Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
Delaware does not have one statewide “single mother transportation grant” that pays for every car repair, gas bill, or ride. Real help is usually a mix of public transit, Medicaid rides, disability transportation, caseworker support, school help, job training support, and local referrals.
Start with Delaware 211 transportation for local referrals, DART trip planner for bus options, or Delaware’s medical transportation page if you have Medicaid and need a ride to covered care. If you also need food, rent, child care, or cash help, use the broader Delaware benefits guide.
Urgent help now
If there is a medical emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Medicaid ride, bus, or local charity ride when someone needs emergency care.
If you need a ride because you have no food, no safe place to sleep, a shutoff notice, domestic violence danger, or a child care crisis, call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898211. Delaware 211 connects people to health and human services, including shelter, utility help, food, work, school, and safety-related help.
If transportation is part of a housing or emergency problem, also see our Delaware emergency help guide and Delaware housing help guide.
Where to start
Start with the trip you need most. A medical ride is handled differently than a ride to work, school, child care, or court.
I need a ride to a doctor
If you have Delaware Medicaid, ask about non-emergency medical transportation through Modivcare.
I need to get to work
Check DART first. Then ask TANF, workforce, school, training, or your employer about support.
I cannot use the bus
If a disability keeps you from using buses, look at DART paratransit.
I need local help fast
Call 211. Ask for transportation, car repair, gas card, and emergency referrals.
Quick reference: best first step by need
| Need | Best first step | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus or public transit | DART First State | Ask for route, fare, pass, and app options. | Routes and times vary by county and neighborhood. |
| Ride to a medical appointment | Modivcare or Medicaid plan | Ask for a non-emergency medical ride. | Trips usually must be tied to covered care. |
| Disability prevents bus use | DART paratransit | Ask about ADA eligibility and the application. | You may need a health professional to complete part of the form. |
| One-time emergency ride | Delaware 211 | Ask for local transportation and emergency help. | Gas cards and ride funds are limited and local. |
| Ride to work or training | TANF, workforce, or school program | Ask if supportive services can cover transportation. | Help depends on program rules and funding. |
| School stability after housing loss | School homeless liaison | Ask about McKinney-Vento rights and school transportation. | Use the school district process as soon as housing changes. |
DART buses and DART Connect
DART First State is Delaware’s main public transit system. Use it first if you live near a route, need a repeat trip, or can plan around bus times. DART’s DART fares page lists fares, reduced fares, passes, and payment options.
Use the official trip planner before you leave. A route that looks close on a map may not run at the time you need. Bring exact change if you pay cash, and leave extra time for transfers, missed buses, weather, and school drop-off.
DART Connect in Newark, Georgetown, and Millsboro
DART Connect is an on-demand microtransit service in Newark, Georgetown, and Millsboro. DART says DART Connect works like a rideshare-style public transit service, uses smaller vehicles, and costs the same as a DART bus fare. You can use the DART Transit app or call 1-800-652-DART, Option 3.
This can help if you live inside the service area but the regular bus stop is too far or does not go close enough to child care. It is not statewide, and service area rules still matter.
Tip: test the route before the day you need it
For a new job, court date, class, medical visit, or school meeting, test the route first. Check the first bus, last bus, transfers, walking distance, and backup route.
Medicaid medical rides
If you have Delaware Medicaid, your best transportation help for doctor visits may be non-emergency medical transportation. Delaware Medicaid says NEMT is for trips to and from a covered medical service and is arranged through a transportation broker, Modivcare.
Delaware’s Medicaid page says routine rides should be requested at least three days before the appointment. Eligible clients can call Modivcare at 1-866-412-3778. You can also review Modivcare Delaware for forms and trip information.
Use medical rides for covered care, not errands. Have your Medicaid information, appointment date, provider name, address, phone number, and mobility needs ready. Ask for a confirmation number.
| Before calling | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Medicaid ID or member information | Modivcare must confirm eligibility. |
| Provider name and address | The ride must be to a covered medical service. |
| Appointment date and time | Routine rides should be requested ahead of time. |
| Pickup address and phone number | The driver may need to confirm where you are. |
| Wheelchair, car seat, or aide needs | The right vehicle or instructions may be needed. |
If your Medicaid ride is late, call the ride line and ask for the status. Call the medical office too, especially if you may miss care.
