Filing for Disability in North Carolina
When disability claims are medically reviewed in North Carolina, 37.3% are approved — above the national average of 36.5%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.5%
Nat'l avg: 38.5%
Nat'l avg: 42.2%
Know Your Numbers
North Carolina approves 37.3% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.8 percentage points above the national average of 36.5%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,810/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for North Carolina vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Jul 2026 (monthly).
North Carolina's medical approval rate has risen from 35.8% to 37.3% over this period.
At a Glance — July 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
37.3%
Claims Filed
7,463
Determinations
7,296
Pending Claims
27,966
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
13.0%
Recon Claims Pending
7,061
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Charlotte
Hearing OfficeCharlotte · 9 judges · 8.0 months wait · 3,177 pending
approval
Fayetteville
Hearing OfficeFayetteville · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,048 pending
approval
Greensboro
Hearing OfficeGreensboro · 9 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,218 pending
approval
Raleigh
Hearing OfficeRaleigh · 13 judges · 7.0 months wait · 3,441 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 23.4%
- Disabled Child
- 55.7%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 10.4%
- Disabled Child
- 18.8%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,172
- Approved
- 1,189
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,536
- Approved
- 1,159
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,588
- Approved
- 372
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,210
- Approved
- 674
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,313
- Approved
- 430
What to Do Next
Review North Carolina's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in North Carolina. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in North Carolina?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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