How to Qualify for Delaware Disability Benefits

If you’re out of work because of your health, you’re probably stressed out about it. Two Social Security Administration (SSA) programs pay monthly Delaware disability benefits, which can decrease your anxiety and increase your peace of mind and financial stability:

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Both use the same approval criteria, so checking your eligibility is simple and fast.

Review the basics to help you to get the Delaware disability benefits you deserve.

SSI for Delaware Disability Seekers

SSI disability benefits assist people with low incomes who are either blind, disabled, or over 65. Here are the details.

1. What Are the Financial Eligibility Rules for SSI Disability?

Residents of the First State seeking SSI benefits must have:

• Monthly income under $2,260 if you’re blind and $1,350 if you have another disability. (Couples must have less than $2,607, combined.) Child support, alimony, earned interest, SNAP, TANF, etc., count as monthly income.
• Total assets below $2,000. (Couples must have no more than $3,000).This includes funds in bank accounts and items you could sell, like stocks and bonds, lottery tickets, etc. The house and vehicle you own, your wedding ring and other daily living items don’t apply.

2. What Are the Age Requirements for SSI Disability?

If you’re at least 65 years old, you’re eligible. Younger residents need a Disability Determination Services (DDS) exam to establish eligibility.

Pro Tip: A Delaware disability lawyer can pay for doctor appointments and medical records requests when you can’t.

3. How Much Does SSI Pay?

Benefits can be no more than $841 for individuals and $1,261 for couples. Benefit amounts may go up if Congress approves a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

4. How Long Can I Get SSI Payments?

Delaware disability recipients must pass an update once every 3-7 years. If you’re younger than 65 and don’t pass the update, you no longer receive benefits. If you’re over 65, benefits continue as long as you pass the update and meet the financial requirements.

Related: Alaska Disability: How to Get Monthly Payments

SSDI for Delaware Disability Applicants

Let’s check out the details for residents of the Blue Hen State seeking SSDI benefits.

1. Who’s Eligible for SSDI?

The SSDI program uses deductions from employee paychecks to pay benefits. Residents from Wilmington to Fenwick Island who answer “yes” to all these questions can apply:

• Have I been employed full-time for at least 5 of the last 10 years in jobs that withheld Social Security taxes? You’re not eligible if you don’t work for 60 months because you didn’t pay FICA taxes.
• Am I 18 to 65 years old and not receiving Social Security benefits? Benefits end when you reach full retirement age because you get regular Social Security benefits.
• Have I seen a healthcare provider in the last 3 months about my condition? If not, you can get a DDS exam to confirm your disability. Pro Tip: Your Delaware disability lawyer can cover the cost of doctor visits and medical records if you can’t.
• Does my provider expect my condition to keep me out of work for at least a year? If you can return to work sooner, then you can’t qualify for SSDI.

Don’t worry if you have some “no” answers. You could still be eligible for SSI benefits.

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

The SSA sets Delaware disability payments by estimating your average monthly pay over 35 years of work and using 40% of that amount as the monthly payment.

The average monthly SSDI payment for 2022 is $1,358; the highest is $3,345. To get above $3,000 a month, you must have earned $139,000 annually for 10 years before becoming disabled. Your benefit could increase if Congress passes a COLA.

3. How Long Does It Take to Get Your First SSDI Payment?

The approval process takes about 5 months. It can take another 30 days to get your first check.

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 is rejected, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. It can take up to a year to complete this process.

And even if you do get approved, you may have to wait up to 2 years for your first payment.

Pro Tip: Only 11% of appeals are successful. Triple your chances of being approved by hiring a Delaware disability attorney. You only pay legal fees once you’re approved.

4. How Long Can I Receive SSDI Payments?

You get payments until age 66 as long as you pass updates every 3-7 years. At age 66, you begin Social Security retirement benefits at the same rate.

Delaware Disability Claimants May Qualify for Legal Assistance

A qualified Social Security attorney can assist you in getting the benefits you’re eligible for. You pay a small one-time fee if you win, and nothing if you don’t.

Pro Tip: Engage a Delaware disability lawyer to be almost 3x more likely to get benefits.

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

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