How To Apply For Delaware Food Stamps

View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Delaware. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Delaware SNAP hotline at 800-372-2022. The department that handles this program is called the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.

The Delaware Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a food supplemental program that enables low-income families to buy a variety of food that is the basis for better nutrition. Benefits are issued electronically to the family's Delaware Food First card each month. This is an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The Food Supplement Program recipient uses this card at local grocery stores to access his/her food benefit.

Who can apply for Delaware food stamps?

• Anyone in your home including any tax dependents who are out of the home
• Apply even if you or your child already has health coverage. You could be eligible for lower-cost or free coverage
• Families that include immigrants can apply. You can apply for your child even if you aren't eligible. Applying won't affect your immigration status or chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen

Documents you may need when applying

• Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants)
• Employer and income information for everyone in your household (for example, from paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)

Delaware Food stamps eligibility

Eligibility for this service is based on factors such as who lives and eats together as well as relationships in the home and income. All children 21 years of age and younger who live with their parents must apply with their parents. You must be a US Citizen or an eligible alien to qualify. The maximum gross monthly income limit for most individuals is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). There is no resource test.

Food stamp income eligibility standards and Maximum allotments

How can I get Delaware SNAP benefits?

To learn more about SNAP or apply for benefits:

• Visit the DSS SNAP benefits website
• Contact a DSS office in your area
• Apply online using Delaware ASSIST
• Contact one of Delaware's SNAP Outreach programs:
  • Food Bank of Delaware's SNAP Outreach Program (Statewide)
  • Jewish Family Service's SNAP Outreach Program (New Castle County)
  • Modern Maturity Center's SNAP Outreach Program (Kent County)

How to get help with your food stamp application

• Phone: Call our Customer Relations Unit at 1-800-372-2022
• In person: There may be social workers/case managers in your area who can help
• 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

Delaware Emergency Food Benefit

If your household has little or no income right now, you may be able to receive emergency food benefits within 7 days from the day we receive your completed application. You may be able to get emergency food benefits in seven days if:

• Your household expects to receive less than $150 in income this month
• Your household does not have more than $100 in cash or bank accounts
• Your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker household
• Your household’s rent, mortgage, and utilities are more than your household’s gross monthly income and liquid resources combined

Delaware food stamp income limits

Financial eligibility criteria vary from program to program. The most common benchmarks by which DSS sets income criteria are the following:

Countable Income Limits 100% FPL Countable Income Limits 130% FPL Countable Income Limits 165% FPL Countable Income Limits 200% FPL