How to Qualify for Delaware Disability Benefits

Important: We fact-checked and updated this article in May 2024 using the latest Social Security Administration policy data. Wondering if you or someone you love might qualify for Delaware disability benefits?If you’re out of work because of your health, then you’re probably stressed out about it. But don’t worry, you have multiple options to help cover your bills if you’re unable to work. Two Social Security Administration (SSA) programs pay disabled Delaware residents monthly benefits, which can make things easier.

Both use the same medical criteria, so if one program denies you monthly payments, the other one might, too. In addition to your medical eligibility, each program also has different technical eligibility rules you must meet to qualify. Review the basics for each program below to help you to get the Delaware disability benefits you deserve.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program Rules for Getting Delaware Disability Benefits

Supplemental Security Income offers people with very low or no income who cannot continue working a way to pay their bills. This federal government program is limited to people who are either blind, have a qualifying disability, or are at least 65 years old. Here are the details.

1. What Are the SSI Program’s Technical Requirements to Qualify for Delaware Disability Benefits?

Residents of the First State seeking SSI benefits must have:

• Monthly income that’s less than $2,590 if you’re blind and $1,550 if you have another disability. But know that SSI looks at everyone’s income who lives in your home when confirming you meet this requirement, not just your own. The Social Security Administration also counts things like child support, alimony, SNAP, TANF, etc. towards your income threshold.
• Total assets below $2,000. (Couples must have no more than $3,000 between them both to qualify for SSI.)This includes money in your bank account and items you could sell easily in exchange for cash. The house and vehicle you own, your wedding ring and other daily living items are exempt from your SSI asset limit.

2. Can I Qualify for SSI Without a Disability?

If you’re at least 65 years old, you’re potentially eligible for this disability benefit based on your age and low income. Younger residents with disabilities who cannot work need a Disability Determination Services (DDS) exam to confirm eligibility.

Pro Tip: Delaware Disability Determination Services will always cover the cost of your medical exam.

3. How Much Does SSI Pay?

Benefits can be no more than $943 for a single person and $1415 for couples. Benefit amounts may go up if Congress approves a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

4. How Long Can I Get Disability Payments from SSI in Delaware?

You must pass a continuing disability review (CDR) once every 3-7 years after your initial approval. If you’re younger than 65 and don’t pass this required update, then you no longer receive Delaware disability benefits. If you’re over 65, benefits can continue as long as you stay low income and have very few financial resources.

5. Can I Get Any Other Benefits with SSI Claim Approval?

Yes! SSI claim approval also gives you access to the following benefits from other programs:

1. Medicaid. Your discounted Medicaid health insurance coverage starts during the same month your SSI payments begin.
2. SNAP benefits (also called food stamps).

6. How Can I File an SSI Claim for Delaware Disability Benefits?

You can apply for SSI in the following ways:

1. In person at your closest Social Security office. Want to skip the long wait times at most SSA field offices? Call ahead and make an appointment before you go.
2. Over the phone. You can call toll-free Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm Eastern time: 1-800-772-1213. SSA employees are available to start the SSI application process, give claim status updates, etc.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program Rules for Delaware Disability Applicants

Let’s check out the details for residents of the Blue Hen State seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

1. Who Can Apply for the SSDI Program’s Delaware Disability Benefits?

The SSDI program uses deductions from employee paychecks to pay for Social Security disability benefits. Delaware residents from Wilmington to Fenwick Island who answer “yes” to these questions can apply:

• Did you work full-time for at least 5 of the last 10 years while paying Social Security payroll taxes? You’re not eligible for SSDI if you don’t have enough or recent work history. That’s because you need 40 work credits to qualify for Social security disability benefits.
• Are you 18-66 years old but not receiving any other Social Security benefits at this time? SSDI automatically turns into Social Security retirement when you turn 67 years old. So if you get early retirement or other RSDI income, you won’t qualify for Social Security disability.
• Do you see your doctor regularly to treat your medical condition? If you have no recent medical records, you can get a Delaware DDS exam to verify your eligibility.
• Does your provider say you cannot work for at least a year, specifically for health reasons? If you can return to work any sooner, then SSDI approval is not possible for you.

Don’t worry if you have some “no” answers. You could still qualify for Delaware disability benefits from the federal SSI program.

2. How Much Money Does SSDI Pay in Monthly Benefits?

The SSA calculates Delaware disability payments by estimating your average monthly work income over 35 years of employment. Then, the agency sets your monthly SSDI income to be about 40% of that amount, adjusted for current inflation.

The national average monthly SSDI payment for 2024 is $1,537; the highest is $3,822.

3. What’s the Soonest I Can Get Social Security Disability benefits from SSDI?

The SSDI claim approval process takes about 5 months. You will always receive your initial decision letter in the mail. It can take another 30 days to get your first monthly deposit.

Unfortunately, about 50% of applications are rejected because of paperwork errors. You have two chances to appeal a denial:

1. File a reconsideration. You have two months after denial to request an appeal. It can take up to 3.5 months to complete the process.
2. Request a hearing. If your reconsideration request fails, you can appeal again within 60 days. To do this, ask to plead your case in front of an Administrative Law Judge at a local hearing office. You may also potentially ask for a video hearing instead. However, you should know it can take up to 2 years to complete this process.

Even if you’re approved at the hearing stage, you may have to wait up to 2 years for your first Delaware disability benefits payment.

Pro Tip: Only 8% of appeals are successful, and 80% of people have a Delaware disability attorney at this stage. You only pay legal fees for a successful claim; otherwise, you owe $0.

4. How Long Can I Receive SSDI Payments?

You get payments until age 67 as long as you pass updates every 3-7 years. At age 67, you begin regular Social Security at the same pay rate each month.

5. Can I Get Health Insurance If the SSA Awards me SSDI?

Yes, but you’ll have to wait 2 years (24 months) after your SSDI award date to become eligible for Medicare.

6. What’s the Best Way to Apply for SSDI?

You have a few different options:

1. To triple your approval odds within 6 months of your application date, have a Delaware disability attorney file your claim. This service is completely free if you fail to secure monthly benefits.
2. Apply online at SSA.gov.
3. Call the SSA’s toll-free 1-800 number to start the application process by phone.
4. In person at your local Delaware SSA field office.

No matter which method you choose, plan to spend 4-5 hours filling out claim paperwork.

Are There Other Programs That Pay Disability Benefits in Delaware?

Yes, there are 2 other ways to get payments:

1. Delaware workers’ compensation. If you have a temporary disability from a work injury, this is your best option to replace job income while you recover.
2. VA benefits for disabled veterans in Delaware. You can apply online for these benefits if your disability comes from a service-connected illness or injury.

How to Get Free Expert Help Filing for Delaware Disability Benefits

A qualified Social Security attorney can assist you in getting the benefits you need in order to survive. You pay a small one-time fee if you win, but nothing if you don’t.

Pro Tip: Engage a Delaware disability lawyer to be more likely to get benefits.

See if you’re eligible now! Click below to start your free online benefits evaluation:

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