Speech Impairment Benefits in Delaware

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].

• Check if you meet federal SSDI/SSI rules.
• Gather medical records showing your speech impairment.
• Apply online at ssa.gov or call Social Security.
• For state help, contact Delaware DSS or DDDS.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers for extra support.

• Step 1: Review federal eligibility for SSDI or SSI. You need enough work credits for SSDI or low income/assets for SSI.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, speech therapy notes, and doctor statements that prove your speech impairment and how it affects your work.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. You can also apply for SSI at Delaware DSS.
• Step 4: For state support, contact Delaware DDDS for Medicaid waivers. These can help with therapy, communication devices, and home care.
• Step 5: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision. Ask for help from a disability advocate if needed.
• Step 7: Keep all records and follow up on your application status [ssa.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; dss.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; ddds.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits if you have enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Cash help for people with low income and assets who have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who get SSI or meet state rules.
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help you work while keeping benefits [ssa.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].

Delaware offers several programs for people with speech impairments:

• Medicaid Waivers: These can help pay for speech therapy, communication devices, and home care. The main waiver is the Community Supports Waiver, which serves people with developmental disabilities, including speech impairments.
• Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS): Helps with long-term support, therapy, and equipment.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Offers job training and support for people with disabilities.
• Division of Social Services (DSS): Handles SSI and Medicaid applications. Contact DDDS or DSS for details on eligibility and how to apply [ddds.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; dss.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15; dvrs.delaware.gov, accessed 2023-10-15].

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].

• Delaware Division of Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-843-7212

  Website

  Apply for SSI and Medicaid.
• Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
  Phone: 1-800-955-4442

  Website

  Medicaid waivers and long-term support.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Federal disability benefits.

• Can a speech impairment qualify for disability benefits in Delaware?

  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.

• What medical proof do I need for speech impairment benefits?

  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.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Delaware?

  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.

• What state programs help with speech impairment in Delaware?

  Delaware offers Medicaid waivers for therapy and equipment, DDDS for long-term support, and DVR for job training. Contact DDDS or DSS for details.

• Can I get help with communication devices in Delaware?

  Yes, Medicaid waivers and DDDS can help pay for communication devices if you qualify. Ask DDDS about available programs and how to apply.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Delaware?

  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.

• How do I report changes in my condition or income?