Who Qualifies for SSDI in North Carolina?

To qualify for SSDI in North Carolina, you must meet both medical and work-related criteria set by the SSA.

1. Work History and SSA Contributions

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security tax contributions. To qualify, you must have:

• Earned enough “work credits”: Most people need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.
• Worked in jobs covered by Social Security: Only work where you paid Social Security taxes counts toward SSDI.

2. Have a Severe, Medically-Determined Disability

You must have a medical condition that:

• Prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Is backed by medical evidence such as doctor evaluations, test results, and treatment records

Your disability should prevent you from doing your past work and any other type of work, considering your age, education, and work experience.

3. Meet the SSA’s Five-Step Disability Process

The SSA uses a standardized 5-step evaluation process to determine SSDI eligibility:

• Step 1: Are you working above the SGA level?
• Step 2: Is your condition “severe”?
• Step 3: Does your condition match a listed impairment?
• Step 4: Can you perform past work?
• Step 5: Can you adjust to other work?

If your condition meets or equals a condition in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you may be approved automatically.

Medical Evidence Required for SSDI

To support your claim, you’ll need strong medical documentation. This should include:

• Recent and ongoing treatment records
• Test results, imaging scans, and lab work
• Statements from your treating physicians
• Information from specialists (neurologists, psychiatrists, etc.) if applicable

Make sure your doctors clearly describe how your condition limits your daily activities and work-related functions.

How to Apply for SSDI in North Carolina

You can apply for SSDI:

• Online at www.ssa.gov
• By phone: 1-800-772-1213
• In person at a local SSA office

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) in North Carolina will review your medical evidence and issue a decision. The process can take several months, so submit a complete application to avoid delays.

What If You’re Denied?

Many SSDI applications are denied initially. If that happens, don’t give up—you have the right to appeal through several stages:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Appeals Council Review
• Federal Court Review

Each appeal stage offers the opportunity to submit new evidence and clarify your case.