Delaware calls its SNAP program the Food Supplement Program, and it's one of the more accessible in the country. The state uses 200% of the Federal Poverty Level as the gross income cutoff, which is higher than the federal standard of 130% FPL that most states use. There is also no asset limit. That means many working families who might be turned away elsewhere can qualify here. If you are unsure whether you qualify, the fastest way to find out is to run a free eligibility check or apply directly through the state's ASSIST portal.
What Is the Delaware Food Supplement Program?
The Food Supplement Program is Delaware's name for SNAP, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Benefits are loaded monthly onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and many farmers markets. Your card works in all 50 states, so if you travel or move temporarily, your benefits go with you.
Delaware's program is administered by the Division of Social Services (DSS) under the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).
Delaware SNAP Income Limits 2026
Delaware uses a two-part income test: a gross income test and a net income test. The gross test is based on income before deductions. The net test is based on income after subtracting allowable expenses like housing costs, childcare, and earned income deductions.
The figures below are for the October 2025 through September 2026 benefit year.
Gross Income Limits (200% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Limit | Annual Gross Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 | $31,296 |
| 2 | $3,526 | $42,312 |
| 3 | $4,442 | $53,304 |
| 4 | $5,358 | $64,296 |
| 5 | $6,274 | $75,288 |
| 6 | $7,190 | $86,280 |
| 7 | $8,106 | $97,272 |
| 8 | $9,022 | $108,264 |
| Each additional person | +$916 | +$10,992 |
Net Income Limits (100% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Net Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,137 |
| 6 | $3,595 |
| 7 | $4,053 |
| 8 | $4,511 |
| Each additional person | +$458 |
Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts (2026)
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$219 |
Your actual benefit will likely be less than the maximum. The formula takes your net income and subtracts 30% of it from the maximum allotment for your household size.
Who Does Not Need to Meet the Income Test
Households where all members receive SSI, TANF, or General Assistance (GA) automatically qualify without a separate income test. These households are categorically eligible.
Who Qualifies for Delaware SNAP
To be eligible for the Food Supplement Program, you must meet all of the following:
Residency: You must live in Delaware. You do not need a permanent address. People experiencing homelessness can apply.
Citizenship or immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen. Qualified non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration categories. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal SNAP, but their U.S. citizen children may qualify separately.
Income: Your gross household income must be at or below 200% FPL and net income at or below 100% FPL.
Work requirements for certain adults: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between ages 18 and 49 must work or participate in qualifying work-related activities for at least 80 hours per month. This requirement can be waived in areas with high unemployment. Exemptions apply to people who are pregnant, have a disability, or care for a child under 6.
Drug felony status: Delaware has a modified drug felony ban. People with drug-related felony convictions may still qualify if they are complying with the terms of their sentence and any required drug treatment program.
Student rules: Most college students enrolled at least half-time are not eligible unless they meet specific exemptions such as working 20+ hours per week, caring for a child, or receiving certain types of public assistance.
Documents You Will Need
Gathering documents before you apply will speed up the process. You do not need every document on this list, only what applies to your situation.
Proof of identity (one of the following):
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- U.S. passport
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card with a photo ID
Proof of Delaware residency:
- Utility bill
- Lease or rental agreement
- Recent bank statement showing your address
- Any official mail with your name and address
Proof of income:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Employer contact information for verbal verification
- Self-employment records if you work for yourself
- Benefit award letters for Social Security, unemployment, or disability income
Other documents that may apply:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Immigration documents if applicable
- Rent or mortgage statements for the shelter deduction
- Childcare or dependent care receipts for the dependent care deduction
- Medical expense records if anyone in the household is 60 or older or has a disability
Do not delay applying because you are missing a document. Apply first and gather documents during the process.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your Application Method
Delaware offers three ways to apply:
Online through Delaware ASSIST: The fastest and most convenient option. Go to assist.dhss.delaware.gov and create an account or log in. You can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs at the same time. You can also upload documents, check your case status, and manage your benefits online through ASSIST.
By phone: Call 1-866-843-7212 to reach the DSS customer service line. You can start an application over the phone or get help with the online process.
In person at a local DSS office: Walk in or schedule an appointment. See the office locations section below.
By mail or fax: You can download a paper application from the DSS website and mail or fax it to your local office.
Step 2: Complete the Application
The application asks for information about everyone in your household, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, income sources, housing costs, and other expenses. Be as accurate as possible. Providing false information can disqualify you or result in a claim for repayment.
If you apply online through ASSIST, the form will walk you through each section. Most people complete it in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you submit, note your application date. In Delaware, benefits can be backdated to your application date if you are approved, so applying as soon as possible protects your start date.
Step 4: Complete Your Interview
After submitting, a DSS caseworker will contact you to schedule an interview. The interview can be done by phone or in person. It typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The caseworker will review your application, ask clarifying questions, and let you know if any documents are missing.
Have your documents handy during the interview so you can answer questions accurately.
