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 If something looks outdated, please let us know.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.
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.
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.
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/