Click herefor immunization information for individuals with disabilities or functional access and needs.
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO BENEFIT PROGRAMS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has modified the following benefit program rules to protect the health and well-being of Delaware residents during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. This information will be updated as changes occur.
In order to contain the spread of COVID-19, we ask customers to contact us by phone and online.
- Financial help1-866-843-7212so that we can assist you over the phone.
- Click hereApply for benefits online through Delaware ASSIST.
Start planning for end of COVID-19 support now
Many additional benefits and services available due to COVID-19 will be discontinued in the coming months when the public health emergency ends. Delaware offers many FREE social services, health, financial and employment resources.Click herelearn more.
SNAP ONLINE PURCHASE
Delaware's new SNAP online shopping program gives families another way to buy groceries during the COVID-19 crisis. Families in Delaware can use their SNAP grocery benefits or P-EBT benefits to order groceries online at participating stores.
Click herefor more information about Delaware's SNAP online shopping program.
PANDEMIC ELECTRONIC POWER TRANSMISSION (P-EBT)
Delaware's P-EBT program for the 2021-2022 school year allows children who meet certain eligibility requirements to receive meal allowances for days away from school due to COVID-19 or distance learning days. P-EBT benefits will be issued to eligible families beginning in March 2022.
Click herefor more information about Delaware's P-EBT program.
BENEFITS OF EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Department of Social Services has provided emergency food assistance to SNAP families since March 2020. Delaware provides emergency food assistance to all SNAP families as described below. SNAP families will continue to receive the next emergency food benefitJanuary 6, 2023.
- Families receiving the maximum basic SNAP benefit for their family size will receive $95 in emergency food assistance.
Example: A family of 5 currently receives the maximum SNAP award of $1,116. The family receives a monthly emergency allowance of $95.
- Families with an estimated emergency assistance amount of less than $95 will receive $95 in emergency food benefits. The emergency cash calculation is shown below.
Example: A family of 2 currently receives $452 in SNAP benefits. The maximum allocation for a 2-person family is $516, and the family's calculated emergency allocation is $64. Since the family receives less than $95 in emergency benefits, the monthly emergency allowance is increased to $95.
(Video) COVID-19 Coronavirus panel: Understanding the Science and Responding Appropriately - Families with a calculated emergency fund amount of $95 or more will continue to receive their calculated emergency fund amount. The emergency cash calculation is shown below.
Example: A family of 3 is currently receiving $367 in SNAP benefits. The maximum allocation for a family of 3 is $740, and the family's calculated emergency allocation is $373. As the family receives more than $95 in emergency benefits, the monthly emergency allowance remains at $ 373.
Calculation of emergency food aid
Maximum Nutritional Benefit for Family Size SNAP - Current Nutritional Benefit = Emergency Food Benefit
| SNAP household size | Maximum amount of food subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 281 |
| 2 | $ 516 |
| 3 | $ 740 |
| 4 | $ 939 |
| 5 | 1.116 $ |
| 6 | 1.339 $ |
| 7 | 1.480 $ |
| 8 | 1.691 $ |
| Each additional member: | $ 211 |
SNAP households who owe an overpayment will continue to have this amount deducted from their food service, impacting their emergency food assistance amount.
All SNAP families will receive their regular grocery benefits on their normal spending dates.
EMERGENCY CASH BENEFITS
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA)
Social Security has been granting emergency benefits since March 2020. Families with open cases of TANF and GA who have not yet received the maximum benefit receive an emergency benefit according to the calculation below. These families will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or afterJanuary 26, 2023.
Calculation of emergency money
Maximum Cash Benefit for TANF/GA Family Size – Current Cash Benefit = Emergency Cash Benefit
| family size TANF | Maximum TANF benefit amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 201 |
| 2 | $ 270 |
| 3 | $ 338 |
| 4 | $ 407 |
| 5 | $ 475 |
| 6 | $ 544 |
| 7 | $ 612 |
| 8 | $ 681 |
| 9 | $ 750 |
| 10 | $ 819 |
| GA family size | Maximum GA benefit amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 79 |
| 2 | $ 107 |
| 3 | $ 144 |
| 4 | $ 169 |
| 5 | $ 209 |
| 6 | $ 239 |
TANF and GA families who already receive the maximum benefit amount for their TANF or GA family size or who have a TANF and GA check ratio are not eligible for the emergency benefit. TANF and GA families who owe an overpayment will continue to have this amount deducted from their benefits, affecting their emergency benefit levels.
All TANF and GA families receive their regular checks on the normal issue date.
CHILDCARE
FAMILY PAYMENTS
Families are not required to pay their monthly copayment to the childcare provider to purchase care. As of April 2020, the Department of Social Services has waived co-payments for families.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contactAcquisition of a care unitno(302)255-9670.
