Spina Bifida Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for those 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 medical proof of disability and regular reporting of changes in your situation. The Social Security Administration reviews applications and medical records to decide eligibility [1].

North Carolina residents with Spina Bifida may qualify for state-specific programs. State employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) can get basic short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC). Eligibility depends on years of service and meeting plan requirements. After a 60-day waiting period, the plan pays up to 50% of monthly salary, capped at $3,000 per month, for up to a year. If disabled longer, long-term benefits may continue. State employees can also supplement these benefits through the NCFlex voluntary plan [2].

North Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care at home or in the community. These waivers help avoid institutionalization and cover services like personal care, therapy, and home modifications [3].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
• If you are a state employee, check with your HR about DIP-NC and NCFlex plans.
• Attend public input sessions for updates on disability services [4].

• Collect Documents: Get medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online. Provide all requested medical and financial information [1].
• Apply for Medicaid: Contact your local Department of Social Services or call 1-888-245-0179. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers if you need long-term care [3].
• State Employee Benefits: If you work for the state, talk to your HR about DIP-NC and NCFlex disability plans. You may need to submit medical documentation and complete plan forms [2].
• Attend Public Input Sessions: The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities holds sessions to gather input on services. Attend to learn about updates and share your needs [4].
• Follow Up: Keep copies of all applications and follow up regularly. Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments [5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on past work and taxes paid. Average payments range from $1,000 to $1,200, but can be higher for those with higher past incomes [1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Amounts vary based on need [1].
• Medicare: Health insurance for people receiving SSDI after a waiting period [1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities [1].

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): Basic short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees. Pays up to 50% of monthly salary, capped at $3,000 per month, for up to a year. Long-term benefits may continue if disabled longer [2].
• NCFlex Voluntary Disability Plan: State employees can supplement basic benefits through this plan [2].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) provide long-term care services at home or in the community, helping avoid institutionalization [3].
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work [4].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. North Carolina residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program [5].

Income limits for SSI and Medicaid vary. For SSI, the federal limit is around $914 per month for an individual in 2025. Medicaid limits depend on household size and state rules. Work incentives allow earning some income while keeping benefits [1].

Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all communications and payments [5].

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

  Website

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

  Website

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

  Website

  For help with employment and benefits planning.

• What are the main disability benefits for Spina Bifida in North Carolina?

  The main benefits include SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs like DIP-NC for state employees. Medicaid waivers provide long-term care services at home or in the community.

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

  Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online. You will need medical records and proof of income. The process can take several months.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

  Yes, work incentives allow you to earn some income without losing benefits. Report all changes to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.

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

  DIP-NC provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees. It pays up to 50% of monthly salary, capped at $3,000 per month, for up to a year.

• Are there Medicaid waivers for people with Spina Bifida in North Carolina?

  Yes, Medicaid waivers like CAP/DA provide long-term care services at home or in the community, helping avoid institutionalization for people with disabilities.

• How do I report changes to my disability benefits?

  Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Keep records of all communications and payments to avoid overpayments.