People with Spina Bifida in North Carolina can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs. These benefits help cover medical care, daily living costs, and support independence.
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].
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].
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Department of Social Services for help with applications and questions.
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.
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.
Yes, work incentives allow you to earn some income without losing benefits. Report all changes to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
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.
Yes, Medicaid waivers like CAP/DA provide long-term care services at home or in the community, helping avoid institutionalization for people with disabilities.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Keep records of all communications and payments to avoid overpayments.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
An ABLE account allows saving for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Funds can be used for education, housing, and transportation.
Contact Social Security, your local Department of Social Services, or the Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office for help.
Medicaid waivers cover services like personal care, therapy, home modifications, and other supports to help people with disabilities live at home or in the community.
Yes, the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities holds public input sessions to gather feedback on services and updates. Attend to share your needs and learn about changes.
