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Pinterest In your state, the average household that includes an older adult gets
$92/month
in SNAP benefits. You could get more or less depending on your income and household size.
Delaware's Food Supplement Program, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults and young families in Delaware pay for food.
If you're approved for this food assistance program (also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP), the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works like a prepaid debit card and can be used at grocery stores and some online retailers to buy foods that are SNAP-eligible. Many farmers markets across Delaware also participate in SNAP, and you can use your EBT card there as another form of payment.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Delaware's Food Supplement Program work?
- What is the application process like?
- How do I know if I'm eligible?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for Delaware's Food Supplement Program?
- What happens after I apply?
- What if I need food assistance right away?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does Delaware's Food Supplement Program work?
Delaware’s Food Supplement Program is operated by the Division of Social Services (DSS) within Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS). Also known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP), this food assistance program can help you, people with disabilities, and others to stretch your budget further. This is because the money you would have spent on food can now be spent on other needs—such as utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP eligible, and then others that are not covered under your assistance.
What is the SNAP application process like in Delaware?
While you may think applying for Delaware SNAP is too complicated or time-consuming, it isn’t as difficult as you might expect. You can even ask a trusted friend or family member to help you apply.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Delaware SNAP:
- Check your eligibility: DSS offers a quick online screening tool to help you determine if you and/or other members of your household are eligible for SNAP assistance.
- Submit an application: If you qualify, you can submit an application online or at a local DSS office. Completing the application could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.
- Submit proof of your situation: You may be asked to provide documents that prove your identity and income, such as your ID, paystubs, or rent receipts.
- Take part in an interview: A social worker from DSS will contact you to schedule an interview.
- Wait for a decision: Most applications are processed within 30 days. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive a Benefits Security EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.
How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP?
To qualify for Delaware's Food Supplement Program:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.
- You must be a Delaware resident.
- Your household must meet specific income limits (with some exceptions).
- You must live in a lawful SNAP household, defined as people who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together.
The amount of money you will get in Delaware SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Delaware. The maximum gross monthly income limit for most households is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just click on the green button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’
| Family size | Maximum monthly income in Delaware |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $4,303 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,097 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$897 |
Currently, there is no asset (resource) limit for most Delaware households that meet the 200% FPL maximum gross monthly income limit.
How do I prepare to apply for Delaware Food Supplement Program?
When applying for Delaware SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can receive each month. You must include all people in your household who eat with you, including members under the age of 22.
Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process easier:
- Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
- Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
- Childcare or adult day health care costs
Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:
- Driver's license or other government-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
- Marriage license or divorce decree
How do I apply for Delware's Food Supplement Program?
There are several ways to apply for Delaware's Food Supplement Program. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.
The quickest and easiest way to apply for food stamps in Delaware is online. You can trust that all your personal information is confidential and protected by special security technology.
To get started, visit the Delaware ASSIST website and click ‘Apply for Benefits.’ (Note that the SNAP application is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. You can choose your language using the drop-down menu at the top of the page.) The system will walk you through the process step by step, with the first option of creating an online Delaware ASSIST account. Since the online application allows you to apply for multiple benefits programs at once, be sure to only answer questions for the program(s) you are applying for.
Once you've created a Delaware ASSIST account, you can return any time to finish your application, check your application status, and update your personal information.
TIP: Want to check your eligibility for SNAP before you apply? Click here to be routed to the Delaware ASSIST site and follow the screening tool prompts.
Visit your local DSS office to pick up a paper application (an English form can be downloaded by clicking this link).
Download and print the Delaware Food Supplement Program application form using the links below.
- SNAP Application (English)
- SNAP Application (Spanish)
Mail your completed application to your local DSS office.
What if I need food assistance right away?
You may be able to get SNAP benefits sooner (within a few days) in Delaware if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and your available resources do not exceed $100.
- You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker with little or no income right now and your available resources do not exceed $100.
- Your household's monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the monthly rent/mortgage and utilities.
How can I get help with my application?
There are multiple options available should you need help filling out your Delaware Food Supplement Program application.
You can:
- Reach out to your nearest DSS office.
- Call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-372-2022 and speak to a representative.
- En Español: Llame a nuestro centro de ayuda gratis al 1-866-843-7212.
- In a language other than English: Call 1-866-843-7212.
- TTY users: Call 711 or 1-800-232-5460.
- Contact the SNAP Outreach team at the Food Bank of Delaware at 1-302-659-9944.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Delaware?
It can take up to 30 days for your local DSS office to process your application (sooner if you’re requesting expedited benefits).
An interview is required to be eligible for SNAP assistance in Delaware. The goal of the interview is to make sure your application is complete, correct, and ready for approval. Your DSS social worker can also tell you more about the program and answer any questions you have. You MUST complete the interview to receive SNAP benefits.
What can I expect during my SNAP interview?
The goal of the interview is to make sure your application is complete, correct, and ready for approval. Your caseworker can also tell you more about the program and answer any questions you have. You MUST complete the interview to receive SNAP benefits.
During your interview, you may have to answer questions like:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.
Once your interview is complete and your DSS office has all the information it needs to decide. You should receive a notice regarding your eligibility within 30 days.
Note: If you've submitted your SNAP application but have not heard back from DSS within 30 days, call 1-800-372-2022. You can also check the status of your application online from your Delaware ASSIST account.
If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a letter explaining your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get them for; this is called your “certification period.” For most Delaware households, that period is 6 months. Households with members age 60+ or members with disabilities typically have a certification period of 12 months. Shortly thereafter, you will receive your EBT card along with instructions on how to activate and begin using it to buy groceries.
Each month you are eligible, your EBT card will be automatically loaded with your benefits. Delaware sends out benefits over 23 days, beginning with the 2nd day of every month, based on the first letter of your last name.
If your SNAP application is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons why. If you do not agree with this decision, you have the right to appeal. The letter will explain how to file an appeal.
Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Delaware
- Report any name changes or changes of address within 10 days. You can report these changes using your online account at Delaware ASSIST.
- If you lose your EBT card, call Conduent customer service at 1-800-526-9099 to get a replacement card.
Once you are approved for SNAP assistance, you can manage your benefits online through your Delaware ASSIST account. From your account, you can report a change to your living or financial situation or renew your SNAP benefits when it's time. To check the balance on your EBT card, visit ConnectEBT.com or call Conduent customer service at 1-800-526-9099. Your last grocery store receipt should also reflect your EBT card balance.
You must renew your SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to avoid a disruption in benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew. You can renew online at Delaware ASSIST or in person at your nearest DSS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
BenefitsCheckUp can help you assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
