Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Delaware

To get federal disability benefits for ALS in Delaware, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so approval is fast. You need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain time. For SSDI, you usually need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require that your disability stops you from working and will last at least a year or lead to death. [^1][^2]

State-specific information is limited; start here: Delaware’s Division of Social Services handles SSI and Medicaid. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation may offer job support. Delaware does not have a state short-term disability program like California. For ALS, you may qualify for Medicaid waivers that help pay for home care, equipment, and other services. Check with the Division of Social Services for details on eligibility and how to apply. [^3][^4]

• Gather medical records showing ALS diagnosis.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Delaware’s Division of Social Services.
• Learn about ABLE accounts for saving money tax-free.
• Contact local agencies for extra help and support.

• Get a doctor’s note and all medical records that prove your ALS diagnosis.
• Go to the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213 to start your SSDI or SSI application. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your claim will be fast-tracked.
• If you need Medicaid, apply online at Delaware ASSIST or call the Division of Social Services at 1-866-843-7212.
• Learn about ABLE accounts at the official Delaware ABLE website. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• If you need help with daily living, ask about Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
• Keep all records and follow up on your applications. Report any changes in your health or income.
• Contact local agencies for extra support, such as the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or ALS Association chapters.

Federal programs for ALS in Delaware include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays monthly benefits if you worked and paid Social Security taxes. ALS is fast-tracked for approval.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Helps people with low income and assets. ALS qualifies for fast approval.
• Medicare: Most people with ALS get Medicare after 24 months of SSDI, but some get it right away.
• Medicaid: Can help pay for medical costs if you have low income. You can get both Medicaid and Medicare.

These programs help cover medical bills, daily living costs, and more. [^1][^2]

State programs for ALS in Delaware include:

• Medicaid: Pays for medical care, home health, and equipment for people with low income.
• Medicaid Waivers: Help pay for home and community-based services, like personal care, respite care, and assistive technology.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Offers job training and support for people who want to work.
• ABLE Accounts: Let you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Check with the Division of Social Services for more details on eligibility and how to apply. [^3][^4]

Delaware offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year (2023 limit) and the first $100,000 does not count against SSI income limits. Learn more at the official Delaware ABLE website. [^5]

For SSI in Delaware, the income limit is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple (2023). For Medicaid, limits vary by program and household size. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits if under $100,000. [^6]

If you get too much money from SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in your income, assets, or living situation right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits safe. Learn more about reporting changes and avoiding overpayments. [^7]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI online or by phone.
• Delaware Division of Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-843-7212

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and SSI.
• Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-800-464-4357

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Get job training and support.

• Does ALS qualify for fast-tracked disability benefits in Delaware?

  Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition. This means your SSDI or SSI application will be fast-tracked for quick approval. You still need to meet all other eligibility rules.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Delaware?

  The SSI income limit in Delaware is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple (2023). These limits may change each year.

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI for ALS in Delaware?

  Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, and SSI is based on low income and assets. Many people with ALS get both.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Delaware?

  You can apply for Medicaid online at Delaware ASSIST or by calling the Division of Social Services at 1-866-843-7212. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Delaware?

  Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These can include personal care, respite care, and assistive technology.

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year (2023 limit).

• Do I need to report changes in my income or assets?