Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in Delaware

Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease that can qualify as a disability for federal programs. To get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must stop you from working and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. For SSI, you must also have low income and resources. For SSDI, you need a work history and paid Social Security taxes. Medicaid (called Medicaid in Delaware) covers medical care for people with disabilities who meet income and asset rules. Children with cystic fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid even if their parents have higher income. Adults with cystic fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid if they are disabled and have low income. Medicaid also covers children and adults through waivers that pay for home care and other supports.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

In Delaware, people with cystic fibrosis can qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability rules. Children with cystic fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid even if their parents have higher income. Adults with cystic fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid if they are disabled and have low income. Delaware also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with cystic fibrosis. These waivers can help pay for home care, therapy, and other supports. To qualify for a waiver, you must meet the disability and income rules. SSI and SSDI are available in Delaware for people with cystic fibrosis who meet the federal rules. SSI provides monthly payments and Medicaid coverage. SSDI provides monthly payments and Medicare coverage after a waiting period. Delaware also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Citations: [5], [6], [7], [8]

• Check if you qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the official ABLE website.

Citations: [5], [6], [7], [8]

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis from a doctor. You will need medical records to prove your disability.
• Step 2: Check your income and resources. SSI has strict income and resource limits. Medicaid has income and asset rules.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI if you are disabled and meet the rules. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid if you have low income and are disabled. You can apply online at Delaware ASSIST, by phone at 1-866-852-2255, or in person at a Department of Health and Social Services office.
• Step 5: If you need home care or other supports, apply for a Medicaid waiver. Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services at 1-800-964-4636.
• Step 6: If you want to save money without losing benefits, open an ABLE account. Visit the official ABLE website for more information.

Citations: [5], [6], [7], [8]

• SSI: Monthly payments and Medicaid for people with disabilities and low income.
• SSDI: Monthly payments and Medicare for people with disabilities and a work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income.
• Medicaid Waivers: Pay for home care and other supports for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

• Delaware Medicaid: Health coverage for children and adults with cystic fibrosis who meet income and disability rules.
• Medicaid Waivers: Pay for home care, therapy, and other supports for people with cystic fibrosis.
• SSI and SSDI: Monthly payments and health coverage for people with cystic fibrosis who meet federal rules.
• ABLE Accounts: Let people with cystic fibrosis save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Citations: [5], [6], [7], [8]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for housing, education, transportation, and other expenses. To open an ABLE account, visit the official ABLE website. In Delaware, you can open an ABLE account through the official ABLE program.

Citations: [9]

SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2024, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Medicaid has income and asset rules. For children, Medicaid income limits are higher. For adults, Medicaid income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level. SSDI has no income limit, but you must have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

If you get too much money from SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration or Department of Health and Social Services. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits.

Citations: [10]

• Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-852-2255

  Website

  For Medicaid, SSI, and other benefits.
• Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
  Phone: 1-800-964-4636

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and home care.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have cystic fibrosis in Delaware?

  Yes, if you meet income and disability rules. Children with cystic fibrosis may qualify even if their parents have higher income. Adults with cystic fibrosis may qualify if they are disabled and have low income.

• Can I work and still get benefits for cystic fibrosis?

  Yes, you can work and still get SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid if you meet the rules. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep benefits while you work.

• What is a Medicaid waiver for cystic fibrosis?

  A Medicaid waiver pays for home care, therapy, and other supports for people with cystic fibrosis. To qualify, you must meet disability and income rules.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with cystic fibrosis?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records to prove your disability.

• What is an ABLE account for cystic fibrosis?

  An ABLE account lets people with cystic fibrosis save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for housing, education, transportation, and other expenses.

• Can I get help with home care for cystic fibrosis?

  Yes, Medicaid waivers can help pay for home care, therapy, and other supports for people with cystic fibrosis. Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for more information.