Low-Income Resources in Delaware

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Delaware SNAP through the Department of Health and Social Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Delaware DHSS

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Delaware SNAP (DHSS)
Apply / manage benefits: Delaware ASSIST Portal

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Delaware Division of Public Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and contact a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Delaware WIC Program

Find a food pantry — Food Bank of Delaware

Helps with: Locating food pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs across Delaware.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by ZIP code.

Food Bank of Delaware Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Delaware offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Delaware DHSS

Helps with: Assistance paying heating and energy costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and apply through the Delaware ASSIST portal.

Program overview: Delaware LIHEAP
Apply: Delaware ASSIST Portal

Housing programs and renter resources — Delaware State Housing Authority

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and housing search tools.

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Delaware, these programs are administered through the Department of Health and Social Services.

Purchase of Care (POC) Child Care Assistance — Delaware DHSS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program information and apply through Delaware ASSIST.

Program overview: Delaware Purchase of Care
Apply: Delaware ASSIST Portal

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — Delaware DHSS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: Delaware TANF
Apply: Delaware ASSIST Portal

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Delaware offers Medicaid and CHIP for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the state benefits system.

Delaware Medicaid & CHIP — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Delaware residents.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview & apply: Delaware Medicaid & CHIP
Apply: Delaware ASSIST Portal

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Delaware

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Delaware

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Delaware)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Delaware Crisis Services

Helps with: 24/7 mental health crisis support and mobile response statewide.
How to start: Call the statewide crisis line.

Call: 1-800-652-2929
Delaware Crisis Services

Delaware Domestic Violence Hotline

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic violence services statewide.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline to reach an advocate.

Call: 1-800-799-7233
Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/delaware/