The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as food stamps—helps eligible low-income families afford groceries and improve nutrition.
Visit SNAP Alert for important updates about work requirements and eligibility for SNAP benefits.
A balanced diet and access to healthy food are keys to supporting physical health, preventing diseases, and maintaining overall well-being. Approximately 120,000 Delaware residents rely on SNAP for consistent access to healthy, balanced foods.
Benefits are issued electronically to the eligible individual’s or family’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. Cardholders use this card at participating stores and online sites.
SNAP is a federally funded program overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food & Nutrition Service (FNS). In Delaware, it is administered by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) under the Division of Social Services (DSS).
Eligibility
To determine a Delawarean’s eligibility for SNAP, DSS will look at several factors, including citizenship and residency, household income, number of people in the household and relationships of those who live and eat together.
Citizenship and Residency
To qualify for SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (alien). To receive SNAP benefits in Delaware, you must provide proof that you live in Delaware and intend to stay here. Accepted documents to prove Delaware residency may include a lease agreement, utility bill or official mail from a government agency.
All children up to age 21 who live with their parents must apply for food benefits with their parents.
Work Requirements and ABAWD Changes in 2026
To keep getting SNAP food benefits, you must spend at least 80 hours every month working and/or participating in the SNAP Employment and Training Program.
Individuals will get three months of SNAP food benefits without complying. To continue receiving your SNAP benefits after the three months, you must either comply with the work requirements or report an approved exemption. If you believe you are unable to work due to a disability, contact your Division of Social Services case manager to fill out a Medical Exemption Form.
Under the Federal Government’s SNAP work requirements, Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are no longer exempt from work requirements if they:
- Currently receive food benefits
- Are 18-64 years old
- Do not have children under 14 living with them
- Are physically and mentally able to work.
Note: The federal government has ended exemptions for being homeless, a veteran, or in foster care at the age of 18.
Visit SNAP Alert for important updates about work requirements and eligibility for SNAP benefits.
Household Size and Income
The maximum gross monthly income limit for most households to qualify for SNAP is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you do not need to meet an income test to receive SNAP benefits.
Food Benefit Income Eligibility Limits and Maximum Benefit Amounts
October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income 200% FPL | Elderly / Disabled Separate Household 165% FPL | Gross Monthly Income Limit 130% FPL | Net Monthly Income Limit 100% FPL | Maximum Monthly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,610 | $2,152 | $1,696 | $1,305 | $298 |
| 2 | $3,526 | $2,909 | $2,292 | $1,763 | $546 |
| 3 | $4,442 | $3,665 | $2,888 | $2,221 | $785 |
| 4 | $5,360 | $4,421 | $3,483 | $2,680 | $994 |
| 5 | $6,276 | $5,177 | $4,079 | $3,138 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $7,192 | $5,934 | $4,675 | $3,596 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $8,110 | $6,690 | $5,271 | $4,055 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $9,026 | $7,446 | $5,867 | $4,513 | $1,789 |
| * For each additional person add | $918 | $757 | $596 | $459 | $218 |
How to apply for SNAP
- Apply online for SNAP in Delaware through the ASSIST portal. You may also visit any Delaware State Service Center for more information or to apply in person.
- Complete an eligibility interview. At this interview you will need to show documents that prove (verify) the information on your application. These documents may include, proof of U.S. citizenship or non-citizen eligibility, proof of Delaware residency (State-issued driver’s license or identification card, utility bills or official mail), recent pay stubs, rent or mortgage agreements, utility bills.
You will receive a notice in the mail letting you know if you are eligible for SNAP benefits within 30 days of your application. If you do not agree with the decision, you have the right to request a Fair Hearing.
Stay SNAP Safe
Federal rules do not allow Delaware to replace food benefits stolen from your EBT card. Follow these steps to help protect yourself from EBT fraud:
Lock it!
