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Delaware • Sensory
Delaware residents with deafness may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. Programs help with income, health coverage, and medical expenses. Eligibility depends on income, disability status, and other factors. This guide explains your options and how to apply.
Federal benefits for people with deafness include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid. SSI provides cash support to those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Medicaid offers health coverage, including for hearing-related services. Eligibility for SSI and Medicaid often depends on your income and disability status. To qualify for SSI, you must meet the federal definition of disability and have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and enough credits from paying Social Security taxes. Both programs require proof of your disability, including medical records and, for deafness, audiological testing showing hearing loss at certain thresholds.
State-specific information is limited; start here: Delaware does not have a dedicated program webpage for deafness benefits. However, residents may qualify for Delaware Medicaid, which covers hearing aids and other services for eligible people with disabilities. To qualify for Medicaid in Delaware, you typically must meet income and asset limits, and provide proof of disability. Delaware also offers Medicaid waivers (HCBS), which may provide additional support services. Children and adults with deafness should apply to determine eligibility. For the most current rules and to check income limits, contact the Delaware Division of Social Services or see the Delaware Health and Social Services website.
Start by gathering your medical records, proof of income, and identification. Apply for SSI and SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. For Delaware Medicaid, use the Delaware ASSIST portal, apply in person, or mail your application to the Delaware Division of Social Services. If you need help, contact local agencies or a benefits counselor.
1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, audiologist reports, proof of income, ID, and Social Security cards.
2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: File your application online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. If denied, consider an appeal with medical evidence of your deafness.
3. Apply for Delaware Medicaid: Use the Delaware ASSIST portal to apply online, call the Division of Social Services, or visit a local office. Provide proof of disability and income.
4. Ask About Medicaid Waivers: Contact the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities or Division of Developmental Disabilities Services to ask about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
5. Open an ABLE Account: If you’re eligible, use the National ABLE website to open an account, allowing you to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid.
6. Report Changes: If your income, living situation, or disability status changes, notify Social Security and Delaware Medicaid immediately to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits secure.
SSI provides cash aid to people with disabilities and low income, including those with deafness. SSDI offers benefits if you have worked and paid into Social Security. Medicaid covers medical services, including hearing aids and related care, for eligible individuals. ABLE accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses. These programs have federal guidelines, but states help run them.
Delaware Medicaid covers health services for adults and children with disabilities, including hearing aids. The state does not publish special rules for deafness alone, but those with disabilities may access all covered services. Delaware also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for additional support. For the latest specifics, contact the Delaware Division of Social Services or visit the Delaware Health and Social Services website. State ABLE program details may be found via the National ABLE program, using Delaware’s ABLEAmerica program.
You can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Delaware does not have its own ABLE program, but you can enroll in the national ABLE account program. Funds in the ABLE account can be used for education, housing, transportation, health, and other disability expenses.
SSI has strict federal income and resource limits, which vary by household size. Delaware Medicaid also has income and asset limits, but these may be higher for people with disabilities. Check with the Delaware Division of Social Services for the most current income thresholds and rules.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Delaware Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you receive too much in benefits, contact the agency right away to make a repayment plan.
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you may qualify for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) for free communication devices. Also, Delaware Relay Service (711) provides telephone access for people with hearing or speech disabilities.
Delaware Medicaid covers hearing aids for eligible adults and children. Ask your provider or caseworker about coverage and prior authorization.
SSI is a needs-based program for people with disabilities and low income, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of disability, including deafness that meets Social Security guidelines. See our guide on [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) for more.
Delaware Medicaid covers hearing aids and cochlear implants for eligible children and adults with disabilities. Coverage rules and prior authorization may apply. Contact the Delaware Division of Social Services for details.
Yes, but your income must be below program limits. SSI has earned income exclusions, and Delaware Medicaid may have special rules for the working disabled. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for more.
Contact the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities or Division of Developmental Disabilities Services to ask about HCBS waivers. You must meet disability and financial eligibility rules.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Delaware residents can use the national ABLE program. Funds can pay for disability expenses. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and programs change; always check with official sources for the latest information.
You have the right to appeal. Gather medical evidence and consider getting help from a legal aid or advocacy group. Keep records of all communications.
Contact Social Security and Delaware Medicaid right away if your income, living situation, or medical condition changes. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) for tips.
Delaware Medicaid covers children with disabilities, and there may be additional school-based and early intervention services. Contact your local school district and the Division of Social Services for details.
Local agencies, legal aid, and advocacy groups can assist with applications. See our contact list for help near you.
You must report your move to Social Security and Delaware Medicaid. Eligibility and services may change based on your new state’s rules.