Disability and paratransit help
If you or your child cannot use regular DART buses because of a disability, look at DART paratransit. DART says DART paratransit is for people who are unable to use fixed-route buses under ADA rules. The page explains eligibility, how to apply, and appeal rights if you are denied.
DART says applicants can request an application by calling 800-553-3278 or downloading the form. If you have a disability, part of the application must be completed by a health care professional. If you do not hear about eligibility within 21 days after submitting the application, DART says to call 800-553-3278.
The Disability Hub also lists transportation resources for Delawareans with disabilities. If a disability affects your work plans, review the state DVR page and ask whether transportation is part of your employment barrier.
Work, TANF, job training, and child care transportation
For work-related transportation, the right office depends on your case. If you get TANF, are applying for cash help, are in a work activity, or are trying to start a job, ask your DSS caseworker or employment contractor about transportation support. Delaware’s TANF page says TANF is the state’s main cash assistance program and is meant to provide temporary help until a person gets a job.
Be direct: “I have a job or required activity, but I cannot get there without bus fare, gas help, or a ride plan.” Ask what proof they need. If they say no, ask why and whether another program can help.
For job training, WIOA programs may sometimes include supportive services. Federal WIOA rules say supportive services can include transportation when needed for authorized activities. Ask before you drop out because of transportation.
Delaware Commute Solutions can help some workers and students plan lower-cost commutes. Review Commute Solutions for carpooling, vanpooling, transit, biking, walking, telework, and schedule options. Its commute benefits page lists carpool matching and Guaranteed Ride Home for qualifying clean commutes.
Child care can be part of the transportation problem
Sometimes the ride problem is really a child care problem. Delaware’s child care page says child care services can help families so a caretaker can work, get training, or meet special needs. You can also compare ASMOM’s Delaware child care guide and national child care guide.
Delaware’s child care rules say parents can apply online through Delaware ASSIST or through a DSS office. Use Delaware ASSIST to apply for benefits such as cash assistance, Medicaid, food benefits, and child care assistance.
School transportation after housing loss
If your family is doubled up because of hardship, in a motel, shelter, car, campground, or another unstable place, ask the school about McKinney-Vento help. Delaware schools follow this law to reduce school disruptions after housing loss.
Start with the school office and ask for the homeless liaison or McKinney-Vento contact. Use the state homeless education page for background. Ask about transportation, enrollment, records, and supplies.
If the same crisis includes shelter, furniture, or safety needs, read our Delaware furniture help and Delaware safety resources guides.
Documents and information to gather
You may not need every item below, but having them ready can save repeat calls.
| Item | Useful for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID or client number | DSS, Medicaid, DART reduced fare, paratransit | Ask if another proof is accepted if your ID is missing. |
| Proof of Delaware address | Benefits, local charities, school help | A shelter letter or school record may help if you are unstably housed. |
| Benefit notices | DSS, Medicaid, legal aid | Keep denial, approval, and renewal letters. |
| Medical appointment details | Modivcare rides | Have provider address and phone number ready. |
| Work or training schedule | TANF, WIOA, school, employer help | Show start date, hours, and location. |
| Child care details | DSS child care, commute planning | Write down provider address and hours. |
| Disability form or doctor contact | Paratransit, DVR, disability resources | Ask what form is needed before scheduling a doctor visit. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the morning of the appointment. Medicaid rides and some disability transportation need advance notice.
- Asking for “a grant” instead of naming the trip. Say whether you need a medical ride, job ride, bus pass, gas help, car repair referral, or school transportation.
- Dropping out of training before asking. Some job and training programs can only help if you tell them the transportation barrier while you are still enrolled.
- Not keeping proof. Save ride confirmation numbers, denial notices, caseworker names, and call dates.
