Turbo Takeaways

Known for its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant small communities, Delaware offers a unique charm. Yet, despite having a median household income above the national average, 10.5% of Delaware residents face poverty, showing that economic struggles still affect many families.

The challenges are real for those living in the First State, from rising housing costs to unexpected financial emergencies. To address these issues, Delaware offers a wide range of assistance programs, including healthcare, cash aid, child care, and more, providing critical support to help residents regain stability.

Explore Delaware’s financial assistance programs and find the support you need to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.

Government Assistance Programs in Delaware

Delaware provides various government-funded programs to support residents facing financial hardship. These programs cover essential needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and emergency cash assistance. Most services are managed by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS).

Cash Assistance Programs

Delaware offers direct financial support to low-income individuals and families to cover necessities like rent, food, utilities, and personal needs. Eligible residents can access benefits through the Delaware Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which acts like a debit card that recipients can use at local grocery stores to access cash or food benefits.

  • Delaware's main cash assistance program
  • Monthly cash support for low-income families with children under 18 or pregnant women in their third trimester
  • Time-limited assistance, with work participation required
  • Residents can apply through the Delaware ASSIST website
  • Formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Delaware’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families afford groceries each month
  • Offers access to a variety of approved food items to support better nutrition and reduce food insecurity across the state

Delaware Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new Delaware stimulus checks planned for 2025 and beyond
  • Residents may still be able to get relief through the state’s tax credit programs
  • While the state doesn’t offer a Child Tax Credit (CTC), residents may still qualify for state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Medical Assistance

The state offers comprehensive healthcare support for qualified residents based on income, age, disability, or family status. These programs ensure access to essential services like doctor visits, hospital care, mental health treatment, and preventive screenings.

  • Administered by the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA)
  • Provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible low-income adults, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities
  • Covers essential services, including doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health support
  • Offers health insurance plans for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or employer coverage
  • All plans cover essential health benefits like preventive care, maternity, prescriptions, and emergency services
  • Financial assistance is available for eligible households through federal subsidies
  • Offers free cancer treatment to uninsured or underinsured residents diagnosed with specific cancers
  • Must be a Delaware resident and meet income guidelines
  • Covers services like chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and medical supplies

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Expectant and new mothers can access a wide range of services that support maternal and child health, nutrition, and early development. These programs help reduce risks, promote long-term well-being, and ensure young families have a strong start.

  • Supports pregnant women, postpartum moms, infants, and children under five with nutrition resources
  • Benefits include healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare services
  • Available to families who meet income guidelines and are at nutritional risk
  • Supplies milk to children in child care centers, schools, and camps that don’t participate in federal meal programs
  • Helps cover the cost of milk served to children in half-day pre-K and kindergarten programs not receiving school lunch or breakfast

Child Care Services

Working parents and caregivers can find support through programs that make child care more affordable and accessible. These services help ease the cost burden while ensuring children receive quality early education and care.

  • Helps low-income families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or participate in training programs
  • Offers full or partial subsidy depending on income and family size
  • Contact a DSS office for additional information on program rules and fees
  • Provides free early childhood education to children from low-income families
  • Includes preschool instruction, family support, health screenings, and developmental services
  • Designed for 4-year-olds who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten

Food Assistance

When school is out or care is provided outside the home, Delaware’s food assistance programs ensure that children, older adults, and individuals in care settings continue receiving nutritious meals. These programs help fill gaps for vulnerable populations.

  • Offers free, healthy meals to children and teens 18 and under during the summer 
  • Meals meet federal nutrition standards and are served at approved community sites like schools, parks, libraries, and churches
  • Ensures that kids who usually receive free or reduced-price school meals continue to have access to food when school is closed
  • Offers meal reimbursements to child care centers, adult day care programs, and family daycare homes
  • Helps ensure children and adults in care settings receive well-balanced meals that promote growth and wellness
  • Supports licensed providers with resources and funding to offer healthier food options daily
  • Distributes USDA-provided food to low-income households through food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters
  • Helps supplement diets with staples like canned goods, pasta, rice, and frozen meat or vegetables
  • Available to individuals who meet income guidelines or already participate in other assistance programs

Assistance for Veterans

Delaware’s Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) is a central resource for veterans and their families, connecting them with state and federal benefits, healthcare, housing, and other essential services. The DCVA works closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure those who’ve served receive the support and recognition they’ve earned.

Services available through the DCVA include:

  • Benefits, counseling, and claims assistance for VA compensation, pensions, and healthcare
  • Referrals for medical care, mental health treatment, and substance use services
  • Two state veterans’ cemeteries offering burial benefits and full military honors
  • Help with housing needs, employment support, and access to community resources
  • Connections to federal programs through the Wilmington VA Medical Center and regional clinics

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Delaware seniors and individuals with disabilities can access a wide range of services promoting independence, safety, and long-term well-being. These programs help with home care, transportation, benefits counseling, and daily living support.

