Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Delaware

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help Box

• Apply for multiple benefits at once: Delaware ASSIST – SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and childcare all in one application
• Emergency shelter/housing: Call 1-833-346-3233 (Housing Alliance Delaware Coordinated Entry) 24/7
• Emergency food assistance: Apply for expedited SNAP online or visit Food Bank of Delaware pantries – 302-292-1305
• Emergency cash assistance: TANF diversion payments up to $1,500 for one-time crisis needs
• Stop utility shutoff: Call Delmarva Power 1-800-375-7117 immediately to request medical/hardship hold
• Get information and referrals: Delaware 211 – Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372 (24/7)
• Domestic violence help: New Castle County 302-762-6110; Kent/Sussex Counties 302-422-8058
• Legal help: Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) – New Castle 302-575-0660; Kent 302-674-8500; Sussex 302-856-0038

If You Need Help Today

• Get shelter tonight: Call 1-833-346-3233 for Coordinated Entry system placement. Priority given to families with children, medical needs, or fleeing violence.
• Stop eviction: File for TANF emergency assistance and contact CLASI legal aid immediately. Bring eviction notice to any DSS office.
• Get food today: Apply for expedited SNAP at Delaware ASSIST. If household monthly income is under $150 and resources under $100, you may qualify for 3-7 day approval. Visit drive-through food pantries while waiting – find locations here.
• Prevent utility shutoff: Call your utility immediately to request payment arrangement. Apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance through Catholic Charities Delaware.
• Get healthcare immediately: Apply for Medicaid on Delaware ASSIST. Pregnant women and children often approved within 7-14 days.
• File for unemployment: If you lost your job, file immediately at Delaware UI. First payment typically arrives 2-3 weeks after filing.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Go to any State Service Center in person with ID, proof of address, and any shutoff/eviction notices. Request same-day emergency interview. Find locations.

Main Points

• Delaware’s minimum wage is $15.00/hour as of January 1, 2025 (Delaware Department of Labor)
• All major benefit applications go through Delaware ASSIST – SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and childcare assistance
• Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists opened February 3, 2025 at Delaware.AffordableHousing.com
• Maximum TANF cash assistance is $338/month for a family of three with no income
• Processing times: SNAP expedited 3-7 days, TANF up to 30 days, Medicaid 7-45 days
• Keep all mail from DHSS – missed interviews are the top reason for delays
• You can apply online, by phone, or in person at State Service Centers – no car required

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact CLASI legal aid if benefits are denied. Appeal deadlines are often only 10-30 days.

Emergency Cash Assistance

Delaware offers several cash assistance programs for families in crisis.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Delaware’s main cash assistance program provides monthly payments and emergency one-time assistance to families with children under 18.

Benefit amounts (as of August 2025):

• Family of three with no income: $338/month maximum
• Diversion assistance: One-time payment up to $1,500 for crisis situations
• 36-month lifetime limit for most recipients

Work requirements: Must work or participate in work activities for 30 hours/week to receive benefits.

Eligibility:

• Be U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Live in Delaware
• Have child under 18 or be pregnant (9th month)
• Meet income limits based on family size

Apply online at Delaware ASSIST or visit any DSS office.

Processing time: Up to 30 days for decision, interview required within 1-2 weeks.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about General Assistance if you don’t qualify for TANF but cannot work due to disability or age.

General Assistance (GA)

Provides monthly cash payments for adults without minor children who cannot work due to disability or other circumstances.

How to apply: Through Delaware ASSIST or any DSS office. Must show inability to work and lack of other income sources.

Processing time: Similar to TANF – up to 30 days for decision.

Food Assistance Programs

SNAP (Food Stamps)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps families buy groceries with monthly benefits loaded on an EBT card.

Maximum monthly benefits (October 2024-September 2025):

Source: USDA FNS FY 2025 COLA

Expedited processing: If monthly income is under $150 and resources under $100, or if shelter costs exceed income, you may qualify for benefits within 3-7 days.

Regular processing: Up to 30 days from application date.

Apply: Delaware ASSIST online or at any DSS office.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request in-person interview within 48 hours if facing hunger emergency. Contact CLASI if denied.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Federal nutrition program providing specific foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.

Who qualifies:

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding mothers (up to baby’s 1st birthday)
• Women up to 6 months postpartum
• Infants and children under age 5

Income eligibility: Up to 185% of Federal Poverty Level (same as SNAP gross income limits)

Automatic eligibility: If you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, you’re automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Benefits include: Monthly food packages with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, and infant formula when medically necessary.

