Disabled Seniors Guide to Retiring in Delaware

Delaware is growing in popularity as an East Coast retirement location for seniors and disabled retirees. The First State was recently chosen as No. 1 on Kiplinger’s Best States for Retirement 2015 list because it’s tax-friendly and affordable.

Coastal communities in the state offer a good value compared to other destinations on the Eastern Seaboard, and inland communities have a lower cost of living and provide access to the beach and major cities in the Northeast.

Many disabled retirees living on fixed incomes may find the tax benefits in Delaware appealing. There is no sales tax and the state’s income tax rates are modest. Social Security benefits are exempt, and taxpayers older than 60 can exclude $12,500 of investment and qualified pension income from state income taxes. Homeowners in Delaware ages 65 and older may also qualify for a credit equal to half of school property taxes, up to $500.

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The state has quality healthcare and access to regional hospitals located several hours away in neighboring states. There’s Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C.

Christiana Care Health System services Delaware's nothernmost most county with two hospitals and several outpatient facilities, while Bayhealth Medical Center provides medical care for Delaware's central and southern counties. Beebe Healthcare has several facilities located in Delaware's seaside communities for those retiring at the beach.

Services for disabled retirees include accessibility and assistive technologies, education, emergency preparedness, financial assistance, and support groups. A number of organizations offering caregiving and respite resources are listed on Delaware’s official website.

Housing options for seniors and persons with disabilities include independent living options and facilities that provide skilled care and supervision.

Disabled veterans can receive financial benefits in Delaware. Veterans paralyzed in both legs as a result of their military service may be eligible for a cash payment of $3,000 per year.

For more information, Delaware’s Aging and Disability Resource Center has published a list of resources available for seniors and persons with disabilities.

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Related Stories:

• Disabled Seniors Guide to Retiring in Ohio
• Disabled Seniors Guide to Retiring in North Carolina