Spinal Cord Injury Benefits in Delaware

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, your spinal cord injury must meet Social Security's definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe, expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and prevent you from doing substantial work. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, disability, and other factors. Medicaid covers medical services for people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements.

• SSI: Income and resource limits apply. Must be disabled, blind, or age 65+.
• SSDI: Must have a qualifying work history and disability.
• Medicaid: Income and disability-based eligibility. Some states have higher income limits for people with disabilities.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid vs Medicare.

In Delaware, people with spinal cord injuries can qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements. Delaware uses the federal poverty level to determine eligibility. There are no resource limits for Medicaid for people with disabilities. Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, can provide additional support for home care, personal care, and other services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal and state criteria, including a need for long-term care services.

• Medicaid: Income-based eligibility. No resource limits for people with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: Must meet criteria for long-term care services.
• SSI/SSDI: Must meet Social Security's definition of disability.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).

• Check if your spinal cord injury meets Social Security's definition of disability.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid through Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.
• Report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Gather medical records and documentation of your spinal cord injury.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid through Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services. You can apply online at Delaware ASSIST, by phone at 1-866-843-7212, or in person at a local office.
• Step 4: If you need home and community-based services, apply for Medicaid waivers through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. You may need to complete an assessment to determine eligibility.
• Step 5: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the appropriate agency to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence for your records.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history.
• Medicaid: Provides medical coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements.
• Medicare: Provides medical coverage for people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need long-term care.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).

• Delaware Medicaid: Provides medical coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements. No resource limits for people with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need long-term care. Services may include personal care, home health, and respite care.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Provides job training and support services for people with disabilities.
• Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities: Provides case management and support services for adults with physical disabilities.

Learn more about Delaware Medicaid waivers and Delaware ABLE account.

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. In Delaware, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Contributions are limited to $16,000 per year, and the account can be used for qualified disability expenses. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

Learn more about ABLE Accounts.

• SSI: Income limits are set by the federal government. In 2023, the limit is $841 per month for an individual and $1,261 for a couple.
• SSDI: No income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work.
• Medicaid: Income limits are based on the federal poverty level. In Delaware, the limit is 138% of the federal poverty level for adults.
• ABLE Accounts: Contribution limit is $16,000 per year.

Learn more about SSI Income Estimator.

It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the appropriate agency to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Keep copies of all applications and correspondence for your records. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

• Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-843-7212

  Website

  For Medicaid, waivers, and other health and social services.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history. Both programs provide monthly cash payments, but eligibility requirements are different.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Delaware?

  You can apply for Medicaid in Delaware online at Delaware ASSIST, by phone at 1-866-843-7212, or in person at a local office. You will need to provide documentation of income, resources, and disability.

• What is a Medicaid waiver?

  A Medicaid waiver is a program that provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need long-term care. Services may include personal care, home health, and respite care.

• Can I work and still receive disability benefits?

  Yes, you can work and still receive disability benefits. There are work incentives for SSI and SSDI that allow you to keep some of your benefits while working. Reporting changes in income is important to avoid overpayments.

• What is an ABLE account?

  An ABLE account is a savings account for people with disabilities. Contributions are limited to $16,000 per year, and the account can be used for qualified disability expenses. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

• How do I report changes in income or resources?

  You must report changes in income or resources to the appropriate agency. This can be done online, by phone, or in person. Reporting changes is important to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits.