Delaware offers a range of government benefit and public assistance programs for residents who need help paying for food, health care, child care, housing, utilities, and other essential expenses. Many of these programs are administered by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Social Services (DSS).
Eligibility varies by program. Income, household size, age, disability, pregnancy, employment, immigration or citizenship status, and other factors may affect eligibility.
The easiest starting point for many Delaware benefits is the state’s ASSIST online application and screening system.
Delaware ASSIST – Apply for Benefits and Check Eligibility
1. Delaware SNAP Food Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income households purchase groceries. SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and can be used at participating retailers.
Delaware’s SNAP program is administered by DHSS through the Division of Social Services.
For the current federal fiscal year, Delaware publishes household income limits and maximum SNAP benefit amounts on its official SNAP page. These limits can change, so applicants should check the current figures before applying.
How to apply:
- Apply through Delaware ASSIST.
- Visit a Delaware State Service Center.
- Complete the required eligibility interview.
- Provide documents such as identification, residency information, income, rent and utility information when requested.
Official Delaware SNAP Information
2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is Delaware’s primary cash assistance program for qualifying families with children.
The program provides temporary financial support while eligible families work toward greater financial independence. Delaware generally requires eligible adults to participate in employment or approved work-related activities.
Generally, applicants must:
- Have responsibility for a minor child, or meet another qualifying condition;
- Meet income and resource requirements; and
- Participate in required work-related activities when applicable.
Delaware TANF Official Information
3. General Assistance
General Assistance (GA) is a state-funded cash assistance program for certain low-income Delaware residents who do not qualify for federally funded programs such as TANF or Social Security benefits.
According to Delaware DHSS, possible qualifying circumstances include being unable to work because of illness, caring for a sick household member, being age 55 or older with no other income, or being an older high school student expected to graduate within two years. Income and resource limits also apply.
Delaware General Assistance Program
4. Medicaid and Medical Assistance
Delaware Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents, including certain low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Eligibility can depend on factors such as income, household size, age, and disability. Delaware’s Division of Social Services determines eligibility for many Medicaid programs.
Medical assistance may help with health care services such as doctor visits, hospital services, prescriptions and other covered medical needs.
Delaware Medicaid and Medical Assistance Programs
5. Delaware Healthy Children Program
The Delaware Healthy Children Program provides low-cost health insurance for qualifying uninsured children.
It is designed to help Delaware families obtain health coverage for children who may not qualify for traditional Medicaid but meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Parents can use Delaware ASSIST to apply for and manage eligible health and social service benefits.
Delaware ASSIST Application Portal
6. Purchase of Care – Child Care Assistance
Delaware’s Purchase of Care (POC) program helps eligible families afford child care.
The program can support parents and caregivers who need child care so they can work, participate in training, or address certain special needs involving the parent or child. Depending on the circumstances, families may be required to pay part of the child care cost.
Delaware Purchase of Care / Child Care Assistance
7. LIHEAP and Delaware Energy Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income Delaware households with heating and cooling expenses.
Delaware DHSS identifies LIHEAP as an energy assistance program for low-income residents, including assistance related to heating, cooling and energy emergencies.
Depending on the household’s circumstances, energy assistance may be especially important when a household is facing an energy crisis or difficulty maintaining utility service.
Delaware LIHEAP / Energy Assistance Information
8. Emergency Assistance
Delaware provides emergency assistance for residents experiencing serious financial or housing-related problems.
DHSS State Service Centers list emergency cash assistance that can help eligible households with needs such as rent, utilities, emergency shelter and other critical expenses intended to help prevent homelessness and maintain self-sufficiency.
Because emergency assistance depends on the household’s circumstances and available program resources, residents should contact DSS or a State Service Center as soon as possible.
Delaware DHSS Emergency Assistance Resources
9. Emergency and Transitional Housing
Delaware has state-funded emergency and transitional housing assistance for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
DHSS works with nonprofit community organizations to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing, including motel vouchers when appropriate. Availability can depend on funding, shelter capacity and the person’s circumstances.
For emergency housing assistance, Delaware recommends:
- Calling 211
- Texting your ZIP code to 898-211
- Visiting a Delaware State Service Center
- Contacting Centralized Intake or Housing Alliance Delaware for shelter referrals
Delaware Emergency and Transitional Housing Information
10. Housing Choice Voucher and Section 8 Assistance
The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) administers several affordable housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.
The Housing Choice Voucher program can help eligible low-income households rent privately owned housing from participating landlords. DSHA’s subsidized rental programs also include public housing, Moving to Work, Section 811 and the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP).
DSHA notes that its Housing Choice Voucher and public housing programs operate in Kent and Sussex Counties. Applicants should check current waiting-list information and eligibility requirements before applying.
Delaware State Housing Authority – Subsidized Rental Programs
11. WIC – Women, Infants and Children
The Delaware WIC Program is a federal nutrition program administered in Delaware for qualifying pregnant women, breastfeeding or postpartum women, infants and young children.
