Delaware provides a variety of public assistance programs to help eligible residents meet basic needs, including food, healthcare, housing, utility assistance, childcare, and financial support. Most of these programs are administered by the Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS) and other divisions within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).
The sections below summarize the major programs and include links to the official Delaware resources where you can learn more or apply.
1. Delaware ASSIST – Apply for Multiple Benefits
The Delaware ASSIST portal is the state’s online application system for many health and social service programs. Through ASSIST, you can:
- Apply for multiple benefits with one application
- Check your eligibility
- Renew benefits
- Report changes
- View notices
- Track your application status
Official Website:
Delaware ASSIST Portal
This portal supports applications for:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP)
- Cash Assistance
- LIHEAP
- Child Care Assistance
- WIC
- Long-Term Care
- SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income households purchase groceries using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
Benefits
- Monthly food assistance
- Accepted at authorized grocery stores and many online retailers
- Nutrition assistance for families, seniors, and individuals
Official Information
3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children while helping parents prepare for employment and achieve financial independence.
Services include
- Monthly cash benefits
- Employment and training support
- Case management
- Work-related services
Official Information
4. General Assistance (GA)
General Assistance is a Delaware-funded cash assistance program for eligible adults who do not qualify for TANF or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Eligible individuals may include:
- Adults unable to work due to illness
- Seniors with limited income
- Certain caregivers
- Eligible adult students
Official Information
Delaware General Assistance Program
5. Medicaid
Delaware Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible:
- Low-income adults
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Seniors
- Individuals with disabilities
Covered services include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Preventive care
- Transportation for eligible medical services
- Long-term care
Official Information
6. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Children who do not qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for the Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP).
Benefits include:
- Preventive care
- Pediatric services
- Immunizations
- Hospital care
- Dental and vision services
Official Information
Delaware ASSIST – CHIP Information
7. Child Care Assistance (Purchase of Care)
The Purchase of Care Program helps eligible families pay for childcare while parents:
- Work
- Attend school
- Participate in job training
Payments are generally made directly to approved childcare providers.
Official Information
Delaware Division of Social Services
8. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs.
Assistance may include:
- Heating bills
- Cooling bills
- Crisis energy assistance
- Utility payment assistance
Official Information
Delaware LIHEAP and Utility Assistance
9. Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)
Delaware also administers the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP), which helps eligible households with seasonal energy expenses and weatherization support.
Official Information
Delaware Energy Assistance Programs
10. Emergency and Transitional Housing
The Division of Social Services provides assistance for residents experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Services may include:
- Emergency shelter referrals
- Transitional housing
- Housing stabilization
- Case management
- Homelessness prevention
Official Information
Delaware Emergency and Transitional Housing
11. Motel Voucher Assistance
In limited emergency situations, Delaware may provide temporary motel vouchers when shelter beds are unavailable.
Availability depends on eligibility and funding.
Official Information
Delaware Emergency Assistance Services
12. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC provides nutrition assistance for:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- New mothers
- Infants
- Children under age 5
Benefits include:
- Healthy foods
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Health referrals
Official Information
13. SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
SUN Bucks provides grocery benefits to eligible school-age children during the summer when school meals are unavailable.
Many eligible families receive benefits automatically.
Official Information
Delaware SUN Bucks Information
14. Refugee Cash Assistance
Eligible refugees may receive temporary financial assistance while becoming established in Delaware.
Official Information
Delaware Cash Assistance Programs
15. Kinship Care Program
The Kinship Care Program helps relatives caring for children by providing temporary assistance for essential needs such as:
- Clothing
- Housing
- Health and safety
- School supplies
Official Information
Who May Qualify?
Eligibility varies by program but commonly depends on:
- Delaware residency
- Household income
- Household size
- Citizenship or qualified immigration status (where required)
- Age
- Disability status
- Presence of children
- Employment or work requirements for certain programs
Documents You May Need
Applicants are often asked to provide:
- Photo identification
- Social Security numbers (if applicable)
- Proof of Delaware residency
- Proof of income
- Bank account information
- Utility bills
- Rent or mortgage statements
- Childcare expenses
- Medical expense records (if applicable)
How to Apply
You can apply by:
- Using the Delaware ASSIST online portal.
- Visiting a Delaware State Service Center.
- Completing a paper application (where available).
- Contacting the Division of Social Services for assistance.
Official Application Portal:
Apply for Delaware Benefits (ASSIST)
Division of Social Services:
Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple Delaware benefit programs at once?
Yes. The ASSIST portal allows eligible residents to apply for several health and social service programs through a single online application.
Does Delaware provide emergency utility assistance?
Yes. Eligible households may receive help through LIHEAP and the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP).
Is Medicaid available for children?
Yes. Children may qualify for Medicaid or the Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP), depending on eligibility.
Does Delaware provide emergency housing assistance?
Yes. Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and limited motel voucher assistance may be available for eligible residents experiencing housing instability.
Conclusion
Delaware offers a comprehensive network of public assistance programs to support residents facing financial hardship. Through the Delaware Division of Social Services and the ASSIST portal, eligible individuals and families can apply for food assistance, cash benefits, healthcare coverage, childcare support, energy assistance, housing services, and other essential programs. For the most current eligibility rules and application forms, always refer to the official Delaware DHSS websites linked above.
