DELAWARE

Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is Delaware’s main cash assistance program for lower income families with children under the age of 18. It provides temporary financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.

Delaware generally limits cash assistance to a lifetime maximum of 36 months, with certain exceptions for elderly or disabled adults and children under age 18. In cases of hardship, families may qualify for up to an additional 12 months of assistance. ¹

How much cash assistance will I get in Delaware?

In Delaware, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $338 per month in cash assistance.

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for one lump-sum payment through the Diversion Assistance Program.

How do I apply for TANF online in Delaware?

You may apply online through Delaware ASSIST  or alternatively, you can submit your application to any local DSS office  in person and be interviewed by a Social Worker to determine your eligibility.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Social Services
(866) 843-7212

Delaware Food Supplement Program

Delaware’s Food Supplement Program (SNAP) provides monthly food assistance benefits to help low-income households buy the food they need for a well-balanced diet.

Benefits are calculated based on household size, income, and allowable expenses like shelter and childcare. For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Delaware?

Eligibility is based on gross income up to 200% of the poverty level. For example, a household of three qualifies for the program if the family has a gross monthly income of $4,442 or less.

How do I apply for food stamps in Delaware?

Applications can be made through Delaware ASSIST  which is an online application for Delaware residents to screen and apply for the State’s public assistance programs.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance
(866) 843-7212

Delaware Special Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Delaware WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new parents, and young children eat well and stay healthy.

It provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to eligible Delaware families, at no cost.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Delaware.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Delaware?

In Delaware, WIC income eligibility is set at 185% of the federal poverty level. Households participating in SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically eligible for WIC.

How to apply for WIC in Delaware?

To apply for WIC in Delaware, call the WIC clinic closest to you to schedule an appointment and let WIC staff determine if you are eligible.

Delaware SUN Bucks

Delaware has launched the Summer EBT Program, which helps reduce food insecurity for children during the summer months when schools are closed.

Delaware’s Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, provides $120 per eligible child in the beginning of summer to help supplement the cost of groceries over the 3 month period.

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase the same foods approved for SNAP, including

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
• Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream
• Seafood, steak and bakery cakes

Most families will get Summer EBT benefits automatically, but some may need to apply. If your child does not get benefits automatically, you can fill out a Summer EBT application.

Delaware Department of Education
Summer EBT Helpline
(866) 843-7212

Delaware Medicaid

Delaware Medicaid provides medical assistance to eligible low-income families, including children, parents, pregnant women with limited income and resources.

It covers essential medical services like doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, often through managed care plans like Highmark Health Options and Delaware First Health.

As Delaware is expanding Medicaid coverage, nearly all uninsured adults and parents in Delaware between the ages of 19 and 64 with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level may now gain coverage.

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Delaware?

Applications for Medicaid can be made online through Delaware ASSIST , a key self-service portal for Delaware residents to apply for health and social service programs.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance
(866) 843-7212

Delaware Healthy Children Program

Delaware Healthy Children Program (DHCP) is designed for uninsured children from birth through age 18 whose family income is too high to qualify for Medicaid.

DHCP offers comprehensive health coverage, including prescription drugs, routine checkups, immunizations, dental care, select vision and hearing services, and mental health benefits.

Effective January 1, 2024, monthly premiums are no longer required for the Delaware Healthy Children Program (DHCP). Previously, families paid $10 to $25 per month, depending on income.²

What is the income limit for CHIP in Delaware?

DCHP is available to the children in families with income up to at least 217% of the poverty level. That’s about $4,819 a month for a family of three to qualify.

Families may apply for DHCP through Delaware ASSIST  or call the DHCP Health Benefits Manager at (800) 996-9969 to request a paper application.

Once a child is determined eligible, they are guaranteed 12 months of continuous coverage, regardless of changes in family circumstances, with limited exceptions.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Delaware Healthy Children Program
(800) 996-9969

Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) Program

Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) Program a child care subsidy program designed to help low-income families pay for early childhood and after-school education.

Families who qualify for the subsidy program may choose their own child care provider. The state pays part of the cost of care, and the parent is responsible for paying a monthly co-payment  directly to the provider.

Families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level do not have a co-payment. Families with higher incomes pay a co-payment capped at no more than 7% of their gross income.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Delaware?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

For a family of three, the income threshold to qualify is $4,442 per month.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Delaware?

To apply for child care assistance in Delaware, you’ll need to submit your application through Delaware ASSIST , the state’s online portal for social services, including child care subsidies.

For assistance finding a provider that accepts POC, you can contact Children & Families First at (800) 734-2388 or visit My Child DE .

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Social Services
(866) 843-7212

Delaware Head Start

Delaware Head Start provides comprehensive child development services to Delaware’s children, with a special focus on helping preschoolers from three to school entry develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.

Eligibility is primarily based on family income at or below the federal poverty level. Children are eligible regardless of income if they are in foster care, homeless, or receive TANF, SSI, or SNAP benefits.

Where do I apply for Head Start in Delaware?