WIC can provide:
- Nutritious foods and supplemental formula
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to health and social services
- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits
Applicants generally must be Delaware residents, meet income requirements and have a qualifying nutritional risk.
12. SUN Bucks Summer EBT
SUN Bucks, Delaware’s Summer EBT program, helps eligible school-age children obtain food during the summer when school meals may not be available.
For the 2026 summer program, Delaware states that eligible families receive a one-time $120 benefit per eligible school-age child. Some children qualify automatically through programs such as SNAP or TANF, certain income-tested Medicaid coverage, free or reduced-price school meals, foster care, homelessness or other qualifying categories.
Delaware also states that the 2026 application deadline for families who need to apply is August 31, 2026.
Delaware SUN Bucks Summer EBT Official Information
13. Kinship Care Assistance
The Kinship Care Program helps relatives who take care of children when the child’s parents are not living in the caregiver’s home.
Eligible caregivers may include grandparents, aunts, uncles and other qualifying relatives. The program can help with immediate needs such as clothing, shelter, health, safety and educational supplies during the transition period.
Delaware lists income and other eligibility requirements, including requirements concerning the child’s age and when the child moved into the relative caregiver’s home. Assistance is subject to available funding.
14. Refugee Cash Assistance
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a federally funded program for qualifying refugees who have recently arrived in the United States.
The program can provide temporary cash and medical assistance while eligible refugees work toward self-sufficiency. Delaware states that cash and medical assistance are generally limited to the first eight months after arrival, subject to program rules.
Additional services can include employment assistance, English-language services, literacy support, counseling and case management.
Delaware Refugee Cash Assistance
15. Delaware 211
Delaware 211 is not itself a cash-benefit program, but it is one of the most useful starting points for people who do not know which assistance program to contact.
It is a free and confidential service that connects Delaware residents with resources involving:
- Food assistance
- Emergency shelter
- Housing
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Health care
- Transportation
- Financial assistance
- Employment and job training
- Senior services
- Legal services and other community resources
Residents can call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211.
Delaware 211 – Official Resource Directory
How to Apply for Delaware Government Benefits
For many Delaware programs, the best first step is the state’s ASSIST portal. The system allows residents to apply for and manage health and social service programs and includes an eligibility screening tool.
Apply for Delaware Benefits Through ASSIST
You can generally follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility. Use ASSIST or the individual program’s official website.
- Submit an application. Apply online when the program allows it, or visit a State Service Center.
- Provide verification documents. Depending on the program, you may need proof of identity, Delaware residency, income, household members, rent, utilities or other information.
- Complete an interview if required.
- Wait for the eligibility decision.
- Read all notices carefully. If benefits are denied, reduced or stopped, Delaware provides fair-hearing rights in applicable circumstances.
Delaware State Service Centers
Delaware’s State Service Centers can help residents apply for and manage several public assistance programs. DHSS says its network includes 15 State Service Centers and four Social Services offices.
Services can include assistance with:
- SNAP
- TANF
- General Assistance
- Medicaid
- Child care
- Energy assistance
- Emergency assistance
- Housing-related services
- Kinship Care
- Other social services
Delaware Division of Social Services – Official Website
Important Official Delaware Benefit Links
| Program or Resource | What It Helps With | Official Information |
|---|---|---|
| ASSIST | Apply for and manage benefits | Delaware ASSIST |
| SNAP | Food and groceries | Delaware SNAP |
| TANF | Temporary cash assistance | Delaware TANF |
| General Assistance | Cash assistance for qualifying residents | General Assistance |
| Medicaid | Health coverage | Medicaid and Medical Assistance |
| Purchase of Care | Child care assistance | Purchase of Care |
| LIHEAP | Heating/cooling and energy assistance | Delaware LIHEAP |
| Emergency Housing | Shelter and transitional housing | Emergency and Transitional Housing |
| Housing Choice Voucher | Rental assistance/Section 8 | DSHA Subsidized Rental Programs |
| WIC | Food and nutrition for qualifying women and children | Delaware WIC |
| SUN Bucks | Summer food benefits for eligible children | Delaware SUN Bucks |
| Kinship Care | Assistance for qualifying relative caregivers | Kinship Care |
| Refugee Cash Assistance | Temporary assistance for qualifying refugees | Refugee Cash Assistance |
| Delaware 211 | Connections to local assistance | Delaware 211 |
Final Thoughts
Delaware residents may have access to several forms of public assistance, but qualifying for one program does not automatically mean you qualify for every program. Income limits, household circumstances and program-specific rules vary.
If you need help with food, medical care, cash assistance, child care, utilities or emergency housing, start with the official Delaware ASSIST system. If you are facing an immediate housing or other basic-needs crisis and are unsure where to go, Delaware 211 can connect you with available local resources.
