State and Local Agencies

In North Carolina, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is considered a Developmental Disability (DD) and is served by the DD section of the State Mental Health Divistion (MH/DD/SA). Individuals apply for assistance through their Local Managment Entities (LME) which then assists you to find the services you need.

NAVIGATING THE SERVICE SYSTEM:

Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
NC State funded services may include: counseling, medication management, supported employment, case management, supportive living, and many others. They have a new website. Be sure to visit:
http://www.ncdhhs.gov/mhddsas/
Go Directly to the TBI info: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/mhddsas/services/TBI/index.htm
The NC Division of MH/DD/SAS uses Local Management Entities, called LMEs, to provide screening, triage, and referral to a network of local providers that take State funds.  In North Carolina there is a LME that serves the county you live in.  To find your local LME, please visit
LME by County
LME by LME Name
If you are a having a difficult time accessing services call the Advocacy and Customer Service section at the Division of MH/DD/SAS at 919-715-3197.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Consumer You can click here to see the new section on the MH/DD/SAS website: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/mhddsas/services/TBI/index.htm

• Provider Click here if you are a provider and want to learn more: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/mhddsas/providers/TBI/index.htm

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation-DVRS
If you are interested in eventually returning to work you may want to consider the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  If you have a disability that causes limitations, want to work, and are able to work you should qualify to receive their services.  If you receive SSI or SSDI you are presumed eligible for DVRS.
Vocational Rehabilitation provides services to help you find, get, and keep a job.  To learn more about DVRS, please visit http://dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us

o you want to find a job or learn a new skill?
Are you having problems getting or keeping a job due to a disability?
Learn about your state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Click here to find the local office nearest to you of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
They can help you assess if you are ready to work and help you train for or find a suitable job.

Here is a link to the Client Assistance Program (CAP) program within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to help consumers with problems.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Do you have problems with independent living in the community?
Learn more about your state Independent Living services.

Click here to find the local office of the Independent Living service within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

 

Applying for Benefits
SSI versus SSDI:  Social security disability benefits consist of monthly payments and/or Medicare benefits which provide compensation so those who are totally disable from performing substantial gainful work of any kind.  Social Security benefits can be obtained through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Both SSDI and SSI have the same medical requirements, however, SSDI requires a certain amount of credit earned for prior work (approximately 5 years of last 10 years), whereas, SSI is based solely on financial needs, regardless of work. 
If you believe you may be entitled to Social Security benefits you may apply in person at your local Social Security office or by phone or mail.  If you want to apply online www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability
To find your local Social Security office https://secure.ssa.gov.apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

 

DISABILITY RIGHTS NORTH CAROLINA

DRNC is a private, tax-exempt, non-profit corporation that began by offering legal representation to children and adults with mental illness and developmental disabilities. As the new Protection and Advocacy organization for North Carolina, DRNC serves people with all types of disabilities.

DRNC is available for:
	-Representation of clients with disabilities.
	-Public education and training on issues affecting people with disabilities.
	-Technical assistance to lawyers and lay advocates.
	-Contracts with advocacy and service organizations for training, referrals, technical assistance, litigation and special projects.

Inquiries about Legal Representation Disability Rights North Carolina provides very specialized legal assistance. Current priorities are cases with potential for systemic change and include: Special Education, Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation of people with disabilities, Denial of Medicaid Benefits, Alternative to Guardianship and Limited Guardianship.

Toll free: (877) 235-4210

Phone: (919) 856-2195

Fax: (919) 856-2244

Email: info@disabilityrightsnc.org