].

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and still receive benefits, but you must report any changes in income or employment. Contact Social Security or EIPD for details on work incentives [3][4].