People in Delaware with a speech impairment may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These programs can help with lost wages, healthcare, and daily living costs. Eligibility depends on your work history, income, and how your condition affects your ability to work.
To get federal disability benefits for speech impairment, you must meet Social Security’s rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) and a condition that stops you from working for at least a year or is expected to end in death. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and assets must be low, and your speech impairment must severely limit your ability to work. Both programs require medical proof of your disability [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, accessed 2023-10-15; ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2023-10-15].
State-specific information is limited; start here: Delaware’s Division of Social Services (DSS) handles SSI and Medicaid. For long-term support, Delaware offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including speech impairments. These waivers can help pay for therapy, communication devices, and home care. To qualify, you must meet federal SSI rules and Delaware’s asset limits. Contact DSS or the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) for details on eligibility and how to apply [dss.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; ddds.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].
Delaware offers several programs for people with speech impairments:
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Delaware, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related costs. Learn more at the Delaware ABLE website [able.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].
For SSI, your monthly income must be below $914 (individual) or $1,371 (couple) in 2023. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,470 per month from work. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Check with Delaware DSS for current limits [ssa.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; dss.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].
If your income or condition changes, you must report it to Social Security or Delaware DSS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible. For help, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide [ssa.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; dss.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].
Contact Delaware DSS or DDDS for help with applications and eligibility questions. They can guide you through the process and connect you with local resources.
Yes, if your speech impairment prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to end in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You need medical proof and must meet federal work or income rules.
You need records from doctors, speech therapists, or other licensed professionals showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your speech impairment affects your ability to work.
Apply online at ssa.gov for federal benefits. For state help, contact Delaware DSS or DDDS. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers through DDDS.
Delaware offers Medicaid waivers for therapy and equipment, DDDS for long-term support, and DVR for job training. Contact DDDS or DSS for details.
Yes, Medicaid waivers and DDDS can help pay for communication devices if you qualify. Ask DDDS about available programs and how to apply.
In 2023, the monthly income limit for SSI is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. For SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,470 per month from work.
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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Report changes to Social Security or Delaware DSS as soon as possible. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes.
Yes, SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Ask about these programs when you apply.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open one through the Delaware ABLE program.
Contact Delaware DSS, DDDS, or a disability advocate for help. They can guide you through the application process and answer your questions.
