The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Delaware, also known as the Food Supplement Program, provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via the Delaware Food First Card, an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for Delaware SNAP, based on federal and Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS) guidelines.
Use the Eligibility Screening Tool on the Delaware ASSIST portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet Delaware’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Delaware SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP in Delaware, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines.
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live and eat together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees).
- **Residencyuese: Residency: Must reside in Delaware.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt.
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits unless they include elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds.
Households with members aged 60 or older or with disabilities may qualify under adjusted rules. Contact the Delaware DSS at (866) 843-7212 for detailed guidance.
Delaware SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
Most households must have a gross monthly income below these amounts:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,878 |
| 2 | $3,892 |
| 3 | $4,906 |
| 4 | $5,920 |
| 5 | $6,934 |
| 6 | $7,948 |
| 7 | $8,962 |
| 8 | $9,976 |
| Each Add’l | +$1,014 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled qualify under higher limits if exceeding the 200% FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Note: Delaware uses a higher gross income limit (200% FPL) for most households, making it easier to qualify without an asset test.
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes).
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Exempt income may include certain scholarships, grants, or loans used for tuition and fees.
Asset Rules for Delaware SNAP
Asset limits apply only to households with elderly (60+) or disabled members who exceed the 200% FPL gross income limit. The asset cap is $5,000. Countable assets include:
- Cash and bank accounts
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
- All vehicles used for household transportation (no value limit)
Defining a SNAP Household
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children 21 or younger living with parents
- Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.
Disabled or elderly individuals may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL.
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., through Delaware Workforce Development).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:
- Under 18 or over 52
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child
- Physically or mentally unable to work
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled
- Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (non-elderly/disabled households)
- Standard Utility Allowance: Varies (e.g., heating/cooling allowance if applicable)
- Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
Delaware SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,157 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit. Benefits are based on the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, adjusted for household size.
Applying for SNAP in Delaware
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: Delaware ASSIST portal
- In-Person: Visit a local Division of Social Services (DSS) office
- Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application from the DSS website
- Phone: Call Delaware 2-1-1 or DSS at (866) 843-7212 for assistance
An interview (phone or in-person) is required to finalize the application. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive a Delaware Food First Card (EBT).
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Walmart).
- Benefits are loaded monthly; check balances via receipts, the ASSIST portal, or by calling 1-800-526-9099.
- Protect your EBT card from scams by locking it when not in use and reporting issues immediately to 1-800-526-9099.
EBT Card Perks
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and other approved retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets.
- Discount Programs: Potential discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).
Items Not Covered by SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
- Use the Delaware ASSIST Eligibility Screening Tool to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
- Report stolen benefits using the SNAP Stolen Benefit Form (Form 306) and seek emergency food assistance via Delaware 2-1-1 or the Food Bank of Delaware.
Resources
- Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Food Bank of Delaware SNAP Helpline: (302) 722-6470
- Delaware 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SNAP in Delaware?
Apply online at the Delaware ASSIST portal, in person at a DSS office, by mail, or call 2-1-1 for help.
What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for Delaware?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,878 (200% FPL). Limits vary by household size.
How long does SNAP approval take in Delaware?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.
Are there work requirements for Delaware SNAP?
Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt.
This guide is based on 2025 federal and Delaware DSS guidelines. Verify details with your local DSS office for accuracy.