The Division of Social Services (DSS) helps Delaware residents meet basic needs and build toward long-term stability. We provide access to food, health coverage, and support services for individuals and families with low incomes, people facing unexpected hardships, and those navigating life transitions.

DSS serves people of all ages across the state, ensuring that essential supports are available when they’re needed most.

Whether you’re applying for food benefits, Medicaid, childcare assistance, or emergency help, we’re here to make the process easier, clearer, and more accessible.

Apply for and manage benefits through the ASSIST self-service portal

• General Inquiries 302-255-9040 or DHSS_DSSC@delaware.gov
• DSS Customer Relations: 1-866-843-7212

How We Support Delawareans

• Access to Healthy Food
  We manage the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to help families afford groceries and improve nutrition.
• Affordable Health Coverage
  We help eligible individuals and families apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensuring access to medical care and preventive services.
• Child Care Assistance
  Our Purchase of Care program helps working parents and caregivers afford reliable child care, so they can support their families while ensuring safe environments for their children.
• Temporary Financial Relief
  Through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), we provide cash assistance and employment support to help families gain financial independence.
• Support During Crises
  Programs like General Assistance and Emergency Assistance offer help during times of unexpected need, including housing insecurity or illness.
• Energy Assistance
  DSS administers state and federally funded programs such as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) to provide seasonal fuel assistance, as well as weatherization support to establish healthy, energy-saving homes.
• Kinship Care
  The Kinship Care program assists relative caregivers during the 180-day transition period when a child first moves into the non-parent caregiver’s home with immediate needs for clothing, shelter, health, safety and educational supplies.
• Refugee Cash Assistance
  DSS contracts with community partners to offer social service support, as well as needed cash and medical assistance to assist federally placed refugees in their resettlement.
• Long-Term Self-Sufficiency
  We offer case management, referrals, and employment services to help individuals and families gain the tools they need for long-term stability.

DSS works with community partners statewide to deliver services with dignity, fairness, and respect. If you’re facing a challenge—or want to help someone who is—contact DSS to determine eligibility and learn more.

State Service Centers

Conveniently located throughout the State of Delaware, team members at our 15 State Service Centers and 4 Social Services offices are ready to help you learn about, apply for and manage the social service supports you need.

Fair Hearing Decisions

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) provides an opportunity for a fair hearing to any person who is dissatisfied with a decision to deny, suspend, delay, reduce, or terminate benefits.