Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic disorder that can qualify for disability benefits in Delaware. Eligibility depends on how EDS limits your ability to work and meet federal or state requirements. This guide covers steps to apply for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other support programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Delaware, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need to have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 5 of the last 10 years, or 40 work credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and is well-documented by medical records [8][9].
Delaware does not have a state-run short-term disability program like California. Most people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Delaware rely on federal programs such as SSDI and SSI. Delaware Medicaid may cover medical care and services for those who qualify based on income and disability status. Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, can provide additional support for people with rare or genetic conditions. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Delaware also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26 [10][11].
Collect Medical Evidence: Get detailed records from your doctors, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome limits your daily activities and work.
Apply for SSDI or SSI: Go to SSA.gov and start your application. You’ll need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records. If you can’t work due to EDS, you may qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits, or SSI if you have limited income and resources.
Apply for Medicaid: Visit the Delaware Health and Social Services website to apply for Medicaid. You’ll need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability. Medicaid can cover medical care, therapy, and some home and community-based services.
Look Into Medicaid Waivers: If you need extra support, ask about Delaware’s HCBS waiver. This can help pay for services like home care, therapy, and assistive devices.
Consider an ABLE Account: If you became disabled before age 26, you can open an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits.
Contact Vocational Rehabilitation: Delaware’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you find work or training if you want to return to work.
Follow Up: Keep copies of all applications and documents. Respond quickly to any requests for more information.
Federal programs for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Delaware include:
These programs provide monthly cash benefits, health coverage, and sometimes extra help with bills [8][9].
Delaware offers several programs for people with disabilities:
These programs can provide extra support for medical care, daily living, and work [10][11].
Delaware offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. To open an account, visit the Delaware ABLE website or contact a financial advisor [10].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. For Medicaid waivers, limits are often higher for people with disabilities. Always check the latest limits on the Delaware Health and Social Services website [10][11].
If you get too much money from SSI or Medicaid, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online or by phone. For more details, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide [12].
Contact Delaware’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for help with applications and support.
Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify for disability benefits in Delaware if it prevents you from working and is well-documented by medical records. You may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or Medicaid based on your work history, income, and how EDS affects your daily life.
You need detailed medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment history, and how Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome limits your ability to work and do daily activities. Letters from your doctors and test results can help support your claim.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. You’ll need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records. The SSA will review your application and decide if you qualify.
The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Check the Delaware Health and Social Services website for the latest limits.
Yes, you can get Medicaid in Delaware if you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and meet income and asset limits. Medicaid can cover medical care, therapy, and some home and community-based services.
Medicaid waivers in Delaware, like the HCBS waiver, can help pay for extra services such as home care, therapy, and assistive devices for people with disabilities. People with rare or genetic conditions may qualify.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Delaware offers ABLE accounts.
Delaware’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities find jobs, training, and support. They can help you return to work or find new employment if your disability allows.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online or by phone. For more details, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. The SSA will review your case again and may ask for more information or a hearing.
