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Delaware • Neurological/Developmental
If you or your loved one has Cerebral Palsy, Delaware offers a mix of federal and state benefits—including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, income guidelines, and helpful tips for navigating Delaware’s benefit programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Delaware, you must meet both medical and financial criteria.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For children and adults with Cerebral Palsy, SSI pays benefits to those with limited income and resources, and a disability that severely limits daily activities and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. You do not need a work history, but there are strict income and asset limits [7].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Adults must have a work history, earning enough credits by paying Social Security taxes. Most adults need at least 20 work credits from the past 10 years, but young adults may qualify with fewer [7]. The disability must be severe, expected to last at least one year, or result in death, and prevent you from working at a substantial level [7].
State-specific information is limited; start here:
Delaware Medicaid: Medicaid covers health care and long-term services for people with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy. Delaware has several Medicaid waiver programs that help pay for home and community-based services (HCBS), allowing you to live at home or in the community instead of an institution. To qualify, you must be a Delaware resident and meet income and disability criteria. Programs like the Diamond State Health Plan Plus and the Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled (EWD) may be available, but each has its own rules.
ABLE Accounts: Delaware participates in the ABLE program, which lets people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. You must have a disability with an onset age before 26.
No official, authoritative Delaware guide was found for Cerebral Palsy-specific benefit eligibility. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). For SSI/SSDI, visit the Social Security Administration website or local office.
For guidance, contact Delaware's Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), which helps people with developmental disabilities access services and supports.
If you or your child has Cerebral Palsy, start by checking eligibility for SSI and SSDI online or at your local Social Security office. For Medicaid and waiver programs, contact the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Consider opening an ABLE account in Delaware to save money without affecting benefits. Keep records of medical diagnoses and financial information, and ask for help from nonprofit organizations if you need support during the application process.
Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI):
Apply for Delaware Medicaid & Waivers:
Open an ABLE Account:
Additional Support:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the main federal benefits for people with disabilities. Both require a medical condition (like Cerebral Palsy) that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who paid into Social Security through work [7].
Medicare may be available after 24 months on SSDI. Medicaid is a joint state-federal program that covers many health care costs for people with disabilities, especially when there are significant care needs.
Delaware offers several programs that may help people with Cerebral Palsy:
Medicaid and HCBS Waivers: These programs provide health insurance and pay for home and community-based services, including in-home care, therapy, and medical equipment. The Diamond State Health Plan Plus and EWD Waiver are two options. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS): DDDS serves adults and children with developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, by connecting them with support services, employment, and community resources.
ABLE Accounts: Delaware’s ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing access to SSI and Medicaid. This can help you build financial independence and pay for things not covered by benefits.
Note: Delaware does not have a state disability insurance program for short-term or non-work-related disabilities. Federal programs and Medicaid are the main options.
Delaware ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and funds in the account can grow tax-free. ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, health care, and more. To open one, visit the Delaware ABLE program website and provide proof of disability and onset before age 26.
SSI has strict income and asset limits. As of 2023, an individual with SSI can have up to $2,000 in assets (excluding one car and home). For Medicaid, income limits vary by program but are generally higher for children than adults, and sometimes higher if you’re on a waiver. Always report changes in income to the Social Security office and Medicaid, or you risk overpayments. For the most current figures, check the official SSI and Delaware Medicaid websites.
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Delaware Medicaid. Failing to do so could result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, you can ask for a waiver or set up a payment plan. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
If applying for benefits feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Delaware nonprofits like The Arc of Delaware and the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services can help you understand the process, gather documents, and even accompany you to appointments.
If you need help with daily activities due to Cerebral Palsy, a Medicaid waiver may cover services like personal care, home modifications, or respite care. These programs help you stay at home instead of moving to a nursing facility.
Most people with Cerebral Palsy can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Medicaid helps pay for health care and long-term services.
Delaware Medicaid pays for health care, therapy, and sometimes home and community-based services through waivers. These waivers let people with significant disabilities get care at home or in the community instead of a nursing home. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and the level of care needed.
No, Delaware does not have a state disability insurance program for short-term or non-work-related disabilities. Federal programs (SSI, SSDI) and Medicaid are the main benefit options.
Yes, Delaware participates in the national ABLE program, which allows people with disabilities that began before age 26 to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Gather medical records and proof of income. Make sure your Cerebral Palsy is well-documented. If denied, you have the right to appeal.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee access to benefits. Program rules, income limits, and services may change. Always check with state and federal agencies for the most current information.
SSI has strict income and asset limits (currently $2,000 for an individual). Certain items, like a car and home, are not counted. Medicaid programs in Delaware may have higher limits, especially for children and those on waivers. Always check the latest guidelines at ssa.gov or your state’s Medicaid office.
The Elderly and Disabled (EWD) Medicaid Waiver helps people who need nursing home level care stay in their homes or communities by providing services like personal care, adult day care, and home modifications.
Yes. Both SSI and SSDI have special work incentives like PASS and Ticket to Work. You may still receive some benefits even if you earn money, but you must report all income and work activity.
Call your local Social Security office or the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services immediately. Report changes in income, living situation, or work activity. Failing to report can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits.
Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services or local nonprofits like The Arc of Delaware. Social Security and Medicaid offices also have staff who can help with applications and answer questions.
