Deaf-Blindness Benefits & Support in Delaware (2025)

To qualify for federal disability benefits with deaf-blindness, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability, which means your condition severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must also have limited income and resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Deaf-blindness is a recognized sensory disability under both programs, but you must provide medical evidence showing how your condition affects daily life and work. There are special rules for children with deaf-blindness, who may qualify for SSI with different income limits.

State-specific information is limited; start here: Delaware’s Medicaid program (called Diamond State Health Plan) covers people with disabilities, including deaf-blindness, who meet income and resource limits. Delaware may also offer Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, or HCBS), which provide extra supports for people with sensory disabilities to live at home. Check Delaware Health and Social Services for the latest eligibility rules, as they can change. If you receive SSI in Delaware, you typically qualify for Medicaid automatically. For state-specific programs, contact the Delaware Division of Disabilities Services or Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center.

To apply for Delaware disability benefits with deaf-blindness:

• SSI/SSDI: Start at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Gather medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Medicaid: Apply online through Delaware ASSIST, by phone, or in person. If you get SSI, you may be enrolled automatically.
• Medicaid Waivers: Contact the Delaware Division of Disabilities Services for HCBS waiver applications.
• Help: Deaf-blind applicants can request accommodations—ask for communication support when you apply.

Step-by-step guide to applying for deaf-blindness benefits in Delaware:

1. Gather Documents: Collect medical records showing your deaf-blind diagnosis, proof of income, resources, and ID. For SSI/SSDI, include work history if applicable.
2. SSI/SSDI Application:
   • Online: Go to ssa.gov, create an account, and complete the application.
   • Phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
   • In Person: Visit a local SSA office with an appointment.
3. Medicaid Application:
   • Online: Use Delaware ASSIST at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/assist.html.
   • Phone: Call the Delaware Medicaid Customer Relations Unit.
   • In Person: Visit a local Delaware Health and Social Services office.
4. Medicaid Waivers: Contact the Delaware Division of Disabilities Services to ask about HCBS waivers for extra services like in-home support or assistive technology.
5. Accommodations: Request communication support (e.g., braille, large print, ASL interpreters) when you apply. Federal law requires reasonable accommodations for sensory disabilities.
6. Follow Up: Check the status of your application regularly. Respond to any requests for more information quickly.
7. Appeals: If denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from Delaware legal aid or disability rights groups if needed.

Federal Programs for Deaf-Blindness:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash assistance for people with limited income/resources who are disabled, blind, or 65+. SSI recipients usually get Medicaid automatically.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefits if you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes. Dependent family members may also qualify.
• Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you get Medicare, which covers hospital, medical, and prescription drugs.
• ABLE Accounts: Save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, up to $100,000. Earnings grow tax-free.
• Work Incentives: SSI and SSDI offer programs to help you work and keep benefits, like Ticket to Work and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).
• Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term services. Section 1619(b) lets some SSI recipients keep Medicaid while working, even if cash benefits stop.

Delaware State Programs for Deaf-Blindness:

Delaware offers several supports for people with sensory disabilities like deaf-blindness, but detailed, up-to-date program information must be confirmed directly with the state.

• Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan): Covers health care for eligible low-income residents, including those with disabilities. If you receive SSI, you typically qualify automatically.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These waivers provide extra services not usually covered by Medicaid, such as in-home supports, personal care, and assistive technology. Delaware may have waivers for sensory disabilities—contact the Division of Disabilities Services for current options.
• Division of Disabilities Services: Offers support coordination, information, and referrals for Delawareans with disabilities. They can help you navigate benefits and apply for waivers.
• Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): Provides information on local services, benefits counseling, and help with applications.

Note: Delaware-specific ABLE account details and special sensory disability programs should be confirmed with state agencies. Some programs may have waitlists or limited slots.

ABLE Accounts in Delaware:

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money (up to $100,000) without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Earnings grow tax-free. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses, like education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology. Delaware has its own ABLE program; visit the state treasurer’s website for details. ABLE accounts are a great way to build financial independence while keeping benefits.

Income and Resource Limits:

• SSI: Strict income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943/month for individuals, and resources are capped at $2,000 (excludes your home and one car).
• Delaware Medicaid: Income limits vary by program. If you get SSI, you typically qualify automatically. For other Medicaid categories, check with Delaware Health and Social Services for current limits.
• Work Incentives: Both SSI and SSDI have rules that allow you to earn some money without losing benefits. Exemptions and deductions help working individuals with disabilities keep more income.

Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes:

Always report changes in income, living situation, marital status, or resources to Social Security and Delaware Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the SSA’s online portal or call to report changes. Keep records of your reports. For Medicaid, report changes to Delaware ASSIST. Review our guide on avoiding overpayments for more tips.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri 8AM–7PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions. Ask for accommodations if needed.
• Delaware Health and Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-372-2022

  TTY: 711

  Hours: Mon–Fri 8AM–4:30PM

  Website

  For Delaware Medicaid and ASSIST applications.
• Delaware Division of Disabilities Services
  Phone: 1-302-744-9700

  Hours: Mon–Fri 8AM–4:30PM

  Website

  For questions about services, waivers, and support for people with disabilities.

• Can I work if I have deaf-blindness and receive SSI or SSDI in Delaware?

  Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you earn money without immediately losing benefits. SSI has earnings exclusions, and SSDI has a trial work period. Medicaid may also continue if you meet certain conditions. Always report your income.

• How do I qualify for Medicaid in Delaware with deaf-blindness?

  If you get SSI, you usually qualify for Medicaid automatically. Otherwise, apply through Delaware ASSIST. Income and resource limits apply, but waivers like HCBS may offer extra services. Contact Delaware Health and Social Services for details.

• What is an ABLE account, and how can it help me in Delaware?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Delaware has its own ABLE program. Funds can pay for education, housing, transportation, and more—up to $100,000 doesn’t count against SSI resource limits.

• What if I’m denied benefits for deaf-blindness in Delaware?

  You have the right to appeal. Start by requesting a reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Seek help from Delaware legal aid or disability rights groups. Keep all your records and act quickly on deadlines.

• What accommodations are available for deaf-blind applicants?

  You can request accommodations like braille, large print, ASL interpreters, or communication support when applying for benefits. Federal law requires reasonable accommodations for sensory disabilities.

• Does Delaware offer extra services for people with deaf-blindness?