Delaware calls its LIHEAP program “DEAP” — the Delaware Energy Assistance Program — administered by the Delaware Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) through the Division of State Service Centers (DSSC). DEAP is contracted locally to agencies in each of Delaware’s three counties: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington in New Castle and Kent Counties, and a local agency in Sussex County. The program provides heating assistance, cooling assistance, crisis assistance, and connects eligible households to the state’s weatherization program.
Delaware has one of the highest crisis assistance caps in the country — up to $10,000 — reflecting its commitment to preventing energy-related emergencies in a small but densely populated Mid-Atlantic state.
What Does Delaware DEAP Cover?
Winter Heating Assistance — a one-time payment per season toward heating bills, paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. Benefit range: $100 minimum to $2,464 maximum. Covers electricity, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane, coal, and wood. Available October 1 through April 30.
Summer Cooling Assistance — a one-time payment toward summer electric bills (air conditioning). Benefit range: $1 minimum to $1,000 maximum. Operates May 1 through August 31 (while funds are available). One annual benefit per eligible household.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) — emergency assistance for households facing an immediate energy crisis: a shutoff notice, running out of fuel, or a lack of funds to pay for fuel. Maximum: $10,000 — among the highest crisis caps in the country. ECIP is a supplemental benefit in addition to the regular fuel assistance benefit. Available year-round.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, heating and cooling system improvements) administered by Catholic Charities, Inc. Operates year-round with a waiting list. Income eligibility: 60% SMI.
Delaware DEAP Income Limits 2026
Delaware uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for all four programs — heating, cooling, crisis, and weatherization. Eligibility is defined as 60% of Delaware SMI after federal and local taxes have been deducted — making Delaware’s effective threshold slightly different from states that use pre-tax gross income.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (60% Delaware SMI, approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$3,111 |
| 2 | ~$4,065 |
| 3 | ~$5,296 |
| 4 | ~$6,168 |
| 5 | ~$7,200 |
| 6 | ~$8,100 |
| 7 | ~$8,280 |
| 8 | ~$8,460 |
60% SMI figures are approximate. For example, a family of three earning up to $5,296 per month may qualify. Confirm exact 2026 limits at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/liheap.html or by calling 302-397-8408.
Delaware’s 60% SMI limits are more generous than the 150% FPL standard used by most states. For a national comparison of how income thresholds vary by state, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Delaware DEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF automatically meet income requirements. A benefit award letter from those programs serves as income verification.
Program Dates
| Program | Application Window |
|---|---|
| Heating Assistance | October 1 – April 30 |
| Heating applications (apply by) | September 1 – March 31 (earlier preferred) |
| Cooling Assistance | May 1 – August 31 (while funds last) |
| Crisis Assistance | Year-round |
| Weatherization | Year-round (waiting list) |
Important: Delaware’s winter shutoff protection runs from November 15 through April 15 — utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting customers who demonstrate inability to pay during this period. If you receive a shutoff notice in this window, contact your utility company and your county DEAP agency immediately.
Who Qualifies for Delaware DEAP
To be eligible for Delaware DEAP, your household must:
- Live in Delaware as your primary residence
- Have a home energy cost — electricity, gas, oil, propane, kerosene, coal, wood, or heating costs included in rent
- Meet income guidelines — household income at or below 60% Delaware SMI (or categorically eligible through SNAP, SSI, or TANF)
Both homeowners and renters are eligible. Renters whose heat is included in rent may also qualify.
No criminal background check: Delaware DEAP does not require a criminal background check. Individuals with felony records, those on probation or parole, and formerly incarcerated individuals all qualify based on income alone.
No immigration status requirement stated: DHSS administers DEAP through its general benefits portal. Contact your county agency for guidance on documentation requirements.
Delaware’s Three-County Structure
Delaware has only three counties, and DEAP is administered locally by a different agency in each:
| County | Agency | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| New Castle County | Catholic Charities – Diocese of Wilmington | 302-654-9295 |
| Kent County | Catholic Charities – Diocese of Wilmington | 302-674-1782 |
| Sussex County | Local agency | 302-856-6310 |
All three counties also work through DSSC at the state level. The statewide DEAP contact and assistance completing a heating application: 302-397-8408, or visit 19 Lambson Lane, Rosehill Community Center, Suite A 109, New Castle, DE 19720.
