The two ways to explore for disability in North Carolina

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, which is a federal program — not a state program. North Carolina does not run its own disability system. You explore the same way whether you live in Charlotte, Raleigh, or anywhere else in the state.

You have three routes to submit your process: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest for most people because you can complete it on your own schedule and Social Security will contact you if they need more information.

Before you start, know which program you are explore for. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. Some people are not may be able to access for either — for example, if you are not yet 18 and your parents earn too much, you may not may have access to for SSI, and you cannot get SSDI unless you have worked.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a local office — North Carolina has no separate state disability program.
  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI requires low income and resources, and rules differ if you are under 18 or living with a parent.
  • You will need medical records, work history, and proof of income or resources before you start, so gathering these first speeds up the process.
  • The Social Security office in your area can tell you which documents you specifically need based on your situation.

What documents you need before you explore

Social Security will ask for the same documents whether you explore online or in person. Gathering these before you start saves time and prevents delays. You will need proof of your identity (a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).

You will also need medical records that show your condition and how it limits your ability to work. These should be recent — within the last three months is best. Ask your doctor's office to send these directly to Social Security, or bring them with you if you explore in person. If you do not have a doctor, Social Security can sometimes refer you to one for a free examination, though this takes longer.

If you are explore for SSDI, bring your work history for the past 15 years: names of employers, dates you worked, and how much you earned. If you are explore for SSI, bring proof of your income and resources — bank statements, rent receipts, proof of any money you receive. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to provide their income and resource information too.

explore online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" on the homepage. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The form asks about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. You can save your progress and come back to it later — Social Security will hold your answers for 30 days.

After you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. Write this down. You will use it to check the status of your process and when you call or visit an office. Social Security will contact you by mail or phone if they need more documents or information. This usually happens within two weeks.

The online process does not let you upload documents directly, so you will need to mail or bring originals or certified copies to your local Social Security office after you submit. Ask Social Security which documents they want and where to send them when they contact you.

explore by phone or in person

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your documents ready before you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will get a confirmation number at the end.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling the same number. You do not need an appointment — you can walk in — but calling ahead to ask about wait times is smart. Bring all your documents with you. The office staff will help you fill out the form and can answer questions about what you need.

explore in person is useful if you do not have internet access, if you are not comfortable filling out forms alone, or if you want to hand over your documents right away instead of mailing them later. The downside is that wait times at Social Security offices in North Carolina can be long, sometimes an hour or more.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). In North Carolina, this is part of the Division of Employment Security. DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — meaning you cannot work for at least 12 months because of your condition.

This review takes 30 to 90 days on average, though it can take longer if DDS needs more medical information. Social Security will contact your doctors to ask for records if you have not provided them. You can speed this up by giving your doctors' contact information to Social Security and asking the doctors to send records directly.

You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied. If you are approved, the letter says when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

If you are denied and want to appeal

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people start with reconsideration, which means DDS reviews your case again with any new medical evidence you provide.

You do not have to hire a lawyer to appeal, but many people do because the process is complex and approval rates are higher with legal help. If you hire a lawyer, they can only charge you if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you first became disabled). You can find lawyers who handle SSDI appeals through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives or by asking your local legal aid office.

To file a reconsideration appeal, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Tell them you want to appeal the denial. They will send you a form to sign and return. Include any new medical records or other evidence that shows your condition is disabling.

Getting help with your process

If you need help filling out your process or understanding the process, you have free options. Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free help to people who cannot afford a lawyer. You can reach them at 1-866-219-6892 or through their website. They can review your process before you submit it and help you gather documents.

You can also contact your local Social Security office and ask to speak with a representative. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved, but they can explain what documents you need and answer questions about how the process works. Some Social Security offices have staff who speak Spanish and other languages.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use a video relay service or TTY phone to call Social Security. If you are blind or have low vision, Social Security can mail you large-print forms or read forms to you over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. The amount changes each year. If you are working, tell Social Security how much you earn.

How long does it take to hear back about my process?

Most decisions come within 30 to 90 days, but some take longer if Social Security needs more medical records. You can check the status of your process online through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and giving your confirmation number.

What if I do not have recent medical records?

Tell Social Security when you explore. They can refer you to a doctor for a free examination to document your condition. This takes longer than submitting your own records, but it is free and counts as official evidence. You can also ask your doctor to see you and send records to Social Security.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. A lawyer is most useful if your process is denied and you are appealing. Many people are approved on their first process without a lawyer, especially if they have strong medical evidence.

What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting?

Tell Social Security right away. Send them new medical records showing how your condition has changed. This can speed up the review or lead to approval if your condition now clearly meets the disability definition.