Speech Impairment Benefits in North Carolina

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your speech impairment is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work.
• Children with speech impairments may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability. Your speech impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Source: SSA.gov, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-06)

• North Carolina state employees who participate in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may qualify for short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Eligibility depends on years of creditable service.
• Short-term disability (STD) pays 50% of your monthly salary (up to $3,000/month) after a 60-day waiting period, for up to 365 days.
• Long-term disability (LTD) pays a monthly benefit if you remain disabled after the STD period, for as long as you qualify as disabled.
• State employees can also buy extra disability coverage through the NCFlex Voluntary Disability Plan.
• Medicaid and Medicaid waivers, like the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), can provide therapy and support services for people with speech impairments.

Source: NC State Human Resources, Disability Income Plan (accessed 2025-11-06); NC Medicaid CAP/DA (accessed 2025-11-06)

• If you have a speech impairment, start by checking if you qualify for SSI or SSDI.
• Gather medical records that show your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office.
• For state disability benefits, talk to your employer’s HR department if you are a state employee.
• For Medicaid, apply through your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or online at ePass.nc.gov.

• Step 1: Gather Documentation

  • Get medical records from your doctor, speech-language pathologist, or therapist that describe your speech impairment and its impact.
  • Collect proof of income, resources, and work history.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits

  • Visit SSA.gov to apply for SSI or SSDI online, or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.
  • If you are a child, a parent or guardian can apply on your behalf.
  • Complete the application and submit all required documents.

• Step 3: Apply for State Benefits

  • If you are a state employee, contact your HR department to apply for DIP-NC short-term or long-term disability benefits.
  • For Medicaid, apply at your local DSS office or online at ePass.nc.gov.
  • For Medicaid waivers like CAP/DA, contact your local DSS office or the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services.

• Step 4: Follow Up

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for more information.
  • If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

• Step 5: Get Help

  • Call the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) at 1-800-689-9090 for help with work and benefits.
  • Contact your local NCWorks Career Center for job training and support.

Source: SSA.gov, How to Apply (accessed 2025-11-06); (accessed 2025-11-06); (accessed 2025-11-06); (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. After 24 months, you become eligible for Medicare.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources. SSI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities. Medicaid can cover speech therapy and other services.

Source: SSA.gov, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-06); Medicaid.gov (accessed 2025-11-06); Medicare.gov (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees. STD pays 50% of monthly salary (up to $3,000/month) after a 60-day waiting period, for up to 365 days. LTD pays a monthly benefit if you remain disabled after the STD period.
• Medicaid Waivers (CAP/DA): The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults provides therapy, support services, and other help for people who are medically fragile and at risk for institutionalization.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.
• Division of Services for the Blind: Provides support for people with disabilities, including those with speech impairments.
• NCWorks Career Centers: Offer job training and support for people with disabilities.

Source: NC State Human Resources, Disability Income Plan (accessed 2025-11-06); NC Medicaid CAP/DA (accessed 2025-11-06); DB101 North Carolina (accessed 2025-11-06) NCWorks (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, like therapy, education, and housing.
• To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that began before age 26.
• North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the NC ABLE program.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual. Your countable income must be below this amount to qualify.
• SSDI does not have income limits, but you cannot do substantial work.
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.

Source: SSA.gov, SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security right away.
• Medicaid and SSI require you to report changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and questions.
• NC Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-888-245-0179

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid and food benefits applications.
• 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 benefits.

• Can a speech impairment qualify for SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, if your speech impairment is severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and it prevents you from doing substantial work. You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability.

• What medical evidence do I need for a disability application?

  You need medical records from your doctor or therapist that describe your speech impairment, how it affects your daily life, and why you cannot work. Letters from speech-language pathologists are helpful.

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability application?

  It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision on an SSI or SSDI application. If your application is denied, you can appeal, which may take longer.

• Can children with speech impairments get SSI?

  Yes, children with speech impairments may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits and the impairment is severe enough to meet Social Security’s definition of disability.

• What state disability benefits are available for speech impairment?

  State employees in North Carolina may qualify for short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Medicaid waivers can also provide therapy and support services.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?

  You can apply for Medicaid online at ePass.nc.gov, by phone, or at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. You will need to provide proof of income, resources, and disability.