Apply: Contact Delaware WIC clinics directly:

• New Castle County: 302-605-4066 (Hudson), 302-605-6653 (West End)
• Kent County: 302-605-1833
• Sussex County: 302-605-4055

Find all WIC clinic locations

Processing time: 1-2 weeks for appointment and benefit start.

Healthcare Coverage

Medicaid

Delaware expanded Medicaid covers adults and children at different income levels.

Income limits (as of August 2025):

Source: Delaware Medicaid eligibility

Documents needed:

• Photo ID for all household members
• Social Security numbers
• Proof of Delaware address
• Income verification (pay stubs, unemployment letter)
• Pregnancy verification if applicable

Processing time:

• Pregnant women and children: 7-14 days
• Others: Up to 45 days

Apply: Delaware ASSIST or call DMMA Help Center 1-866-843-7212

Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP)

For children not eligible for Medicaid but with family income up to 217% of Federal Poverty Level.

Monthly premiums vary by income level. See premium chart.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about “presumptive eligibility” if pregnant. Request temporary coverage while application processes.

Housing Assistance

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Federal rental assistance program that pays portion of rent directly to landlords.

Income limits: Must be at or below 50% of Area Median Income. For New Castle County family of 4: approximately $48,000/year maximum (as of 2025).

Waiting list status: OPEN as of February 3, 2025 – first time in years!

Apply: Delaware.AffordableHousing.com – centralized application for all five Delaware housing authorities.

How it works: You find qualifying rental unit, voucher pays portion of rent based on your income, you pay approximately 30% of income toward rent.

Processing: Applications placed on waiting list. Priority given to:

• Families with children
• Elderly (62+) or disabled individuals
• Those fleeing domestic violence

Emergency Housing Services

Coordinated Entry System: Call 1-833-346-3233 for immediate shelter placement or rapid rehousing assistance. Operates 24/7.

Priority groups:

• Families with minor children
• Individuals with serious medical conditions
• People fleeing domestic violence
• Chronically homeless individuals

Services include:

• Emergency shelter placement
• Rapid rehousing assistance
• Security deposit help
• Case management services

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact individual shelter operators directly or ask Delaware 211 for alternative housing resources.

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP/DEAP (Energy Assistance)

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating, cooling, and electric bills.

Benefit amounts: Typically $400-$1,500 per season depending on:

• Household size and income
• Type of heating system
• Energy burden

Crisis assistance: Available for shutoff prevention and reconnection – can be processed within 1-7 days.

Apply: Through Catholic Charities Delaware intake offices:

• New Castle County: 302-655-9624
• Kent County: 302-674-1600
• Sussex County: 302-856-9578

LIHEAP information page

Emergency shutoff prevention: Call your utility immediately:

• Delmarva Power: 1-800-375-7117
• Request medical certification or payment arrangement

Processing time: 1-4 weeks regular; crisis situations faster.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request medical hold from utility if someone in household has serious health condition. Ask doctor to provide medical certification.

Childcare Assistance

Purchase of Care (POC) Program

Helps working families pay for childcare so parents can maintain employment or attend training.

Income eligibility: Up to 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($2,798/month for family of 3 in 2025).

Age limits: Children under 13 (older if special needs).

Copayments: Based on family income and size. New federal rules require copays not exceed 7% of family income. Families at or below 150% FPL may have $0 copay.

Services covered:

• Licensed childcare centers
• Family daycare homes
• Before/after school care
• Summer care programs

Apply: Delaware ASSIST online or any DSS office.

Processing time: 2-4 weeks for eligibility determination.

Find providers: Visit My Child DE for provider search and quality ratings.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about emergency childcare provisions for TANF participants. Some employers offer childcare assistance programs.

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Insurance

Provides weekly payments to workers who lost jobs through no fault of their own.

Weekly benefit range: Approximately $20-$450/week for up to 26 weeks.

File online: Delaware UI Claims

Processing: First payment typically 2-3 weeks after filing and completing required certifications.

Eligibility: Must have worked in Delaware and earned minimum amount in base period, be able and available for work, actively seeking employment.

Contact: Wilmington UI office 302-761-8446

Job Training and Placement

Delaware Division of Employment & Training: One-Stop Career Centers provide:

• Resume assistance
• Job search support
• Training vouchers
• Apprenticeship programs
• Skills assessments

TANF Work Program: Mandatory for TANF recipients – provides:

• Job search assistance
• Work experience opportunities
• Transportation support
• Childcare during activities

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about expedited training programs that lead to immediate employment (CNA, CDL, security guard certificates).

