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Delaware • Chronic Illness
People with kidney disease in Delaware may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and disability status. Delaware offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.
People with kidney disease may qualify for federal disability benefits if their condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This means the illness must be severe, expected to last at least 12 months, and prevent substantial work. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Medicaid (called Medicaid in Delaware) covers medical care for those with low income and resources. Children and adults with kidney disease may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for extra support services.
In Delaware, people with kidney disease may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements. Delaware uses the federal poverty level to set income limits. For 2025, the income limit for Medicaid is 138% of the federal poverty level for adults. There is no resource limit for Medicaid in Delaware. People with kidney disease may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These waivers help pay for services like home care, transportation, and medical equipment. Delaware also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. In Delaware, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. The account can be used for expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. You can open an ABLE account online at ablenation.org or through the Delaware ABLE program.
It is important to report changes in income, resources, or health to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid office. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems. You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail. Keep copies of all reports and supporting documents.
Contact the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services at 1-866-843-7212 for help with Medicaid applications. For SSI and SSDI, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Yes, if your kidney disease is severe and expected to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet income and disability requirements. Medicaid is also available for those with low income and resources.
You can apply for Medicaid online at dhss.delaware.gov or by calling 1-866-843-7212. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and medical records. Medicaid covers medical care for those with low income and resources.
Medicaid waivers in Delaware provide extra support services for people with disabilities, such as home care, transportation, and medical equipment. These waivers help people with kidney disease live independently in the community.
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits in Delaware. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work. Medicaid also has rules that let you keep coverage if you work.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can use it for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or health to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid office. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date information.
You will need medical records that show your kidney disease diagnosis, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work. This may include doctor's notes, lab results, and hospital records.
Yes, Medicaid waivers in Delaware may cover transportation for medical appointments. You can also ask about other programs that provide transportation for people with disabilities.
The time to get disability benefits in Delaware varies. SSI and SSDI applications can take several months to process. Medicaid applications are usually processed faster, often within a few weeks.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. You can get help with the appeal process from a disability advocate or legal aid organization.