If you need more help to locate a Head Start program in your area, reach out to specific DE providers  like Children and Families First or New Castle County Head Start.

Delaware Department of Education
Head Start Collaboration Office
(302) 739-4667

Delaware Section 8

Delaware Section 8 offers housing subsidies to eligible low-income Delawareans to rent housing units from participating landlords. Applicants who reside in Kent or Sussex County have priority on the waiting list.

Participants pay no more than 35% of their income for rent and utilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development subsidizes the balance of the rent.

As a condition of eligibility, participants, with the exception of the elderly and disabled, are required to enroll — or be enrolled, in the Moving to Work  program, and having a gross household income not exceeding 80% of the area median income.

Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware’s five Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) currently have open waiting lists for the Section 8 program and public housing.

Applications can be submitted through a centralized statewide system . If you prefer a paper application, you can request one by calling (855) 301-5920.

Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)

Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to low-income Delaware residents to help cover home energy costs.

Administered by the Division of State Service Centers (DSSC), DEAP offers the following supports to income eligible households:

1. Fuel Assistance Program
   Applications are open from October 1 to March 31
2. Energy Crisis Intervention Program
   Crisis Assistance is available year-round in addition to seasonal heating or cooling assistance
3. Summer Cooling Assistance Program
   Applications may open as early as April 1 and close as late as August 31
4. Weatherization Assistance Program
   Home improvement services, such as insulation, home ventilation, weatherstripping, and HVAC tune-ups, may also be available

What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Delaware?

Households may be eligible if their income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). For example, a family of three earning up to $5,296 a month may qualify for DEAP.

How can I get help with my electric bill in Delaware?

As DEAP is administered by Catholic Charities, Inc., applicants should call their local office to find out where and how to apply for assistance.

Delaware Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Delaware LIHWAP offers a one-time crisis benefit up to $2,561 to help qualified households pay their water and wastewater past due utility bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections.

Households eligible for LIHEAP meet the eligibility requirements for LIHWAP as well, which includes an annual income being at or below 60% of the current State Median Income.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Delaware?

If you are unable to afford your current water bills and need help, you must complete and submit your application to:

Delaware Division of Public Health
Health Systems Protection
(302) 744-4546

Delaware Paid Leave

Beginning January 1, 2026, most Delaware workers will be eligible for paid family and medical leave under Delaware’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law.

The program will provide eligible employees job-protected, paid leave benefits for up to 12 weeks for parental leave every year and up to a combined six weeks every two years for employees’ own medical needs.

Who is eligible for Paid Leave in Delaware?

To be eligible for Delaware Paid Leave, you must:

1. Work primarily in Delaware 60% of your time or more
2. Have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
3. Have been employed for at least 1,250 hours with the employer during the 12-month period

Eligible employees can begin filing claims for paid family leave at labor.delaware.gov/laborfirst . Once your claim is approved, payments begin quickly, as there’s no waiting week for benefits.

Delaware Department of Labor
Division of Paid Leave
(302) 761-8375

Delaware Unemployment Insurance

Delaware Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary, partial income replacement to workers who have earned a minimum amount of wages and are out of work through no fault of their own.

It is intended to pay temporary benefits to eligible claimants during times of unemployment when suitable work is not available.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. wages in at least two quarters in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five (base period), and
2. total base-period wages of at least 36 times your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA).

The amount of your benefit will be 1/46 of your wages in the two highest quarters in the base period. If your calculated WBA is $150, your total wages in the base period must be at least $5,400 ($150 x 36).

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Delaware?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $450 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

How do I apply for unemployment in Delaware?

You can file your initial claim online  or by phone through TeleBenefits at (302) 761-6576. A one week waiting period is now in effect for all new claims, during which benefits will not be paid.

Delaware Department of Labor
Division of Unemployment Insurance
(302) 761-8446

Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP)

Despite the name, the Scholarship Incentive Program is a grant. ScIP is a need based grant of up to $1,000 awarded to eligible students who demonstrate substantial financial need.

Students must be enrolled full-time, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and be in an eligible program of study at any accredited Delaware institution.

To be considered for a ScIP, you must submit the FAFSA no later than May 15 and complete the online application  through the Delaware Higher Education Financial Aid Portal.

Delaware Higher Education Office
(302) 735-4120

Delaware Earned Income Tax Credit

Beginning with tax year 2025, Delaware will be the only state to offer partial refundability, which allows taxpayers to choose between a refundable or non-refundable credit.

Delaware EITC took effect in tax year 2006 as a way for low to moderate income families in Delaware to keep more of what they earn with very little effort. The state EITC program, layered on top of the federal credit, can only be claimed by people who earn income through work.

Delaware’s EITC is partially refundable, taxpayers have the option to choose a non-refundable credit of up to 20% or a refundable EITC credit equal to up to 4.5% of the federal EITC, whichever is higher.

How much is Delaware Earned Income Credit?

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Delaware?

If your Delaware EITC is $362 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $362 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

To claim both the federal and Delaware’s EITC, you must first file a tax return — even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to do so because you had too little income.