Benefit Amounts and Income Limits Summary

Federal Poverty Level Reference

2025 Federal Poverty Levels (annual):

Required Documents Checklist

For all programs bring:

• Photo ID for applicant and all household members
• Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
• Proof of address (lease, utility bill, mail)
• Income verification (pay stubs, unemployment letter, self-employment records)
• Bank statements from last 3 months

Additional documents by program:

• SNAP/TANF: Rent receipts, utility bills, childcare costs, medical expenses
• Medicaid: Pregnancy verification, immigration documents if applicable
• Housing assistance: Criminal background check authorization, landlord references
• WIC: Height/weight measurements, blood test for anemia

Processing Timelines

Expedited services available for:

• SNAP: 3-7 days if household income under $150/month and resources under $100
• TANF: Emergency diversion payments for immediate crisis needs
• Medicaid: Presumptive eligibility for pregnant women
• LIHEAP: Crisis assistance for utility shutoffs

Regular processing times:

• SNAP: Up to 30 days
• TANF: Up to 30 days
• Medicaid: 7-45 days depending on category
• Housing vouchers: Currently accepting applications – waiting list varies
• Childcare: 2-4 weeks
• LIHEAP: 1-4 weeks

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you miss deadlines, appeal within timeframes listed on denial notices. Contact CLASI legal aid for assistance with appeals.

Diverse Communities Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

Delaware prohibits discrimination in benefit programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources:

• CAMP Rehoboth (Sussex County) – community support and resource referrals
• Equality Delaware – advocacy and support services

What to do if you face discrimination: Request different caseworker and file complaint with program supervisor. Document incidents with names, dates, and details.

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

Additional programs available:

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – contact Social Security Administration
• Medicaid waiver services for long-term care
• Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

Legal help: CLASI Disability Law Program provides free legal assistance with disability claims and accommodations.

Housing: Priority for Housing Choice Vouchers if household includes disabled member.

What to do if you need accommodations: Request reasonable accommodations from any benefit program – they must provide alternative formats, interpreters, or modified procedures.

Veteran Single Mothers

Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: 302-739-2792

• Help with VA disability claims
• Emergency financial assistance
• Housing programs specifically for veterans
• Job training and placement

Veterans preference: Priority for some employment programs and housing assistance.

What to do if VA benefits are delayed: Contact Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for expedited claim processing.

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

Eligibility varies by immigration status:

• Legal permanent residents eligible after 5-year waiting period (shorter for children)
• Refugees and asylees eligible immediately
• Victims of trafficking eligible for all programs

Language assistance: All agencies must provide interpreters at no cost.

Resources:

• Catholic Charities Delaware refugee services
• Jewish Family Services – immigration legal services

What to do if confused about eligibility: Apply anyway – agencies must determine eligibility case by case. Never assume you don’t qualify.

Tribal-Specific Resources

Nanticoke Indian Association: Contact information

• Cultural programs and community support
• Some housing preferences at certain properties
• Traditional healing and wellness programs

Federal programs: Native Americans may have additional federal benefit options through tribal programs.

Rural Single Mothers (Kent/Sussex Counties)

Transportation challenges:

• DART First State: 1-800-652-DART for reduced fare programs
• Some agencies offer virtual appointments

Service access:

• First State Community Action Agency – 302-856-7761 (serves Kent/Sussex)
• Mobile WIC clinics available
• Telehealth options for some services

What to do if transportation is barrier: Ask agencies about home visits or alternative service delivery methods.

Single Fathers

All programs listed serve single fathers equally. TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and housing assistance are available to any low-income caregiver with children.

Common barriers: Some single fathers face stigma when applying for “traditional” assistance programs. All programs are legally required to serve eligible single fathers.

What to do if you face discrimination: Request supervisor review if denied based on gender. Document any discriminatory comments or treatment.

Resources by Region

New Castle County

State Service Centers:

• Hudson: 501 Ogletown Rd, Newark – 302-255-9500
• West End: 710 N Lincoln St, Wilmington – 302-255-9500
• Northeast: 1624 Jessup St, Wilmington – 302-255-9500

Housing Authority: New Castle County Housing 302-395-5600

Food assistance: Food Bank of Delaware 302-292-1305

Legal aid: CLASI Wilmington 302-575-0660

Kent County

State Service Centers:

• Smyrna: 200 S DuPont Blvd, Suite 101 – 302-255-9500
• Williams: 805 River Rd, Dover – 302-255-9500

Housing Authority: Dover Housing Authority 302-678-1965

Community Action: First State Community Action 302-856-7761

Legal aid: CLASI Dover 302-674-8500

Sussex County

State Service Center:

• Georgetown: 546 S Bedford St – 302-255-9500

Housing Authority: Delaware State Housing Authority 302-739-4263 (serves Kent/Sussex)

Community support: First State Community Action 302-856-7761

LGBTQ+ resources: CAMP Rehoboth 302-227-5620

Legal aid: CLASI Georgetown 302-856-0038

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing calls from unknown numbers: Caseworkers often use blocked caller ID. Answer all calls during application process.
• Not uploading all required documents: Use phone to scan and upload to Delaware ASSIST. Missing documents delay processing.
• Failing to report changes: Report income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments and case closure.
• Missing interviews: If you miss SNAP or TANF interview, call back same day to reschedule. Missing interviews can close your case.
• Not keeping copies: Keep copies of all applications, documents submitted, and correspondence from agencies.
• Applying too late: Benefits start from application date, not approval date. Apply as soon as you need help.
• Not asking for help: If you don’t understand something, ask. Caseworkers are required to explain programs and help with applications.

