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:

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

What is the income limit for TANF in Delaware?

In Delaware, a family of three is considered “needy” if its net countable income is less than or equal to $405 per month.

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

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 $405.

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

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Delaware?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Delaware, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact ASSIST (DHSS) at (866) 843-7212 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.