What you need to know before you start
North Carolina residents who cannot work because of a medical condition have two main paths to disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration, not by the state. The difference matters because they have different rules about how much money you can have, whether you've worked before, and how much you'll receive.
You cannot explore through the state. You explore directly to Social Security, either online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The process is the same whether you live in Charlotte, Raleigh, or a rural county—Social Security handles all applications the same way across the country.
Before you explore, you should understand which program you might may have access to for and what documents you'll need. Getting this right the first time saves months of back-and-forth.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; SSI is for people with very low income and assets, regardless of work history.
- You must have medical evidence from a doctor or hospital showing your condition prevents you from working—Social Security will not take your word for it.
- You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security office in your county.
- The process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though many people are denied the first time and must request a hearing before a judge.
- North Carolina does not add extra state money to federal disability payments, but you may be may have access to to Medicaid or food information once approved.
SSDI versus SSI: Which program fits your situation
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. You need a certain amount of work history—usually at least five years of work in the last ten years, though the exact requirement depends on your age. If you may have access to, your monthly payment is based on your past earnings. You can have unlimited savings and still receive SSDI.
You may also be may have access to to SSDI if you are the spouse or child of someone receiving SSDI, even if you have never worked yourself.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with very low income and very limited assets—currently no more than $2,000 in countable resources for an individual. You do not need work history. SSI payments are smaller than SSDI payments and are the same for everyone in North Carolina (the federal amount, with no state supplement). SSI also comes with automatic Medicaid coverage in North Carolina.
If you have worked but do not have enough work history for SSDI, you may still may have access to for SSI if your income and assets are low enough. Some people may have access to for both programs at the same time.
Medical evidence: What Social Security needs from your doctor
Social Security will not approve you based on your own description of your condition. You must have medical records from a doctor, hospital, or mental health provider showing that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. The records should show when your condition started, what tests or exams you have had, what medications you take, and how the condition affects your daily life and ability to work.
If you do not have a regular doctor, start there before you explore. You can visit a community health center in North Carolina—many offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Social Security will not pay for medical exams to support your claim, so you need records from treatment you have already received.
Gather all medical records you have: hospital discharge summaries, lab results, imaging reports, mental health visit notes, and prescription records. Bring these with you when you explore or upload them if you explore online. If records are missing, Social Security can request them from your providers, but this slows down the process.
How to start your process
You have three ways to explore for disability in North Carolina:
- Online at ssa.gov: Go to the Social Security website and select "explore for Disability." You can save your progress and come back later. This is often the fastest route because you can do it at your own pace and upload documents directly.
- By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). Wait times are long, especially early in the week. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical information ready.
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator or call the number above. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and all medical records.
Whichever method you choose, have the same documents ready: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, a list of all doctors and hospitals you have visited in the past year, and dates of any surgeries or hospital stays.
What happens after you submit your process
After you explore, Social Security sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in North Carolina. This office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. You should receive a decision within three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.
Social Security may contact your doctors to request additional records. You can speed this up by asking your doctors to send records directly to Social Security. Keep a record of the case number you receive when you explore—you will need it for any follow-up.
If you are approved, you will receive a letter explaining your monthly payment amount and when payments begin. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request a reconsideration or a hearing before a judge. Most people are denied the first time, so a denial does not mean you should give up.
What to do if you are denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a free process and does not require a lawyer, though many people hire a disability lawyer at this stage. A lawyer can charge you only if you win, and only a portion of your back pay (up to 25 percent, capped at $7,200).
You must request a hearing within 60 days of receiving the denial letter. You can request it online at ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. At the hearing, you can present new medical evidence and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. The judge will make a new decision based on all the evidence.
If you are denied again, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and after that, to federal court. These later appeals are rare and usually require a lawyer.
Benefits and support once you are approved
If you are approved for SSDI, your monthly payment depends on your past earnings. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower. You become may have access to to Medicare after you have been on SSDI for 24 months.
If you are approved for SSI, you receive the federal payment amount (currently $943 per month for an individual living alone, though this changes yearly). North Carolina does not add a state supplement to SSI. You are automatically enrolled in Medicaid when you are approved for SSI.
Both SSDI and SSI recipients may be may have access to to food information (SNAP) and other support programs. Once you are approved, ask Social Security about these programs or contact your county Department of Social Services.
If you return to work, you can continue receiving benefits under certain rules. SSDI has a trial work period that lets you earn money without losing benefits. SSI has different rules about how much you can earn. Ask Social Security about work incentives before you start working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for disability if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can explore for SSDI if you have a valid Social Security number and work history, regardless of citizenship status. For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident). Bring proof of your immigration status when you explore.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Most initial decisions come within three to six months. If Social Security needs more medical records, it may take longer. If you are denied and request a hearing, the wait for a hearing can be six months to two years, depending on how busy the judge's office is.
What if I cannot afford a doctor to document my condition?
Look for a community health center in your county that offers sliding-scale fees based on income. You can find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Some hospitals also have financial information programs. Social Security will work with the medical records you have; you do not need new exams.
Can I work while waiting for a decision?
Yes. You can work while your process is being reviewed. If you are approved for SSDI, you have a trial work period that lets you earn money without losing benefits. If you are approved for SSI, your payment is reduced based on how much you earn, so report any work income to Social Security.
What if my condition gets worse after I explore?
Tell Social Security when ready. Send updated medical records showing the change. This can strengthen your case, especially if you are waiting for a hearing. Do not wait until the hearing to mention it.