- Assuming a car repair program exists statewide. Car repair help is usually local, limited, and funding-based.
If your ride is delayed, denied, or ignored
Ask for the exact reason. A denial because you are not eligible is different from a denial because the form is incomplete, the appointment is not covered, or funds are out.
For a Medicaid ride problem, write down the date, time, trip number, person you spoke with, and what they said. Call Modivcare again if needed, then call your health plan or provider.
For a paratransit denial, DART’s paratransit page says you have appeal rights. Ask for the appeal process in writing and the deadline. For a DSS or Medicaid benefit denial, Delaware legal aid may be able to explain options. CLASI benefits help covers some public benefits issues for eligible Delaware residents.
If the problem is tied to child support, food, or medical coverage, these guides can help with the next call: Delaware child support, SNAP guide, WIC guide, and Medicaid guide.
Backup options when no program fits
Some transportation needs do not fit a public program, especially car repairs, gas for work, or trips outside normal service hours. Try these steps:
- Call 211 and ask for transportation, gas card, car repair, and emergency assistance referrals in your county.
- Ask your employer if they offer a transit benefit, schedule change, carpool board, or emergency ride home.
- Ask a school, training program, or college case manager if they have emergency funds or bus passes.
- Ask your child care provider if another approved provider near a bus route has an opening.
- Ask DSS if a different benefit, such as child care, cash assistance, food help, or medical coverage, could lower the pressure on your transportation budget.
- Use the ASMOM local resource guide to plan county-by-county calls.
Be careful with payday loans, title loans, and “guaranteed grant” ads. For broader money issues, use our single mother grants guide and bill help guide.
Phone scripts
Calling 211
Hello, I am a single mother in Delaware and I need transportation help. I need a ride for [work, doctor, child care, school, court, or emergency need]. My ZIP code is [ZIP]. Can you check transportation, gas card, bus pass, car repair, and emergency assistance referrals near me?
Calling Modivcare
Hello, I have Delaware Medicaid and need a ride to a covered medical appointment. My appointment is on [date] at [time] with [provider]. The address is [address]. Can you schedule the ride and give me the trip confirmation number?
Calling DART paratransit
Hello, I need help applying for paratransit because I cannot use the fixed-route bus due to a disability. Can you tell me which application I need, what my medical provider must complete, and where to send it?
Calling DSS or a caseworker
Hello, I have a transportation barrier that may stop me from working, training, child care, or a required activity. Can you tell me if my case has any transportation support, bus pass help, child care help, or another referral?
Resumen en español
Delaware no tiene una sola “beca” de transporte para todas las madres solteras. La ayuda puede venir de DART, viajes médicos de Medicaid, paratránsito, 211, TANF, programas de empleo, la escuela o recursos locales.
Si necesita una cita médica y tiene Medicaid, llame a Modivcare con anticipación. Para ayuda local, llame al 2-1-1 o mande su código postal por texto al 898211. Si perdió vivienda, pida en la escuela el contacto de McKinney-Vento.
FAQ
Does Delaware have transportation grants for single mothers?
Not as one statewide grant that pays for every transportation need. Help is usually through DART, Medicaid medical rides, paratransit, TANF or workforce support, school transportation rules, 211 referrals, or local charities.
Can Medicaid pay for rides to the doctor in Delaware?
Yes, if you are eligible and the trip is to a covered medical service. Delaware Medicaid uses Modivcare for non-emergency medical transportation. Routine trips should be requested ahead of time.
Can DART help if I cannot use a regular bus?
DART paratransit may help if a disability prevents you from using fixed-route buses. You must apply, and a health care professional may need to complete part of the application.
Can 211 give me a gas card or car repair money?
211 can search local referrals, but funding is not guaranteed. Ask for transportation, gas card, car repair, bus pass, and emergency assistance referrals in your county.
Who helps with school transportation after housing loss?
Contact your child’s school and ask for the homeless liaison or McKinney-Vento contact. Families with unstable housing may have school stability and transportation rights.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.