How to Qualify for Disability in North Carolina

If you live in North Carolina and are unable to work due to a disability, you may qualify for support. More than 333,000 residents currently receive Social Security disability benefits through two programs that the Social Security Administration (SSA) manages: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Continue reading to learn how to qualify to receive benefits through these programs.

How to qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina

Once you submit your disability application, the SSA uses a five-step evaluation to determine your eligibility. Knowing these steps in advance can help you prepare your application correctly:

1. Are you working at a substantial gainful activity level? First, the SSA assesses whether you’re engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you earn more than $1,550 per month, the SSA will consider you capable of SGA and ineligible for disability benefits.

2. Do you have a severe impairment? Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from performing basic work activities for at least 12 months.

3. Does your disability meet the SSA’s definition of disability? The SSA lists qualifying medical conditions in its Blue Book. If your condition does not appear in the Blue Book, you’ll need to provide medical evidence that your disability prevents you from working.

4. Can you do work you’ve done in the past? The SSA will determine whether you can still perform any of your past work with your current limitations.

5. Can you do any other types of work? The SSA will consider whether you can adjust to other work based on your medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and transferable skills.

How to qualify for SSDI in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the average monthly SSDI benefit amount is $1,699. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

• Disability: You’re disabled according to government rules.

• Duration of disability: Your disability is expected to last at least one year.

• Work credits: A certain number of work credits are necessary for you to receive SSDI. You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. The SSA requires a total of 40 work credits, half of which you must have earned in the last 10 years. This generally equates to working at least five of the last 10 years.

How to qualify for SSI in North Carolina

SSI does not require a specific work history. Instead, the SSA bases it on financial need. In North Carolina, the average monthly SSI benefit amount is $589. You may qualify for SSI in North Carolina if you meet the following requirements:

• Medical eligibility: To receive SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.

• Asset limits: You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources if you're single. That limit increases to $3,000 for married couples.

• Income restrictions: Your total monthly income must be below the federal benefit rate, which is $943 for 2024.

What qualifies you for disability in North Carolina?

Any medical condition can qualify you for Social Security disability benefits as long as it significantly impairs your ability to work and you expect it to last at least a year. Here are the most common conditions among disability beneficiaries in North Carolina:

• Musculoskeletal system diseases: 32%

• Mental disorders: 31%

• Nervous system diseases: 10%

• Circulatory system diseases: 8%

• Injuries: 4%

• Neoplasms (cancers): 3%

What are the most common mental health conditions among those who qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

Mental disorders are among the most commonly approved disabilities in North Carolina. These include conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Depressive and intellectual disorders affect about 32,000 beneficiaries each, and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders affect about 14,000 people.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability benefits in North Carolina?

You are not required to work with a lawyer when applying for disability benefits. However, statistics show that legal representation can triple your chances of approval. A good lawyer understands the complexities of disability law and can guide you through the process of obtaining benefits.

A disability lawyer can help by facilitating:

• Application assistance: They will ensure your disability application is complete and accurate, and present your case in the most favorable light.

• Medical documentation: They will help you compile and organize the necessary medical evidence to support your claim and make sure your documentation meets the SSA’s criteria.

• Appeal filings: If the SSA denies your initial claim, a lawyer can handle the appeals process, from drafting the appeal to filing it on your behalf.

• Hearing preparation: In the event your case goes to a hearing, your lawyer can prepare you to testify. They will help you understand what to expect and how to answer questions effectively.

• Representation at hearings: They will represent you during the disability hearing, advocating on your behalf and working to demonstrate why you qualify for benefits.

Atticus lawyers in North Carolina

Here are a few Atticus law firms that serve North Carolinians:

Get help applying for disability benefits 

Wherever you are in the application process, we’re here to help. Take our simple 2-minute quiz to assess your eligibility, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. We’ll connect you with an experienced disability lawyer who can simplify the application process. There are no upfront costs when you work with Atticus. You'll only pay a one-time fee to your lawyer if they successfully help you secure your benefits.

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Related resources for disability applicants in North Carolina:

North Carolina Disability Benefits: How to Qualify, Apply, and Get Approved

By Jackie Jakab

Disability lawyers in North Carolina

By Jackie Jakab