People in North Carolina with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and extra support for TBI survivors.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in North Carolina, you must have worked enough to earn 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. SSDI is for people who paid into Social Security through work. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources, no matter their work history. Both programs require a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can qualify if it meets these rules and is well-documented by doctors[7].
In North Carolina, people with TBI may also qualify for state disability plans if they are state employees. The Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) offers short-term and long-term disability benefits for Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) members. To get short-term disability (STD), you need at least one year of creditable service in TSERS within the last 36 months. STD pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period. Long-term disability (LTD) may pay after 365 days if you still qualify as disabled[1]. State employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits[1].
Federal programs for people with TBI in North Carolina include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI pays based on your work history and how much you paid into Social Security. SSI pays based on financial need. Both programs require a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare[6].
North Carolina offers several programs for people with TBI. The Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) gives short-term and long-term disability benefits to state employees who are in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). Short-term disability pays 50% of your monthly salary, up to $3,000 per month, after a 60-day waiting period. Long-term disability may pay after 365 days if you still qualify as disabled. State employees with fewer than five years of service may have limited benefits. Medicaid can help with medical costs and long-term care. Medicaid waivers may offer extra support for people with TBI[1].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Carolina, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Earnings in the account are tax-free as long as the money is used for qualified disability expenses. This can help people with TBI save for things like therapy, equipment, or education[4].
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Check with your local Department of Social Services for exact numbers[4].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid problems[4].
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Department of Social Services for help with disability benefits.
Yes, if your TBI stops you from working for at least a year and you have enough work credits. You must apply through Social Security and provide medical proof of your disability[7].
SSDI is for people who worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, no matter their work history. Both can help people with TBI[7].
Contact your local Department of Social Services or call 1-888-245-0179. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and residency[4].
Yes, state employees in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) may get short-term and long-term disability benefits through the Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC)[1].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for disability-related expenses like therapy or equipment[4].
Working may affect your SSI and Medicaid benefits, but there are work incentives to help you keep some benefits while you try to work. Contact EIPD at 1-800-689-9090 for help[4].
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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Yes, after 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare. This can help cover medical costs for people with TBI[6].
Medicaid waivers can help people with TBI get extra support like home care, therapy, or assistive devices. Contact your local Department of Social Services to learn more[4].
Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid problems[4].
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, EIPD at 1-800-689-9090, or your local Department of Social Services for help with disability benefits[4].
