People in North Carolina with rheumatoid arthritis may be eligible for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, state disability retirement plans, and home/community services. Eligibility and application steps vary by program. This guide provides clear, step-by-step information for North Carolinians seeking benefits related to this chronic physical/mobility disability.
For SSDI, you need a medical condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must have worked long enough (usually 5 out of the last 10 years) and paid Social Security taxes. SSI does not require a work record but has strict income and resource limits[4].
Medicaid and Medicare may also be available if you qualify for SSDI or SSI. Check specific income guidelines for each program.
North Carolina state employees with rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for short-term and long-term disability through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) if they are part of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). Eligibility depends on years of service and is more limited for those with less than five years of creditable service[1].
NC Medicaid offers coverage for eligible residents, and the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) provides home and community-based services (waiver) if you are at risk of institutionalization due to your disability[7]. State-specific benefit amounts and durations vary—DIP-NC short-term disability (STD) pays 50% of your monthly salary up to $3,000, and long-term disability (LTD) continues as long as you qualify as disabled[1]. NCFlex offers supplemental disability insurance for other employees[1].
For help planning benefits and work, contact North Carolina’s Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)[3].
If rheumatoid arthritis limits your ability to work:
Step 1: Gather documentation Collect medical records that show your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, how it affects your daily life, work history, and any SSI/SSDI denial letters.
Step 2: Apply for federal programs
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid and waiver services
Step 4: State disability benefits
Step 5: Seek help
Step 6: Review and appeal If denied, request a reconsideration or hearing. You may need legal help.
SSI and SSDI
Medicaid and Medicare
Other Federal Programs
Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC)
NCFlex Disability Insurance
NC Medicaid and Waivers
Support and Employment Resources
North Carolina ABLE Account An ABLE account is a savings plan that lets people with disabilities save money without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses and are not counted as resources for most means-tested benefits[6]. For more, see our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple in 2025). SSDI does not have income limits, but there are limits on “substantial gainful activity” (earning more than $1,620/month may disqualify you in 2025)[4]. Medicaid income limits vary by household size and program in North Carolina; check with your DSS office.
If you get SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical improvement. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you must repay[4]. For help, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Yes, with limits. SSDI allows some work if earnings stay under $1,620/month (2025). SSI has stricter limits. Both programs have work incentives—see our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
Initial decisions usually take 3–6 months, but may take longer if you appeal. Gather all medical and work records to speed up your application.
Yes. State employees may get short- and long-term disability through DIP-NC and NCFlex plans. NC Medicaid and CAP/DA provide health and home/community services for those who qualify[1][7].
Medicare is federal insurance mostly for those 65+ or with SSDI (after 24 months). Medicaid is for low-income individuals, including people with disabilities, and is administered by the state—see our Medicaid vs Medicare guide.
Yes. Contact EIPD at 1-800-689-9090 for benefits counseling and help with federal and state programs[3].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing benefits. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. For more, see our 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 can appeal the decision. Many people are approved after appeal. Seek help from a disability advocate or legal aid.
CAP/DA is a Medicaid waiver program that helps adults with disabilities—including rheumatoid arthritis—stay at home and out of institutions by funding personal care, medical equipment, and home modifications[7].
Yes. You must report any changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical improvement to SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid to avoid overpayments—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Visit DB101 North Carolina for explanations and tools, or call EIPD at 1-800-689-9090 for personal help[3].
