Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition like PTSD that stops you from working for at least a year. You also need enough work credits. In 2025, most adults need 20 credits in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. If you earn too much from work (over $1,550/month in 2025), you may not qualify. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history[1][3][7].

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if your PTSD is disabling. They check if you are working, how severe your condition is, if it matches a listed impairment, if you can do past work, and if you can do any other work[3].

North Carolina state employees may qualify for disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) if they have enough creditable service in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). For example, you need at least one year of service in the last 36 months to get short-term disability (STD) benefits. STD pays 50% of your salary, up to $3,000/month, for up to a year. If you stay disabled, you may get long-term disability (LTD) after that[2][5].

Other state programs may help with work, Medicaid, and more. Contact your local Department of Social Services or the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) for details[4].

• Gather medical records for your PTSD.
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to start your SSDI or SSI claim.
• If you are a state employee, ask your HR about DIP-NC or NCFlex disability plans.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local office.
• Follow up and keep copies of all paperwork[1][4].

• Get medical proof: See a doctor and get records that show your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the work credit and income rules for SSDI or SSI[1][3][7].
• Start your application: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at SSA.gov, or visit a local office. For state disability, talk to your HR if you are a public employee[1][4][2].
• Fill out forms: Complete all required forms, including medical and work history. Be honest and detailed.
• Wait for a decision: The Social Security Administration will review your case. This may take several months.
• Appeal if needed: If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Ask for help from a disability advocate if needed[1][3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who can’t work due to a disability like PTSD and have enough work credits[1][3][7].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and limited resources, including those with PTSD[1][3].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months[6].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income who get SSI or meet other rules[4][6].
• SNAP: Food help for people with low income[6].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with enough TSERS service. STD pays 50% of salary, up to $3,000/month, for up to a year. LTD may follow if you stay disabled[2][5].
• NCFlex Disability Plans: State employees can buy extra disability coverage through NCFlex[8].
• Medicaid Waivers: Extra help for people with disabilities who need home or community-based services[4].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Help with job training and finding work[4].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for things like housing, education, and health care. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the NC ABLE Program[6].

For SSI in 2025, the income limit is about $943/month for an individual. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550/month from work (Substantial Gainful Activity limit)[1][3].

If your income or situation changes, you must report it to Social Security. Not reporting can cause overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes to keep your benefits[4].

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

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• NC Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)
  Phone: 1-800-689-9090

  Website

  Free help with disability benefits and work planning.
• NC Medicaid
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Website

  For Medicaid questions and applications.

• Can PTSD qualify for disability in North Carolina?

  Yes, PTSD can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it stops you from working for at least a year and meets SSA rules. You need medical proof and may need work credits for SSDI[1][3].

• How much does SSDI pay for PTSD in North Carolina?

  SSDI payments depend on your work history. The average is about $1,400/month, but it can be more or less. SSI pays up to $943/month in 2025[1][3].

• Do I need work credits for SSI with PTSD?

  No, SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. SSDI requires work credits[1][3].

• What state disability benefits are available for PTSD in NC?

  State employees may get short-term or long-term disability through DIP-NC or NCFlex if they have enough service. Others may get Medicaid, SNAP, or job help[2][5][4].

• How long does it take to get disability for PTSD in NC?

  It can take 3–6 months to get a decision from Social Security. Appeals may take longer. State disability decisions may be faster[1][3].

• Can I work while getting disability for PTSD in NC?

  You can try to work, but if you earn more than $1,550/month, you may lose SSDI. SSI has work incentives to help you keep benefits while working[4][6].

• What medical proof do I need for PTSD disability in NC?