North Carolina disability benefit programs.
Disabled residents, their families, and caregivers can get assistance in North Carolina. The state provides a number of assistance programs and resources for individuals dealing with a disability. The departments and organizations will offer, among other things, access to meals, vocational training, housing, respite for care givers, and more. This is provided in an effort to ensure that individuals and their families get the support they need. These benefits are focused on their specific needs and are in addition to any of the more standard government and public assistance programs.
Many of the disability programs are administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services. The government agency supports the disabled and offers them benefits from a community-based system of programs and referrals to non-profits.
Some of the services available include Adult Day Care/Health Programs, support for people with Alzheimer's Disease, Employment, Family Caregiver Support, and Long Term Care Options.
Housing programs may be provided, including, but not limited to information on section 811 housing vouchers. Some basic home improvements or modifications may be arranged for the disabled in an effort to make their homes safe and livable. Several other services are offered such as rent help, HUD applications, and call (919) 855-3400 for information. Or learn more on North Carolina section 8 housing.
NC Employment First Initiative is offered in partnership with the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities. The state, working with non-profits and employers, tries to increase and promote the employment of North Carolinians with disabilities. Assistance and training is also offered for those with mental health, intellectual developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues.
Home Improvement is provided to encourage independence for persons with disabilities, including older adults and seniors. Low interest loans or grants may assist with repair or modifications, home improvements, or other needed housing options. The funds for the disabled in North Carolina may allow the individual to remain at home and not in a nursing facility. There are also grants to pay bills and other living expenses.
The Department of Health and Human Services can provide information on Adult Care Homes. These are for disabled adults who may require assistance in the form of 24-hour supervision. The locations will offer them personal care needs, and care such as grooming, dressing, and medications. The locations can range from family care homes of two to six residents to adult care homes of more than 100 residents. There are also a number of Group Homes for Developmentally Disabled Adults.
Additional services are as follows. Meals and food may be offered to. Thousands of residents receive free or low cost congregate meals and home-delivered support. In addition, in-home aide services are offered as well as transportation to health care, shopping, and other needed activities. For information on the resources above, call Health and Human Services at (919) 855-3400.
The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing can be reached at (800) 851-6099. The North Carolina Division of Services for the blind offers assistance and benefits for people that are visually impaired, blind, or deaf. Various services, many of which are specialized, are offered by this department. They promote employment, independence, and community-based living. Some of the specific resources include Independent Living Rehabilitation Program, Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living Services, Business Enterprise and our Medical Care / Eye Treatment Program.
Additional benefits provided can include advocacy, counseling, information, skills development and tools and resources for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind and Speech-Impaired individuals. Their caregivers and families can also get support. The agency may also offer telecommunications access for all through providing assistive technology as well as relay services.
Financial aid may be offered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human and Social Services. They administer a number of public aid and government resources. The disabled may sometimes receive priority for certain financial assistance programs. Examples include those below.
- Energy bill assistance, such as LIHEAP and grants for paying heating bills and weatherization.
- Food and nutrition services, such as SNAP food stamps or information on pantries.
- Work First Family Assistance is short term, cash aid.
- Lifeline-Linkup, which is telephone assistance for the low income, including families with a disability.
- Other benefits can include Community Based Programs, Emergency Assistance, and more.
Call social services at (919) 733-3055.
Disability Determination Services, or DDS, are available in North Carolina. In general, the state provides a safety net for those whose individuals with disabilities if they have left them unable to work and earn an income. Offices around the state receive applications from federal Social Security offices. They will work to determine eligibility for both Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income disability payments. In addition, DDS will also determine eligibility for health care, including Medicaid benefits. They work with county departments of social services and health on these applications. Phone - (919) 733-3055.
Vocational Rehabilitation offers counseling, education, training, transportation, assistive technology, job placement and additional benefits. The state provides this to residents that have physical, psychiatric or intellectual disabilities. This also includes individuals that are hard of hearing or deaf or that have other communicative disorders. The goal is to help people live independently and the state will help them find and keep a job as well. There are many offices located around the state in towns and counties. Clients will get help in preparing for employment and case managers will match people with jobs that fit their skill set.
The Assistive Technology Program is for residents of all ages and that have disabilities. This will help people achieve and make everyday living more independent. Assistance is offered for computer use, mobility, daily living activities, communication, education, alarm systems and other equipment. The disabled may also have wheelchairs and other equipment loaned out to them from medical closets.
North Carolina will generally offer low interest, short-term loans for buying and trying out these devices. Or a charity will allow the client to borrow the equipment. Other benefits from the case managers includes rights advocacy for individuals and families, information/referral services and general financial resource information.
Plans created will address vocational evaluation, diagnostic services, physical and mental restoration. Some more material aid offered is transportation, assistive technology, modifications to vehicle, home, job and worksite. Or receive training such as personal assistance; college or vocational training; and on-the-job support. Find a listing of medical loan equipment closets and learn how they operate.
Independent Living Services will help people participate in family and community activities to the best of their abilities. Staff will help individuals with disabilities better manage their own life and taking a more active part in their home, family, and community. Call (800) 689-9090.
Government and non-profit resources for disabled
Additional programs may be offered by the agencies or organizations below.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance Address is 2501 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2501 Phone: (919) 855-4100
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid 2501 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2501 Telephone number is (919) 855-4100
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services 325 N Salisbury Street # 1111 Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 733-7011
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health 1931 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1931 Call (919) 707-5000 for information.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Independent Living 1300 St. Marys Street, Suite 400 2761 Raleigh, NC 27699-2801 (888) 479-6095
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Services for the Blind Location is 2601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2601 (866) 222-1546
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Exceptional Children Division 6356 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 (919) 807-3969
North Carolina School for the Deaf Main Building, 517 W. Fleming Dr. Morganton, NC 28655 (828) 432-5200
North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council 505 Oberlin Road, Suite 206 Raleigh, NC 27605 (919) 835-3636
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Southeastern Chapter Main address: 4010 Deans Bridge Road Hephzibah, GA 30815-5616 (800) 292-9335
The Spina Bifida Association of the Carolinas Call (336) 587-7006
The Arc of North Carolina 343 E Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Main number (800) 662-8706
Autism Society of North Carolina Address: 505 Oberlin Road, Suite 230 Raleigh NC 27605 Telephone - (800) 442-2762
Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC) 2113 Cameron Street, Bryan Building, Suite 242 PO Box 10912 Raleigh, NC 27605 For information, call the agency at (800) 377-1464
The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Campus Box #7255 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3366 Dial (919) 966-5171
Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy North Carolina & Virginia Location - 5171 Glenwood Avenue Suite 400 Raleigh, NC, 27612 Phone: (800) 662-7119
Governor Morehead School for the Blind Address: 303 Ashe Avenue Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 733-6192
Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina 1854A Hendersonville Road, #239 Asheville, NC 28803
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central North Carolina Chapter 2211 W Meadowview Road, Suite 30 Greensboro, NC 27407 (800) FIGHT-MS
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Carolinas Chapter 9801-I Southern Pine Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 Dial (704) 525-2955
North Carolina Association, Long Term Care Facilities 4010 Barrett Drive, Suite 102 Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 787-3560
North Carolina Council for the Blind Address: 408 Ward Street Graham, NC 27253 (800) 344-7113
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Location: 3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27604 Main number - (800) 357-6916
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