The first step: contacting Social Security
To explore for disability in North Carolina, you contact Social Security directly—not the state. Social Security administers both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and the process process is the same whether you live in Charlotte, Raleigh, or anywhere else in the state.
You have three ways to start: call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office in person, or go online to ssa.gov and create an account to begin an process. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.
North Carolina has Social Security field offices in most cities. You can find the one nearest you by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walking in without an appointment is possible, but wait times are often long—calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually gets you seen faster.
Key Takeaways
- You explore through Social Security, not through the state of North Carolina, by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting ssa.gov, or going to a local field office.
- Social Security will ask about your medical condition, work history, and current income and resources, and you should gather medical records and tax returns before you start.
- The decision process takes three to six months on average, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.
- North Carolina has organizations like the Disability Rights North Carolina that offer free help understanding the process and preparing your process.
What documents and information you will need
Before you contact Social Security, gather the documents that will speed up your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or a state ID). Have your driver's license or state ID ready as well.
Bring information about your medical condition: the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen, along with the dates of your visits. If you have recent medical records—test results, imaging reports, or doctor's notes—bring those too. Social Security will request records directly from your providers, but having them on hand speeds the process.
You will also need your work history for the past 15 years: the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are explore for SSI (the needs-based program for people with low income), bring proof of your current income and resources—recent pay stubs, bank statements, and information about any property you own.
The process itself: what Social Security asks
The process form is called the Adult Disability Report (or the Disability Report for short). Whether you explore by phone, online, or in person, Social Security will ask you the same core questions.
They will ask when your condition began, what symptoms you experience, what doctors you see, what medications you take, and how your condition affects your ability to work. They will ask about your education and job skills, what kind of work you have done, and whether you have tried to work since your condition started. Be specific: instead of "I can't work," describe what you cannot do—"I cannot stand for more than 30 minutes" or "I have severe memory problems that make it hard to follow instructions."
If you are explore for SSI, Social Security will also ask about your income, savings, and living situation. They need to know whether you own a home, a car, or other property, and whether anyone else in your household receives benefits.
What happens after you submit your process
After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in North Carolina. This is a state agency that works with Social Security to review disability claims. DDS will contact your doctors and request your medical records, which can take several weeks.
A disability examiner at DDS will review your medical evidence and your work history. They may ask you to go to a medical exam paid for by Social Security if they need more information about your condition. This exam is not a test you can pass or fail—it is straightforward a way for the doctor to document your condition for the file.
The decision process usually takes three to six months. Social Security will mail you a letter with the decision. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.
If Social Security denies your claim
A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits. You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. This means a different examiner at DDS will review your case, usually with new or updated medical evidence.
Many people are denied the first time and approved on reconsideration or appeal. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which is a federal judge who specializes in disability cases. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work.
You do not have to navigate appeals alone. Organizations in North Carolina offer free help, including Disability Rights North Carolina and local legal aid offices. Some disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win your case, and their fee comes from your back pay.
Getting help with your process in North Carolina
Disability Rights North Carolina is a nonprofit that offers free information and support to people explore for disability benefits. They can answer questions about the process, help you gather medical evidence, and represent you at a hearing if needed. You can reach them at 919-856-2195 or visit their website.
Your local legal aid office may also help with disability applications, especially if your income is low. To find the office serving your county, visit the North Carolina Justice Center's website or call 211 (a statewide helpline that connects you to local services).
Some people hire a disability representative or lawyer from the start, though this is not required. If you do, make sure they are accredited by Social Security—you can check this on ssa.gov. Representatives can help you gather evidence and prepare for a hearing, and they cannot charge you unless you win your case.
Timeline and what to expect
The disability decision process moves through several stages, each with its own typical timeframe. Understanding what happens at each step helps you know what to expect and when to follow up if you have not heard from Social Security.
| Stage | Typical Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| process submitted | Day 1 | You contact Social Security and provide information about your condition and work history. |
| Records requested | Weeks 1–4 | DDS requests medical records from your doctors and hospitals. |
| Medical exam (if needed) | Weeks 4–8 | Social Security may schedule a consultative exam to gather more information. |
| Decision made | Weeks 8–24 | A disability examiner reviews all evidence and makes an approval or denial decision. |
| Decision letter received | Week 24+ | You receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision and next steps if denied. |
Your case may move faster or slower depending on how quickly your doctors respond to records requests and whether Social Security needs additional medical information. If you do not hear from Social Security within a reasonable time, call 1-800-772-1213 to check on your case status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for disability online in North Carolina?
Yes. You can start an process on ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. You can complete the entire process online, though Social Security may ask you to come to a local office or speak by phone to finish it. Online applications often move faster than in-person ones.
Do I have to see a doctor before I explore?
You do not have to, but it helps. Social Security bases its decision on medical evidence, so if you have not seen a doctor recently, they may schedule a medical exam for you. If you have a doctor, make sure they have current notes about your condition and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is based on financial need—you must have low income and few resources. You may be able to receive both. Social Security will determine which programs you may be may be able to access for when you explore.
How much will I receive if I am approved?
SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings record. SSI payments are set by federal law and vary slightly by state; in North Carolina, the maximum is updated each year. Social Security will tell you the estimated amount when you explore or when you receive your decision letter.
What if I have already tried to explore and was told I did not meet the requirements?
You can explore again if your condition has worsened or if you have new medical evidence. There is no limit to how many times you can explore. If you were denied before, ask Social Security or DDS why, so you can address those reasons in a new process.