Step 5: Provide Verification Documents
After the interview, you may need to submit supporting documents. If you applied online through ASSIST, you can upload documents directly in the portal. You can also fax or bring them to a local office.
Step 6: Receive Your Decision
Standard applications are processed within 30 days of your application date. If you are approved, you will receive an EBT card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. Benefits are loaded to the card monthly on a schedule based on your case number.
Expedited Processing
If your household has very little income and resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. You likely qualify for expedited processing if:
- Your gross monthly income is below $150 and you have less than $100 in cash or bank accounts
- Your combined monthly income and resources are less than your monthly rent and utility costs
- You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with very limited resources
Ask about expedited processing when you submit your application or call 1-866-843-7212.
Delaware DSS Office Locations
If you prefer to apply in person or need help with your case, these are the main DSS office locations:
Wilmington (Northeast State Service Center) 1624 Jessup Street, Wilmington, DE 19802 Phone: (302) 577-3101
Wilmington (Winder Laird Porter State Service Center) 509 W. 8th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 Phone: (302) 577-3504
Newark (Floyd I. Hudson State Service Center) 501 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711 Phone: (302) 453-2800
Dover (James W. Williams State Service Center) 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (302) 739-3351
Several offices are open on Wednesdays until 6:00 p.m. to accommodate people who work standard business hours.
Using Your EBT Card
Once approved, your EBT card works like a debit card at checkout. Swipe the card and enter your PIN at any SNAP-authorized retailer. SNAP benefits can be used for:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Seeds and plants that produce food
SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
Renewing Your Benefits
SNAP benefits in Delaware are not permanent. You will need to renew your case periodically, typically every 6 to 12 months depending on your household situation. DSS will send you a notice before your case expires. You can renew online through ASSIST, by phone, or in person.
If your income or household size changes between renewals, report it to DSS through ASSIST or by calling 1-866-843-7212.
Other Food Assistance in Delaware
While your SNAP application is pending, or if you do not qualify, other food resources are available:
Food Bank of Delaware: Operates food pantries across the state and provides free SNAP application assistance. Call their SNAP Benefits Helpline at (302) 722-6470 or email snapoutreach@fbd.org.
WIC: If your household includes a pregnant woman, a new mother, an infant, or a child under 5, you may also qualify for WIC, which provides benefits for specific nutritious foods. Income limit is 185% FPL. Contact Delaware WIC at 1-800-222-2189.
School meals: Children in households at or below 130% FPL qualify for free school meals. Children in households between 130% and 185% FPL qualify for reduced-price meals.
You can check eligibility for multiple programs at once using the free Benefits Navigator screener. It covers SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and other programs in Delaware.
Get Help Applying
Not everyone finds online applications straightforward. Free assistance is available:
- Food Bank of Delaware: (302) 722-6470 or snapoutreach@fbd.org
- Delaware 211: Dial 2-1-1 to reach community resource specialists
- Delaware ASSIST help: 1-866-843-7212 (DSS customer service)
- Benefits Navigator screener: benefitsusa.org/screener
Also visit the Delaware benefits overview for a full list of programs available to Delaware residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Delaware?
Standard applications are processed within 30 days. If you qualify for expedited processing, benefits can be available within 7 days. After approval, your EBT card arrives within 5 to 7 business days.
Can I apply for SNAP online in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov allows you to apply online, upload documents, track your case, and manage your benefits. You can also apply by phone at 1-866-843-7212 or in person at a local DSS office.
What is the income limit for SNAP in Delaware?
Delaware uses 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for the gross income test, which is higher than most states. For a single person, the limit is approximately $2,608 per month. For a family of four, it is approximately $5,358 per month. A net income test at 100% FPL also applies after deductions.
Does Delaware have an asset limit for SNAP?
No. Delaware has eliminated the asset test for households that meet the 200% FPL income limit. You do not need to disclose or spend down savings or vehicles to qualify.
What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in Delaware?
You will typically need proof of identity (such as a driver's license or ID), proof of Delaware residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or benefit letters). Social Security numbers for household members are also required.
Can immigrants qualify for SNAP in Delaware?
Some lawful immigrants qualify, including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for SNAP, but their U.S. citizen children may qualify on their own.
What if my application for SNAP is denied?
You have the right to appeal a denial within 90 days of receiving the notice. You can request a fair hearing by calling DSS at 1-866-843-7212 or by contacting the DHSS Office of Appeals at 1-800-464-4357.
Can I get SNAP if I already receive SSI or TANF?
Yes. Households where all members receive SSI, TANF, or General Assistance are categorically eligible for SNAP and do not need to meet a separate income test.
Where can I use my Delaware EBT card?
Your EBT card works at any SNAP-authorized grocery store, supermarket, or participating farmers market in Delaware or any other state. Use the USDA SNAP retailer locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator to find stores near you.
Is the Food Supplement Program the same as food stamps?
Yes. Delaware's Food Supplement Program is the state's name for what is federally known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly called food stamps. The program and benefits are the same.
