Jump to

How to Apply for Disability Benefits in North Carolina

Written by

Jackie Jakab

Lead Attorney

Published May 13, 2024

1 min read

Why trust us?

Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience, and have helped over 10,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.

See if you qualify

If you're a North Carolina resident facing challenges due to a disability, you're not alone. More than 333,000 North Carolinians currently receive benefits through Social Security disability programs. These programs offer financial assistance and healthcare to those who cannot work due to specific medical conditions.

Learn about the eligibility requirements for disability benefits in North Carolina and how to begin the process.

What benefits are available in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not have a statewide disability program. However, as a North Carolina resident, you have access to federal and supplementary programs that can provide financial and healthcare support.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): If you have previously worked and paid into social security, you may be eligible for SSDI and Medicare benefits. In North Carolina, the average monthly SSDI benefit amount is $1,699.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income allows for a limited work history. If you have a low income and few assets, you might be eligible for SSI and Medicaid. In North Carolina, the average monthly SSI benefit amount is $589.
Veterans disability benefits: If you are a veteran unable to work due to a disability sustained during military service, you could be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s possible to collect veterans' disability benefits in addition to SSDI and SSI.
Private disability insurance: If your employer offers private disability insurance benefits or you have a private disability plan through an insurance provider, you can access these benefits if the coverage purchase occurred before your injury or illness.
Workers’ compensation: If a work-related injury or illness led to your disability, you may qualify for workers’ compensation, which provides weekly payments and medical expense coverage.
State supplemental payments: North Carolina offers additional support through the State and County Special Assistance Programs. These programs include the Adult Care Home Program and the In-Home Program for the elderly, blind, or disabled. These monthly payments could help you meet the costs of care.

We've helped 5,891 people apply for disability in North Carolina.

Should I apply for disability in North Carolina?

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, it might be time to apply for disability benefits. In North Carolina, there are a few factors for you to consider when trying to decide whether or not to apply:

Medical eligibility: You must have a medical condition that meets the definition of disability according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The condition has to last at least one year and prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Work history: SSDI is only available if you have worked and paid into Social Security — usually for at least five of the last 10 years.
Financial situation: If you do not meet the work requirements for SSDI, you might be eligible for SSI, which the SSA designed to help disabled individuals with a low income and few resources.

There are three ways to apply for SSDI and SSI in North Carolina:

Online: The quickest and most convenient way to apply for disability benefits is online. Visit SSA.gov and follow the links to the disability benefits section.
Over the phone: You can also apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
In person: If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, you can visit your closest SSA office.