Lock your EBT card until it’s time to shop – and remember to relock it when your purchase is complete. It’s easy to do with the ConnectEBT mobile app or through www.ConnectEBT.com. Select “Lock my Card Everywhere” to keep your card safe. Review your EBT card often to check for purchases you did not make. If you see any, call connect EBT Customer Service right away at 1-800-526-9099 to get a new card and PIN.
Change it!
Avoid simple personal identification numbers (PINs) like 1234 or your birthdate, and change your PIN each month right before your benefits hit your account. It’s easy to do with the ConnectEBT mobile app, through www.ConnectEBT.com or by calling 1-800-526-9099. Review your EBT balance often. If you see purchases you did not make, request a new card right away and change that PIN!
Protect it!
Look for skimming devices before using your EBT card to pay for groceries in person, and never share your EBT card number or PIN. If you suspect someone has stolen your SNAP benefits, report it right away, request a new card and change your PIN. It’s easy to do with the ConnectEBT mobile app, through www.ConnectEBT.com or by calling 1-800-526-9099. Remember, DHSS will never ask you for your card number or PIN, so if someone does, the answer is NO!
Report it!
Report stolen benefits to the police and complete the DHSS SNAP Stolen Benefits Form to help track down fraudsters. If you think your benefits were stolen, immediately get a new EBT card and change your pin. It’s easy to do with the ConnectEBT mobile app, through www.ConnectEBT.com or by calling 1-800-526-9099. It’s also important to complete a Stolen Benefits Form and report theft of benefits to the police to help track down fraudsters.
If your benefits are stolen and you need help finding food assistance, visit Delaware 211 or a Food Bank of Delaware community food pantry. All Delaware State Service Centers also have food pantries to help, as well.
What you can purchase with SNAP
Your SNAP EBT card works like a debit card at authorized SNAP retailers. It allows you to buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, grains to prepare as part of a healthy diet. You may not use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared foods or non-food items. This table offers basic guidelines.
| You CAN pay for the following items with your SNAP food benefits: | You CANNOT pay for the following items with your SNAP food benefits: |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Hot or prepared foods |
| Meat, poultry, & fish | Non-food items |
| Dairy products | Alcoholic beverages |
| Breads & cereals | Vitamins, medicines, and supplementals |
| Other food items | Fees for service, delivery, shipping, or membership |
| Vegetable, fruit, and herb seeds and plants |
Here is a full list of SNAP-approved food items.
Online shopping with SNAP
You may use your SNAP benefits to buy approved SNAP foods online from an authorized SNAP retailer. Keep in mind that you cannot use SNAP benefits to pay costs associated with online purchases, such as membership or delivery fees. You may use your SNAP benefits to buy food from these Delaware-approved online retailers.
Check your SNAP balance
After each purchase, your store receipt will show the remaining balance of SNAP benefits on your EBT card. Other ways to check your SNAP balance:
- Log in to ConnectEBT.com
- Download the free Propel app
- Call Conduent customer service at 1-800-526-9099
Tips to manage your food budget with SNAP
Plan ahead
Make a budget and follow a shopping list to make sure you use your SNAP benefits first on the items you really need this month.
Compare prices
See what stores offer the best deals and don’t forget to check out the unit cost of an item. Unit price is the cost per ounce or pound. Buying items you use regularly in bulk may help you save money.
Reduce Waste
Look for ways to use ingredients in more than one recipe and turn leftovers into new delicious meals.
Store food properly
Refrigerate perishable foods. Seal foods in air-tight bags. Freeze fruits and vegetables to keep them fresh longer.
SNAP Nondiscrimination Statement for Food Benefit Applicants and Recipients
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact the USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online here, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date or an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:
- Mail
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or - Fax
(833)256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - Email
FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
DO NOT SEND APPLICATION OR RENEWAL DOCUMENTS TO THE ADDRESS, FAX NUMBER, OR EMAIL LISTED IN THIS NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT.