The Delaware Energy Assistance Program office is also located at 800 North King Street, King Street Plaza, Suite 202, Wilmington, DE 19801.
How to Apply for Delaware DEAP
Step 1 — Apply Online or Contact Your County Agency
Online: Apply through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov — Delaware’s unified benefits portal for SNAP, Medicaid, DEAP, and other programs. Applications are accepted 24/7 from any device.
By phone or in person: Contact your county DEAP agency directly using the numbers above. First-time applicants may be contacted by Catholic Charities for a brief verification step. For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Delaware’s county phone numbers are also listed in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
By mail or email: Download the DEAP application from the Catholic Charities website (ccwilm.org) or from dhss.delaware.gov. Submit the completed, signed, and dated application with all required documents to your county office. Incomplete applications delay processing.
Step 2 — Gather Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID (Delaware driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members — pay stubs, award letters (SNAP, SSI, TANF, Social Security), or tax return
- Most recent utility bill showing your account number and address
- Proof of address (if not on utility bill — lease or mortgage statement)
Step 3 — Processing and Payment
Once approved, benefits are paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. DEAP is a supplemental program — it is not designed to cover all heating costs. For crisis assistance, processing is expedited. To check the status of a submitted application, see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Note from Catholic Charities: Eligibility for LIHEAP does NOT guarantee a benefit will be paid. LIHEAP funding is limited, and availability depends on the number of applicants. Apply as early as possible.
Delaware DEAP Funding 2026
Delaware received $13,955,416 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $307,665 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Delaware served 8,820 heating households, 9,626 cooling households, and 3,944 crisis households. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Delaware’s allocation with other states.
Notably, Delaware’s cooling enrollment (9,626) exceeded heating enrollment (8,820) in FY 2024 — unusual among states and reflecting Delaware’s hot, humid summers.
Delaware Utility Assistance Programs
Delmarva Power deposit alternatives — LIHEAP recipients may have utility deposits waived. Delmarva Power also offers alternatives for customers with good payment history or those enrolling in budget billing.
Universal Service Fund (USF) — Delaware’s USF provides additional discounted utility rates for low-income customers. Contact your utility company or DHSS for details.
Delaware winter shutoff protection — Delaware law prohibits utility shutoffs from November 15 through April 15 for customers who demonstrate inability to pay. If threatened with shutoff during this period, contact your county DEAP agency immediately.
Additional Resources for Delaware Families
Delaware SNAP (ASSIST): Check Delaware SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Delaware.
Delaware Medicaid: Check Delaware Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Delaware WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DEAP in Delaware?
DEAP (Delaware Energy Assistance Program) is Delaware’s name for the federal LIHEAP program. Administered by DHSS through Catholic Charities and county agencies, it provides heating assistance, cooling assistance, crisis assistance, and weatherization connections to income-eligible Delaware households.
What are the income limits for Delaware DEAP?
Delaware uses 60% of State Median Income — approximately $5,296/month for a family of three. There is no asset limit. Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF automatically qualify. Confirm current limits at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/liheap.html or call 302-397-8408.
How much is Delaware DEAP worth?
Heating: $100 to $2,464. Cooling: $1 to $1,000. Crisis: up to $10,000 — one of the highest crisis caps in the country. Exact amounts depend on income, household size, and energy costs.
Who administers Delaware LIHEAP?
DHSS Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) at the state level, contracted to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington for New Castle and Kent Counties (302-654-9295 and 302-674-1782 respectively), and a local agency in Sussex County (302-856-6310).
Does Delaware DEAP cover cooling?
Yes — Delaware’s Summer Cooling Assistance Program runs May 1 through August 31 and helps pay a portion of summer electric bills. Up to $1,000 per eligible household. Apply after May 1.
Can I apply for Delaware LIHEAP online?
Yes — apply through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov, available 24/7. You can also apply in person at your county agency, by phone, or by mail.
For current Delaware DEAP information, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/liheap.html or call 302-397-8408. Income limits update annually — confirm current figures with your county agency.