Delaware TANF

TANF is Delaware’s main cash assistance program for lower income families with children under the age of 18. Eligibility includes women in their ninth month of pregnancy.

It provides temporary financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical while they seek employment.

Delaware limits a household’s receipt of cash assistance to 36 months, ¹ during which all work-eligible adults are required to work or engage in approved work-related activities for a specified number of hours per week.

FAQ

Who qualifies for TANF in Delaware?

To qualify for cash assistance in Delaware, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, or permanent resident.
Live in Delaware.
Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
Meet income limit guidelines (see below).

What is the income limit for TANF in Delaware?

In Delaware, a family is considered “needy” when their net countable income is less than or equal to $338 a month for a family of three.

The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the table below.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much is TANF in Delaware?

In Delaware, TANF benefit amounts vary according to household size and income. The maximum monthly payment for a family of three with no income is $338.

Household Size	Payment
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

Diversion Assistance Program

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.

The “diversion” payment, made to a third-party vendor only, will not exceed $1,500 or the financial need resulting from the crisis, whichever is less. No cash payment is made to the family.

How do I apply for TANF in Delaware?

You must complete and submit an application to any local DSS office in person and be interviewed by a Social Worker to determine your eligibility.

Application can also be made via Delaware ASSIST — 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 Social Services
(866) 843-7212

Families may be eligible for an additional 12 months of benefits in cases of hardship. This is in addition to the standard 36-month limit for cash assistance. ↩