Apply For Delaware TANF Benefits

Learn how to apply for Delaware TANF. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, called Delaware ASSIST, may help you become self-supportive while receiving monthly cash benefits to meet your everyday needs such as rent, utilities, clothes, transportation, or additional expenses.

Sometimes you may not be eligible to receive TANF for yourself, but a child or children in your household may. The TANF program is administered by the Health and Social Services. In most cases, in order to qualify for TANF you must meet both types of eligibility, categorical and financial.

Additionally, to qualify for TANF there are work requirements. The DE TANF program requires most adults be employed or participate in certain work-related activities, which you will be assigned for a certain number of hours on a weekly basis in order to continue receiving TANF benefits.

The total number of hours needed to fulfill your work activity requirement depends on your family composition. Qualified state residents are required to produce information including household income, age, citizenship and resources.

Only household members who are eligible for Delaware TANF can receive welfare benefits. For more information about applying for DE TANF benefits, view the information below. If you still have questions or issues, then contact TANF Delaware.

Delaware TANF eligibility

You must have minor children or be taking care of minor children you are related to in order to qualify. Delaware extends eligibility to women in their ninth month of pregnancy and to 18-year-old high school students who will graduate before turning 19. Additionally, it must be determined that a family is financially eligible for assistance through consideration of all incomes and resources available to that family.

Delaware TANF monthly income limits

Family Size Maximum Grant Amount Gross Income Limit Applicant Net Income Limit Recipient Net Income Limit
1 $201 $1,348 $201 $729
2 $270 $1,818 $270 $983
3 $338 $2,228 $338 $1,237
4 $407 $2,758 $407 $1,491
5 $475 $3,226 $475 $1,744
6 $544 $3,696 $544 $1,998
7 $612 $4,166 $612 $2,252
8 $681 $4,634 $681 $2,505
Each Add. $69 $469 $69 $254

They will subtract $90 for work related expenses, up to $200 for child care, and the first $50 of child support received to determine the net income. Non-parent caretakers can elect to be payee for related children in their care. The income of these caretakers does not count but income of the children may.

Families receiving TANF are entitled to additional subtractions from their earned income. By setting the income limits higher for recipients, many families continue to receive the support of the TANF program after becoming employed. Additional rules are listed below:

  • You must seek and accept employment
  • You may go to school if your class hours and your work hours equal 20 hours per week
  • You must cooperate with the Division of Child Support Services
  • You must sign an agreement that you will make sure your children are in school and their shots are up-to-date
  • You must attend parenting classes
  • You will get information on family planning. Your check will not increase if you have a baby 10 months or more after you sign up for this program
  • There may be other requirements, which your DSS Case Manager will explain

You will be required to complete a TANF application and be interviewed by a Division of Social Services Social Worker before they can determine you qualify for TANF. To download the application, click here. Once you fill it out, find a Division of Social Services office near you.

Documents needed when applying for TANF benefits

Below is a list of information you may need when you apply for TANF Delaware:

  • Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants)
  • