Financial Aid Services for Seniors in Delaware
February 3, 2025
Delaware provides a variety of financial aid services for seniors, including Medicaid programs for long-term care, which cover nursing home and home-based care services for eligible individuals with limited income and assets. Medicare Savings Programs help reduce healthcare costs by covering Medicare Part B premiums. Property tax assistance programs offer exemptions and credits to alleviate tax burdens for seniors meeting age, residency, and income requirements. Additionally, home and community care services, such as home health aids and non-Medicaid assistance programs, support seniors' independence and quality of life. Exploring these options further can reveal more detailed eligibility criteria and application processes.
Key Takeaways
- Medicaid Programs: Delaware offers Medicaid for long-term care with income limits of $2,417.50/month and asset limits of $2,000 for singles.
- Property Tax Assistance: Eligible seniors can reduce property taxes based on age (65+), residency, and income requirements, with application deadlines on April 30.
- Home and Community Care Services: Financial assistance programs like Delaware Assistance for Caregivers Program provide respite care and caregiver training for seniors 60+ and disabled adults.
- Medicare Savings Programs: Programs like QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI help low-income Medicare beneficiaries with healthcare costs, saving up to $2,096.80 annually on Medicare Part B premiums.
- General Financial Assistance: State-funded programs and resources like Delaware ASSIST offer financial aid for low-income individuals, including seniors, with applications available online.
Medicaid Program Details
Understanding Medicaid program details is essential for seniors seeking financial aid for long-term care services. In Delaware, Medicaid offers various programs tailored to meet the needs of seniors, each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits.
For Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid, single individuals must have an income under $2,417.50 per month and assets under $2,000. Married couples applying together have an income limit of $2,417.50 per month per spouse and a combined asset limit of $3,000. A nursing home level of care is required for this program.
Delaware also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and the Diamond State Health Plan – Plus Waiver, providing services in the home or community for eligible individuals. Additionally, Medicaid recipients are enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO) for their health care needs, or they may receive services through Traditional Fee-For-Service Medicaid.
To qualify for Medicaid in Delaware, individuals must be U.S. citizens and reside in the state. Covered services include medical, dental, and pharmacy services, as well as long-term care services such as nursing home care and home and community-based services.
The Long Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) program provides services and supports to Delaware Medicaid recipients who live in the community but are at risk of nursing home placement, including adult day care and home modifications. Delaware Medicaid is a joint state-federal program with the federal government covering 50% of costs.
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are designed to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with their healthcare costs. These programs, administered by state Medicaid agencies, help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. There are four types of Medicare Savings Programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI), and Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI).
Program | Benefits |
---|---|
QMB | Pays Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments |
SLMB | Pays Part B premiums only for individuals with income between 100% and 120% of the federal poverty level |
QI | Pays Part B premiums only for individuals with income between 120% and 135% of the federal poverty level |
QDWI | Pays Part A premiums only for disabled and working individuals |
Eligibility | Income Limits |
QMB: $1,275 (individual), $1,724 (couple); SLMB: $1,526 (individual), $2,064 (couple); QI: $1,715 (individual), $2,320 (couple); QDWI: $2,510 (individual), $3,407 (couple) |
To qualify, individuals must be eligible for Medicare Part A and meet specific income and resource guidelines, which vary by program and state. Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically qualifies individuals for Extra Help, which helps pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Individuals must undergo annual redetermination by submitting updated income and resource information to the state Medicaid agency. For more information, visit Medicare.gov or contact the Medicare Rights Center (800-333-4114). Additionally, enrollment in a Medicare Savings Program can provide significant financial relief, as it can save individuals up to $2,096.80 annually on Medicare Part B premiums Annual Savings.
Property Tax Assistance
Property tax assistance programs in Delaware offer various benefits to eligible seniors, including tax credits and exemptions that can greatly reduce their property tax burdens. To qualify, seniors must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as age, residency, and income requirements, which vary by county. Understanding these criteria and the application process is vital for seniors to take advantage of these financial aid services. The statewide deadline for applications is April 30 each year, emphasizing the importance of timely submission to meet eligibility criteria. Delaware City specifically offers a tax exemption that reduces the property's taxable assessment by $40,000 and provides a 40% discount on water fees and charges, with annual reapplication necessary to maintain exemption status.
Eligibility and Benefits
Delaware offers multiple property tax assistance programs for seniors, each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits. These programs aim to provide financial relief to eligible seniors by reducing their property tax burdens.
Eligibility Criteria and Benefits
- Age Requirement: 65 years of age or older by specific dates (April 30, May 31, July 1 depending on the county and program)
- Income Limits: Vary by county; $6,000 (single) and $7,500 (married) in Sussex, $18,000 (single) and $24,750 (married) in New Castle and Kent counties
- Residency Requirements: Full-time resident for 5 years in Sussex County and 10 years in New Castle County; 3 years for those who moved to Delaware between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, and 10 years for those who moved after January 1, 2018
- Property Ownership: Must own the property as primary residence
It is crucial for applicants to review the specific deadlines and requirements for each program, such as the April 30 application deadline for Kent County's elderly tax exemption.
Program | Benefits |
---|---|
Homestead Exemption for Elderly Persons | Reduction in taxable assessed value, e.g., $12,500 in Sussex County and $32,000 in New Castle County |
Senior School Property Tax Credit | 50% credit on school taxes up to $500 |
State Senior Citizen School Property Tax Credit | 50% credit on school taxes up to $500 |
Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit | Up to a full credit towards property taxes, excluding Sussex Tech and non-value-based fees and services |
These programs provide significant financial assistance to eligible seniors, helping them manage their property tax obligations more effectively.
Application Process Details**
The application process for senior property tax assistance in Delaware involves several key steps and requirements that must be carefully followed to confirm eligibility and timely submission. To apply, seniors must complete the application form available through their county's tax office and submit it along with required documentation by the statewide deadline of April 30 for the upcoming tax year.
Required documentation includes a Delaware Driver's License to prove residency and identity, the prior year's federal income tax form to verify income, and proof of age to confirm the age requirement. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of residency in Delaware and the specific county for the required duration, which varies depending on the date of residency establishment.
Applications can be submitted digitally or by mail and must be received by the county on or before the specified deadline. It is essential to confirm that all property taxes and fees are paid in full before the application deadline, as exemptions do not transfer to new properties and a new application is required upon moving.
Home and Health Aids
For seniors requiring assistance with daily living tasks, home and health aids offer a range of services designed to enhance quality of life and independence. These services include meal preparation and light housekeeping, assistance with daily tasks such as mobility, eating, exercising, and grooming for those with physical disabilities, Alzheimer's and dementia care, post-surgical assistance for recovery, and companion care including errands and shopping.
In addition to non-medical care, health aids provide skilled in-home nursing care for medical needs, physical therapy to rebuild motor skills and coordination, medication management to guarantee proper daily administration, telemonitoring for continuous health supervision, and aides and social workers for all-encompassing care. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, making sure they receive the necessary support to maintain their health and well-being in the comfort of their own homes.
Delaware offers various financial assistance programs to help seniors cover the costs of these services, including Medicaid, PACE, and prescription assistance programs, each with specific eligibility criteria based on income, assets, and medical requirements. The average cost of home care in Delaware is $24.72 per hour. ChristianaCare HomeHealth, with over a century of experience, delivers these services with a focus on maintaining independence and comfortable recovery at home through comprehensive home health care.
Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
Numerous non-Medicaid assistance programs are available to support seniors in Delaware, offering a range of services designed to enhance their quality of life and independence. One such program is the Delaware Assistance for Caregivers Program, which provides respite care, caregiver training, and support groups for caregivers of seniors and disabled adults. This program is available statewide for Delaware residents aged 60 and older, or those with early onset dementias like Alzheimer's, and physically disabled individuals aged 18 and older.
Key services and features of the Delaware Assistance for Caregivers Program include:
- Respite Care Services: Provided in the home, caregiver's home, or adult day care centers, with no charges for services, though contributions may be requested.
- Eligibility and Application: Care recipients must be Delaware residents, live at home, and have a primary caregiver. Applications should be made through the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-223-9074.
- Additional Programs: Other non-Medicaid programs available include the Delaware Adult Day Care and Alzheimer's Day Treatment Programs, offering specialized care and support for eligible seniors.
Delaware also offers the Senior Citizen Affordable Taxi (SCAT) program transportation assistance, which provides a 50% discount on taxi fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The Delaware Assistance for Caregivers Program is funded through a combination of state funds, Older Americans Act, and federal Social Services Block Grants.
General Assistance Programs
Delaware's General Assistance Program provides critical financial support to low-income individuals who do not qualify for federally funded programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Social Security Benefits. This state-funded program, managed by the Delaware Division of Health and Social Services, offers cash assistance to eligible residents.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Delaware residents aged 18 to 54 who are too sick to work must have a form completed by a doctor.
- Those required to stay at home to take care of a sick household member.
- Individuals aged 55 or older with no other income.
- High school students over 18 expected to graduate within two years.
- Income and resource limits apply, determined by a Division of Health and Social Services Case Manager.
Key Program Features
Feature | Description | Additional Information |
---|---|---|
Eligibility | Delaware residents meeting specific criteria | Determined by a DSS Case Manager |
Application | Apply at https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/ | No application deadlines |
Program Type | State-funded cash assistance | Not federally funded |
Income Limits | Case-by-case basis | Determined by DSS |
Additional Support | May help individuals impacted by COVID-19 | If eligibility requirements are met |
Notably, many seniors face significant debt challenges, with 53% of seniors aged 75+ reporting having debt, a significant increase from 21% in 1989. For comprehensive support, individuals can also reach out to the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center for additional resources and services tailored to their needs.
To apply for General Assistance, visit https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/. For more information, see https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/index.html.
Additional Financial Resources
Maneuvering the complex landscape of financial aid can be intimidating for seniors, but understanding the array of additional resources available can greatly alleviate financial burdens. Delaware offers various programs to support seniors with healthcare and living expenses.
Key Additional Financial Resources:
- Medicare Savings Programs:
- Delaware's Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare Part B premiums.
- The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program covers Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
- The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualified Individual (QI) programs also pay Part B premiums, with varying income limits.
- Senior Care Assistance:
- Delaware's Diamond State Health Plan covers short-term health care expenses and long-term care.
- The DSHP-Plus plan includes benefits like adult day care, personal care, and home modifications.
- Asset and income limits apply for Medicaid eligibility.
- The average cost of assisted living in Delaware is $7,425 per month, which highlights the importance of exploring financial assistance options.
- Cash Assistance Programs:
- Programs help pay for expenses not covered by health insurance.
- Benefits can be used for toiletries, public transportation, and utilities.
- Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen, residing in Delaware, and meeting income and asset limits.
Applications for these programs can be managed on the Delaware ASSIST website, with additional support available from local Area Agencies on Aging.
Financial aid for education, such as grants and scholarships, can also be explored for younger family members or caregivers who may be pursuing higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find Local Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware?
To find local Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware, contact the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-223-9074 or visit https://delawareadrc.com/ for extensive information and referrals to senior services.
What Is the Income Limit for Medicaid Eligibility in Delaware?
Like a ship steering through treacherous waters, understanding Medicaid eligibility can be intimidating. In Delaware, the 2025 income limit for a single applicant is $2,417.50/month for Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid, with an asset limit of $2,000.
Can Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs Help With Home Modifications?
Non-Medicaid assistance programs in Delaware, such as the Home Modification Program through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, can help with home modifications for eligible individuals with physical disabilities.
How Do I Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in Delaware?
In contrast to complex healthcare costs, applying for Medicare Savings Programs in Delaware is straightforward. Use Delaware ASSIST to submit applications online, or call the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance at (800) 372-2022 for assistance.
Are There Any Free Counseling Services for Seniors About Medicare and Medicaid?
The Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) offers free, objective, and confidential counseling services for seniors about Medicare and Medicaid, including in-person and telephone assistance on various health insurance options and enrollment processes.