What to do if you make these mistakes: Contact your caseworker immediately to correct errors. Most mistakes can be fixed if addressed quickly.

What to Do If Programs Don’t Work

• SNAP denied: Appeal within 90 days of denial notice. Contact CLASI for free legal help with appeals.
• TANF denied: Ask about General Assistance if you don’t meet TANF requirements. Appeal within timeframe on denial notice.
• Long waiting times: Request supervisor review if case has been pending longer than normal processing time. Contact your state representative’s office for assistance.
• Benefit amount seems wrong: Request detailed calculation from caseworker. Many determinations can be corrected if errors are found.
• Treated poorly by staff: Request different caseworker. File complaint with supervisor. Document date, time, names, and details.
• Emergency needs while waiting: Contact Delaware 211 for emergency assistance. Visit local food pantries, churches, and community organizations.

Alternative emergency resources:

• Food Bank of Delaware – 302-292-1305
• Salvation Army locations – search via Delaware 211
• Local churches and faith-based organizations
• Community health centers for medical care

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

1. How quickly can I get SNAP benefits in Delaware?

If you qualify for expedited processing (household income under $150/month and resources under $100), you can receive benefits within 3-7 days. Regular processing takes up to 30 days. Apply at Delaware ASSIST.

2. What’s the maximum TANF payment for a single mom with two kids in Delaware?

Maximum TANF payment for a family of three with no other income is $338/month as of August 2025. You can also request one-time diversion assistance up to $1,500 for crisis situations.

3. Are Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists open in Delaware?

Yes! For the first time in years, all five Delaware housing authorities opened waiting lists on February 3, 2025. Apply at Delaware.AffordableHousing.com.

4. Can I get Medicaid if I work part-time in Delaware?

Yes. Adults can qualify for Medicaid with income up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level ($1,632/month for individual, $2,351/month for family of two as of 2025). Working doesn’t disqualify you if income is within limits.

5. How much does Delaware WIC provide monthly?

WIC provides specific food packages, not cash. Benefits include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, and infant formula. Exact amounts vary by family size and participant category (pregnant, breastfeeding, children).

6. What if I get denied for emergency TANF cash assistance?

Ask about General Assistance if you don’t qualify for TANF. Request supervisor review of denial. Contact CLASI legal aid 302-575-0660 (New Castle), 302-674-8500 (Kent), or 302-856-0038 (Sussex) for appeal help.

7. Can I get help with utility bills in Delaware?

Yes. LIHEAP provides $400-$1,500 seasonal assistance for heating/cooling bills. Crisis assistance available for shutoff prevention. Apply through Catholic Charities Delaware or call your utility for emergency payment arrangements.

8. Is childcare assistance available for single moms going to school?

Yes. Purchase of Care program covers childcare for parents attending education/training programs up to 185% Federal Poverty Level. Must be working or in approved training program.

9. What happens if I work while receiving TANF?

Delaware allows you to earn income while receiving TANF. They deduct $90 for work expenses and up to $200 for childcare costs when calculating your benefit amount. This helps you transition to self-sufficiency.

10. How do I check my EBT balance and find stores that accept it?

Call the customer service number on back of your EBT card or use the state’s EBT website. Most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some restaurants accept SNAP EBT. Visit USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to find participating stores.

Contact Information Directory

Resumen en Español

Esta sección en español fue traducida por inteligencia artificial. Para información oficial, consulte las fuentes en inglés listadas en esta guía. This Spanish section was translated by artificial intelligence. For official information, consult the English sources listed in this guide.

Programas de Asistencia de Delaware para Madres Solteras:

• SNAP (Cupones de Alimentos): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Procesamiento expedito en 3-7 días si califica.
• TANF (Asistencia Temporal): Hasta $338/mes para familia de 3. Asistencia de crisis hasta $1,500.
• Medicaid: Cobertura médica gratuita para adultos hasta 138% del Nivel Federal de Pobreza.
• WIC: Alimentos nutritivos gratuitos para embarazadas y niños men

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