Delaware Food Supplement Program

Good nutrition helps us stay active and independent as we get older. The Food Supplement Program (once called Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Delaware buy healthy food and stretch their budget further.

If you're approved for this food assistance program, also known as SNAP, you’ll get an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). It works like a prepaid debit card and can be used at grocery stores and some online retailers to buy food. Many farmers markets across Delaware accept EBT cards as another form of payment. You can also use your EBT card on Amazon to buy food items.

It’s worth checking Food Supplement eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries. Find out if you’re eligible today by answering a few questions on the state website (click here).

Frequently asked questions

• How does Delaware's SNAP Program work?

• What is the application process like?

• How do I know if I'm eligible?

• How do I apply for Delaware's SNAP 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 SNAP Program work?

The Food Supplement Program helps people with limited means afford food. If you’re eligible, it makes it easier to buy healthy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. The Food Supplement Program can help free up money for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

Delaware’s Food Supplement Program is run by the Division of Social Services (DSS). Local offices help people apply for food assistance, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the SNAP application process like in Delaware?

Applying for Food Supplement benefits is not as hard as you might think. You don’t have to do it by yourself—a friend, family member, or DSS case worker can help you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Delaware SNAP:

• Submit an application: If you qualify, you can submit an application online or at a local DSS office. This will take about 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 reviewed within 30 days. If you need food right away, you may be able to have your application reviewed 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 (SNAP) Program:

• You must live in a lawful SNAP household, defined as people who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together.

• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.

• You must be a Delaware resident.

• You must meet certain income (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special SNAP rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if your income looks too high.

• You and most other adult applicants may have to meet certain work requirements.

What are the SNAP work requirements in Delaware?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get Delaware Food Supplement benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DSS office to find out exactly what these new work rules mean for you.

How much in SNAP benefits can I get?

The amount you will get in Delaware Food Supplement (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

If you’re 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more in Food Supplement benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the Delaware SNAP income limits?

There are income guidelines for SNAP. In Delaware, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Special SNAP rules make it easier for older adults (60+) and people with disabilities to qualify. Many older adults are surprised they qualify for food benefits and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. If you’re not sure if you qualify, contact your local DSS office. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL)

1 $2,609

2 $3,526

3 $4,442

4 $5,360

5 $6,276

For each additional person, add: +$918

Source: Food Bank of DE - SNAP Eligibility (October 2025)

Some households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home). A DSS worker can help you understand which limits apply to you, if any.

How do I apply for the Delware SNAP Program?

Click here first to check your eligibility on the Delaware ASSIST site. If you qualify, follow the steps below to apply.

1. Get important documents ready

When applying for the Delaware Food Supplement Program, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following details to make things 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

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for food stamps in Delaware is online. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology.

To get started:

• Visit the Delaware ASSIST website and click ‘Apply for Benefits.’ (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. First, you must create 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 its status, and update your personal information.

Apply Online

APPLY IN PERSON

Visit your local DSS office to pick up a paper application (an English form can be downloaded by clicking this link).

APPLY BY MAIL

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 many ways to get 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.

• Call City Fare for help at 1-302-421-3734 or email them at info@cityfare.org.

• Reach out to the Food Bank of Delaware by calling 1-302-292-1305 or by emailing foodbank@fbd.org.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:+18555341245) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Delaware?

It can take up to 30 days for DHS to review your Food Supplement (SNAP) application. If you need food right away, you may get expedited (faster) benefits within 7 days. If you are approved, your benefits can start from the day you applied.

To get Food Supplement benefits in Delaware, you must complete an interview. The interview helps the agency make sure your application is complete and correct. Your DSS worker can also explain the program and answer your questions.

What can I expect during my Food Supplement interview?

Don’t worry—the interview is not meant to stop you from getting benefits. The DSS case worker is just reviewing the information you already gave. They can also explain the program, answer your questions, and help you get any papers you are having trouble finding.

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 decision letter within 30 days.

Note: If you've submitted your Food Supplement 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 Food Supplement benefits, you will get a letter in the mail. The letter will tell you how much you will receive each month and how long your benefits will last. Most households in Delaware receive benefits for 6 months at a time. Households with someone age 60 or older or a person with a disability usually receive benefits for 12 months.

Soon after, you will get an EBT card in the mail. The letter will explain how to activate your card and use it to buy groceries. Each month you are eligible, your EBT card will be automatically loaded with your benefits.

If your Food Supplement application is denied, you will receive a notice telling you 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

What are important things I should know?

• You should 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.

How can I manage my Delaware SNAP benefits online?

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 income or renew your SNAP benefits.

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.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Delaware?

You must renew your Food Supplement benefits before your time period ends to keep getting 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.