  • Serves as a central hub for aging and disability services, offering guidance and referrals to state programs
  • Provides benefits counseling, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and long-term care planning
  • Supports both seniors and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities
  • Offers personal care, homemaker services, meal delivery, and adult day care to help people remain at home
  • Tailored for seniors and individuals at risk of institutional care
  • Services are coordinated through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)

Utility Bill Assistance

Managing heating and cooling costs can be a significant burden for households with limited income. Delaware provides utility assistance programs to help residents stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient year-round.

The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and administered locally through the Division of State Service Centers. It offers financial relief for heating and cooling costs, emergency situations, and energy-related repairs. Additional weatherization services are available through the state’s energy office to help reduce long-term energy use.

Programs available through DEAP and other agencies include:

Weatherization Assistance Program

  • Free home energy audits and improvements to reduce utility bills and improve energy efficiency
  • Services may include air sealing, insulation, and heating system upgrades

Winter Heating Fuel Assistance

  • Helps eligible households offset the cost of winter energy bills (Oct 1–Mar 31)
  • Covers various heating sources, including electric, gas, propane, oil, and wood

Summer Cooling Assistance Program

  • Offers a flat benefit to help cover electricity costs during the summer
  • Eligible households may also receive a window A/C unit based on medical or heat-risk need

Crisis Assistance

  • Provides year-round support for urgent situations like shut-off notices or dangerously low fuel levels
  • Participants can use assistance in addition to regular seasonal heating benefits

Assistance for Unemployment

Losing a job or having hours reduced can create immediate financial stress. Delaware provides unemployment assistance to help eligible workers manage temporary income loss while they search for new job opportunities.

  • Provides temporary financial support to individuals who lost work through no fault of their own
  • To qualify, applicants must be able to work, actively seeking employment, and meet prior wage and work history requirements
  • Weekly benefit amounts are based on previous earnings
  • Delaware’s online job and training portal for jobseekers and employers
  • Offers tools to search job listings, create resumes, register for workshops, and connect with career specialists across American Job Centers
  • In‑person assistance is available at local centers alongside virtual support

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Delaware supports residents experiencing housing instability or homelessness through various programs that provide shelter, rental assistance, and long-term housing solutions. Services are coordinated through state agencies, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), and community partners to address immediate crises and ongoing stability needs.

  • State-funded grants support private, nonprofit shelters and transitional housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
  • The Office of Community Services administers operational support within the Division of State Service Centers
  • Helps low-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities afford private-market rental units by subsidizing rent
  • Participants must enroll in the Moving to Work program (PDF)
  • Delaware uses a centralized waiting list accessible via AffordableHousing.com
  • Connects residents with critical housing resources
  • Renters can access financial aid to avoid eviction, cover security deposits, or pay for utilities and mortgage assistance

Transportation Assistance

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Delaware

Delaware is home to a strong network of nonprofit organizations working to support residents through food distribution, job training, emergency housing, and financial education. These nonprofit assistance programs complement state-run services by addressing critical needs and providing resources to help you get back on your feet.

  • Offers statewide food distribution, mobile pantries, and meal boxes for children, seniors, and families in need
  • Provides job training programs in culinary arts, warehousing, and planning for unemployed or underemployed individuals
  • Hosts financial coaching, SNAP application help, and nutrition education workshops
  • Maintains a state-specific directory of active grant opportunities for individuals, families, nonprofits, and small businesses
  • Covers needs like emergency assistance, housing, education, disaster relief, and startup funding
  • Helps Delaware residents and organizations find financial help for long-term growth and recovery
  • Offers emergency housing help, eviction prevention, utility assistance, and case management services
  • Runs job readiness programs, family self-sufficiency coaching, and financial education workshops
  • Serves low-income communities across Sussex, Kent, and New Castle counties

How To Get Financial Help in Delaware

Delaware offers a range of financial assistance programs to help residents cover essential needs like childcare, nutrition, and energy costs. However, these programs may not be enough for larger financial challenges, whether mounting medical bills or growing credit card balances.

If you’re struggling with unmanageable debt, partnering with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt® can help you regain control of your finances.

TurboDebt provides effective Delaware debt relief programs for those seeking personalized guidance. We’ve helped many Delawareans reduce their debt by up to 54% before fees.

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  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
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Don’t let debt weigh you down any longer. Contact TurboDebt for a free consultation and find out within minutes if you qualify for our debt relief program. Your brighter financial tomorrow starts now!