Down Syndrome Benefits in Delaware: A Complete Guide

• To get SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you must have low income and limited resources. Down Syndrome usually meets the medical rules for children and adults. Children must have marked and severe functional limitations. Adults must be unable to do substantial work.
• For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Most people with Down Syndrome qualify for SSI, not SSDI, because they may not have worked enough.
• Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities who have low income. In Delaware, children with Down Syndrome often qualify for Medicaid, even if family income is higher than usual.
• ABLE accounts let families save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications, SSA Who Can Get Disability, Medicaid.gov

In Delaware, people with Down Syndrome may qualify for several programs:

• SSI and Medicaid: Most children and adults with Down Syndrome qualify for SSI and Medicaid if income and resources are low. Delaware uses federal rules for SSI, but may have higher income limits for children.
• Medicaid Waivers: Delaware offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with developmental disabilities. These waivers pay for extra help like therapy, respite care, and job coaching.
• Other Supports: Delaware’s Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) helps families find services, supports, and resources for people with Down Syndrome.

To qualify for state programs, you must live in Delaware, have a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, and meet income and functional requirements. The state may require a functional assessment to see how the disability affects daily life.

Sources: Delaware Division of Social Services, Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Delaware’s eZApply portal or by calling DSS.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers and other supports from DDDS.
• Open an ABLE account if eligible.

Start with Social Security and Delaware’s Division of Social Services for help.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical records for Down Syndrome. These are needed for all programs.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI. You can start online at the Social Security website, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office. You will need to fill out forms and provide medical and financial information.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid. Use Delaware’s eZApply portal or call DSS at 1-866-852-2231. You can apply for Medicaid at the same time as SSI.
• Step 4: Ask about Medicaid waivers. Contact DDDS to learn about HCBS waivers and other supports for people with developmental disabilities.
• Step 5: Open an ABLE account if eligible. Visit the Delaware ABLE program website to learn more and apply.
• Step 6: Report changes in income, address, or health to keep benefits.

Sources: SSA Apply for Disability, Delaware eZApply, Delaware ABLE Program

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have low income and resources. Most children and adults with Down Syndrome qualify.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have a work history. Most people with Down Syndrome qualify for SSI, not SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health care coverage for people with disabilities who have low income. Covers doctor visits, therapy, and more.
• Medicare: Health care for people who get SSDI. Most people with Down Syndrome get Medicaid, not Medicare.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for education, housing, and more without losing SSI or Medicaid.

Sources: SSA Disability Programs, Medicaid.gov, ABLE National Resource Center

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Delaware offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with developmental disabilities. These waivers pay for extra help like therapy, respite care, job coaching, and supported living.
• Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS): Helps families find services, supports, and resources for people with Down Syndrome. DDDS can help with case management, service planning, and connecting to providers.
• Delaware ABLE Program: State-run ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. Accounts can be opened online and used for qualified expenses.
• Other Supports: Delaware offers early intervention for children, special education services, and vocational rehabilitation for adults.

Sources: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, Delaware ABLE Program

ABLE accounts let families save money for people with disabilities without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Delaware, you can open an ABLE account online. The account can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. Funds grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

Source: Delaware ABLE Program

SSI and Medicaid have strict income and resource limits. For SSI, the 2025 federal limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Medicaid limits vary by age and program. Children may have higher limits. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits, but there are annual and lifetime contribution limits.

Source: SSA SSI Limits

You must report changes in income, address, or health to keep benefits. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and Delaware’s Division of Social Services as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and payments.

Source: SSA Reporting Changes

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with benefits.
• Delaware Division of Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-852-2231

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other state benefits.
• Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
  Phone: 302-255-9400

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  Get help with services and supports for developmental disabilities.

• Can a child with Down Syndrome get SSI in Delaware?

  Yes, children with Down Syndrome can get SSI in Delaware if their family meets income and resource limits. The child must have marked and severe functional limitations. Apply through Social Security.

• What is a Medicaid waiver for Down Syndrome in Delaware?

  A Medicaid waiver pays for extra services for people with developmental disabilities, like therapy, respite care, and job coaching. Delaware offers HCBS waivers for people with Down Syndrome.

• How do I apply for Medicaid for someone with Down Syndrome in Delaware?

  You can apply for Medicaid online through Delaware’s eZApply portal or by calling DSS. You will need to provide medical and financial information.

• Can adults with Down Syndrome get SSDI in Delaware?

  Most adults with Down Syndrome qualify for SSI, not SSDI, because they may not have worked enough. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits.

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

  An ABLE account lets families save money for people with disabilities without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, and more. Delaware offers its own ABLE program.

• What services are available for people with Down Syndrome in Delaware?

  Delaware offers Medicaid waivers, case management, therapy, respite care, job coaching, and supported living. Contact DDDS for help finding services.