Where to Start Your process in Delaware

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Delaware, you must contact Social Security directly—not the state. Delaware does not run its own disability program. Social Security handles all applications, decisions, and payments, whether you live in Wilmington, Dover, or anywhere else in the state.

You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a Social Security field office. The online option is fastest if you have a my Social Security account. By phone, you can schedule an appointment or ask questions before you explore. In person, you can walk in during business hours or call ahead to book a time slot.

Delaware has five Social Security field offices: in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Georgetown, and Seaford. Find the one nearest you and its hours at ssa.gov/locator. If you are homebound or cannot travel, you can request a phone or video appointment instead of going in person.

Key Takeaways

  • explore through Social Security directly—online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a Delaware field office—because the state does not process disability claims.
  • You will need medical records, work history, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and bank account information before you start.
  • The process itself takes 15 to 45 minutes online or by phone, but the full decision process takes three to six months on average.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days to file a written appeal, and most people who appeal hire a representative to help them.
  • Delaware's Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PADP) office offers free legal help if you need to appeal or understand your rights.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you contact Social Security. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces back-and-forth requests. If you are missing something, Social Security can sometimes request it on your behalf, but you will still need to provide it eventually.

Proof of identity: A driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you do not have one, a birth certificate plus another document with your name and photo (school ID, work badge, tribal ID) will work.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or green card. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your immigration documents.

Social Security number: You will need your own and your spouse's (if married) or your parent's (if you are under 18). Have these ready when you call or explore online.

Medical records: Gather records from every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for your condition. Include test results, imaging reports, and treatment notes from the past three years. Social Security will request these directly from providers, but having copies speeds things up.

Work history: List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked, and what you did. Include self-employment income if you had any.

Bank account information: Your routing number and account number. Social Security pays benefits by direct deposit only.

The Online process Process

If you explore online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, you can start and save your work, then come back to finish it later. The form asks about your medical condition, work history, education, and living situation. Most people finish in one sitting, but you do not have to.

The online form is the same whether you are explore for SSDI or SSI. Social Security will determine which program you may be may be able to access for based on your work history and income. You will answer questions about your condition, when it started, and how it affects your ability to work. Be specific: instead of "I have back pain," describe what you cannot do—"I cannot lift more than 10 pounds" or "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes."

After you submit, you will get a confirmation number. Write it down. Social Security will mail you a receipt within two weeks. If you do not receive one, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm they have your process.

explore by Phone or In Person

Call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the week. Have your documents ready when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will take about 30 to 45 minutes.

If you prefer to explore in person, visit a Delaware Social Security office. Bring all your documents listed above. The appointment usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. You can walk in during business hours, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment means less waiting. After your appointment, you will receive a receipt with your process number.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, ask the representative for a written summary of what you reported. This helps you remember what you said if Social Security asks follow-up questions later.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security sends your process to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Delaware. This is a state agency that works for Social Security. The DDS office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

The decision process usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if DDS needs more information. During this time, Social Security may request additional records from your doctors. If they do, your doctors have about two weeks to respond. You can speed this up by calling your doctor's office and asking them to send the records quickly.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. The letter will say whether you were approved, denied, or approved for a different program than you expected. If you were approved, it will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Understanding SSDI vs. SSI in Delaware

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. The amount you receive depends on how much you earned. There is no income or asset limit—you can have savings and still receive SSDI. Your family members may also be able to receive benefits based on your work record.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need, not work history. You can receive SSI if you have little or no income and few assets (the limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple). SSI payments are smaller than SSDI, but you may also be may be able to access for Medicaid in Delaware. You do not need to have worked to receive SSI.

Some people receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time. Social Security will determine which program you may have access to for based on your process. If you are unsure which one you need, the representative taking your process can explain the difference and help you understand what you might receive.

If Your process Is Denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Do not wait—if you miss this important date, you will have to start over with a new process.

There are four levels of appeal. Most people start with reconsideration, which means a different Social Security examiner reviews your case and your new medical evidence. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. Mail the form (SSA-561) to the address on your denial letter, or bring it to a Delaware Social Security office.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people succeed because you can present evidence and answer questions in person or by video. The hearing usually happens three to six months after you request it. Many people hire a disability representative or lawyer at this stage. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped at 25% of your back pay (the money owed from when you became disabled).

Delaware's Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PADP) office offers free legal help with appeals. Call them at 302-038-8080 or visit padde.org. They can review your case, help you gather evidence, and represent you at a hearing.

After You Are Approved

Your first payment arrives by direct deposit. SSDI and SSI payments are made on the third of each month, unless the third falls on a weekend or holiday. Your payment amount depends on your work history (for SSDI) or your income and assets (for SSI).

Once you are receiving benefits, you must report changes to Social Security. Report a new job, a change in income, a move, a marriage or divorce, or the birth of a child. You can report changes online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Delaware field office. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you will have to repay.

If you receive SSDI and work, you may be able to keep some or all of your benefits under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rules. In 2024, SGA is $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you are blind). If you earn less than this, you keep your full benefit. If you earn more, Social Security will reduce or stop your payment. Ask Social Security about work incentives before you start working—there are programs that can help you keep benefits while you earn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

The initial decision usually takes three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or if there are complications. You will receive a written decision in the mail, not a phone call. If you have not heard anything after six months, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your case.

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your process. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may question whether you are truly unable to work. Be honest about your work history and current earnings when you explore. If you are approved for SSDI, you can work and still receive benefits under certain rules.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. However, if your process is denied and you appeal, many people hire a representative because the hearing stage is where most approvals happen. Representatives are paid only if you win. If you cannot afford one, PADP offers free help.

What if I move out of Delaware after I explore?

Your process continues with Social Security regardless of where you live. Tell Social Security your new address so they can mail your decision letter to the right place. If you are approved, your benefits follow you to any state.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can explore for SSDI if you have a valid Social Security number and work history, regardless of citizenship status. For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen (such as a green card holder or refugee). Bring your immigration documents when you explore so Social Security can verify your status.