DELAWARE EARLY CHILD EDUCATION AND CARE STABILIZATION FUND
On April 9, 2021, the Delaware Department of Health and Human Services and the Delaware Department of Education announced that the Delaware Early Education and Child Care Stabilization Fund will provide direct grants to support qualified child care providers in Delaware.Click herefor more information. Learn more aboutapplication process.
REGISTRATION AND INTERVIEWS
Whenever possible, the Department of Human Services will interview customers by telephone during the Delaware public health emergency.
Customers can provide a verbal signature over the phone to certify that their food allowance, cash benefit, or child care application or extension information is correct in the following situations:
- The customer submits the application or renewal on paper without a signature; or
- The customer requests or extends your services over the phone with an employee.
ASSISTANCE IN THE APPLICATION OF FOOD BENEFITS
Delaware's SNAP Outreach Partners can help you order or renew your meal plan over the phone or in person. For more information, contact SNAP's outreach partners listed below.
Delaware Ecumenical Council for Children and Families
Click hereor call(302)225-1040.
Delaware Food Bank
Click hereor call(302) 444-8073.
Jewish Family Services
Click hereor call(302)478-9411.
Modern maturation center
Click hereor call(302)734-1200 extension 174.
FOOD BENEFIT RENEWAL INTERVIEWS
Households renewing their food allowances are not required to complete an interview if they meet ALL of the following conditions
- The applicant's maintenance renewal is complete and contains the required information. AND
- The claimant's food grant extension is signed by the case leader, an authorized representative for the food grant case, or a responsible family member involved in the food grant case; AND
- The applicant has proven his identity; AND
- The applicant has demonstrated all mandatory eligibility factors
If a food service candidate does not meet these conditions, a caseworker will contact the candidate to request additional information and/or a review.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
JOB REQUIREMENTS FOOD ADVANTAGE
Food service job requirements are temporarily suspended. Individuals receiving food benefits may continue to volunteer for the SNAP Employment and Training program to provide job search assistance and job preparation while the SNAP Employment and Training offices are open.
TANF WORK REQUIREMENTS
TANF work requirements are temporarily suspended. Individuals receiving TANF may continue to voluntarily participate in the TANF Employment and Training program for job search and employment preparation assistance, as long as the TANF Employment and Training Offices are open.
TIME LIMITS, PENALTIES AND EXCLUSIONS FOR CASH ASSISTANCE
TANF time limit rules are temporarily suspended. TANF benefits do not expire and TANF months are not counted during this period.
TANF sanctioning rules are temporarily suspended. TANF cases will not be sanctioned during this period.
For TANF and GA customers whose Therapeutic Use Expiration expires, your waiver will automatically renew during the public health emergency. TANF and GA customers must submit a new health assessment form to qualify for a medical waiver after the current waiver expires or the public health emergency ends.
TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF THE RIGHT TO NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS
The Consolidated Endowments Act of 2021 temporarily expands entitlements to food benefits for college students. Students who are at least half enrolled at a university may receive meal subsidies if they meet one of the following exceptions:
- are 17 years old or younger or 50 years old or older;
- has a physical or mental disability;
- Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits;
- are enrolled in a TANF employment and training program;
- Work at least 20 hours a week;
- Participation in a state or federal internship program;
- Participate in an on-the-job training program;
- caring for a child under 6 years old;
- are looking after a child aged 6-11 and do not have adequate daycare to allow her to attend school and work 20 hours a week or study to work;
- Is a single parent enrolled full-time in college caring for a child under age 12;
- assigned or placed at a college or other institution of higher learning through an approved program of employment and training;
- New transient exception:are eligible for, but not necessarily participate in, a state or federal work-study program during the current school year;
- New transient exception:Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 towards education expenses in the current school year.
Students who meet any of the exceptions listed above are eligible for food grants if they meet all other eligibility criteria. The two new temporary exemptions will remain in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted.
COVID-19 WOHNHILFE
If you are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage due to job loss or reduced income related to COVID-19, relief options are available to you.Click herefor more information.
COVID-19 FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
FEMA provides financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.Click herefor more information.
EMERGENCY BROADBAND ADVANTAGE
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program designed to help families pay for Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit offers eligible families up to $50 a month off broadband Internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 off the purchase of a laptop, desktop or tablet computer.Click herefor more information.
DRUG
Click herefor Medicaid guidelines on COVID-19.
RESOURCES
ContactDelaware 2-1-1vonChoose 2-1-1orClick hereAccess community resources and recommendations for support with food, shelter, healthcare and more.
Click hereto access child care informationmy son PTor contactChildren and families firstno1-800-734-2388orClick here.
Click herefor the latest information on COVID-19