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Delaware • Chronic Illness
People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Delaware may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Eligibility depends on income, work history, and medical documentation.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Delaware, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be below certain limits, and you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. Both programs require medical documentation from a licensed provider to prove your condition and its impact on your ability to work [^1][^2].
Delaware does not have a state-run short-term disability insurance program like California. Instead, residents rely on federal programs such as SSDI and SSI for income support. To qualify for SSI in Delaware, you must meet federal income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Medicaid is available for those with low income and resources, and Delaware offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care services. You must provide medical documentation from a licensed provider to prove your disability and its impact on your ability to work. For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Social Services or the Social Security Administration [^3][^4].
Federal disability programs in Delaware include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI provides benefits to people with low income and resources who have a qualifying disability. Both programs require medical documentation and proof of income. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website [^1][^2].
Delaware offers Medicaid for people with low income and resources who have a qualifying disability. Medicaid provides health coverage and may include long-term care services. Delaware also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need support at home or in the community. These waivers provide services such as personal care, respite care, and home modifications. For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Social Services or the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services [^3][^4].
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Delaware, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses without affecting your eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center [^6].
Income limits for SSI and Medicaid in Delaware are set by federal and state guidelines. For SSI, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program. For the most current limits, contact the Delaware Division of Social Services [^3][^4].
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Delaware agencies promptly. For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes [^7].
Contact the Delaware Division of Social Services or the Social Security Administration for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a chronic illness that causes severe fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. It can make it hard to work or do daily activities. Medical documentation is needed to qualify for disability benefits.
Yes, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI if your condition prevents you from working. You must provide medical proof and meet income and work history requirements.
Gather medical records and proof of income. Apply for SSDI or SSI through the Social Security Administration. Apply for Medicaid through the Delaware Division of Social Services. Submit all required forms and documents.
You need medical records, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and doctor's notes. Your provider must document how your condition affects your ability to work.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and resources. Both require medical proof of disability.
Yes, you may qualify for Medicaid if you have low income and resources. Medicaid provides health coverage and may include long-term care services.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. For official eligibility and application details, contact the relevant agencies.
Medicaid waivers provide services for people with disabilities who need support at home or in the community. These services include personal care, respite care, and home modifications.
You can open an ABLE account through the ABLE National Resource Center. These accounts let you save for qualified disability expenses without affecting your eligibility for means-tested benefits.
You have the right to appeal. Contact the agency for information on the appeals process. You may need to provide additional documentation or attend a hearing.
Yes, report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Delaware agencies promptly to avoid overpayments.
