Tourette Syndrome Benefits in North Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to review your case, including your ability to do past work and any other work. Tourette Syndrome may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. ^1

• You must have a documented diagnosis and medical evidence.
• Your condition must be on the SSA’s impairment list or be equally severe.
• You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months.
• You must meet the earnings or income/resource tests for SSDI or SSI.

In North Carolina, state employees with Tourette Syndrome may qualify for the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) if they participate in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). Eligibility depends on years of creditable service. If you have at least one year of service, you may get short-term disability (STD) after a 60-day waiting period. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days. If you remain disabled, long-term disability (LTD) may pay benefits for as long as you qualify. ^2

• State employees must have at least one year of TSERS service.
• Benefits may be limited if you have fewer than five years of service.
• Non-state employees should look at federal and Medicaid programs.

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• If you are a state employee, check with your HR for DIP-NC.
• Apply for Medicaid if you need health coverage.
• Explore ABLE accounts for savings.
• Use the DB101 North Carolina tool to estimate benefits. ^3

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI on the SSA website. ^4
• Step 3: Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: If you are a state employee, contact your HR to apply for DIP-NC benefits.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
• Step 6: Consider an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings.
• Step 7: Use the DB101 North Carolina tool to see how work affects your benefits. ^3
• Step 8: Attend a public input session if you want to help shape state disability policy. ^5

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Pays monthly benefits after a 5-month waiting period.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources. Pays monthly benefits based on need.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or both.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. ^6

• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC): For state employees with at least one year of TSERS service. Pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days for short-term disability. Long-term disability may pay benefits for as long as you qualify.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Tourette Syndrome, who need home and community-based services.
• North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP): Provides assistive technology services for people with disabilities.
• Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD): Helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. ^6

For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550 per month in 2025. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. ^6

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security or Medicaid right away. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments. ^10

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

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

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and EIPD questions.

• Can Tourette Syndrome qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  Yes, Tourette Syndrome can qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least one year. You must provide medical evidence and meet federal or state eligibility requirements.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide monthly benefits for people with disabilities.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in North Carolina?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. State employees should also check with their HR for DIP-NC benefits.

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

  DIP-NC is a state disability plan for employees with at least one year of TSERS service. It pays 50% of monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, for up to 365 days for short-term disability.

• What are Medicaid waivers in North Carolina?

  Medicaid waivers in North Carolina provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including Tourette Syndrome, who need extra support.

• How do I open an ABLE account in North Carolina?

  You can open an ABLE account in North Carolina if you became disabled before age 26. Visit the ABLE National Resource Center or your state’s ABLE program website to apply.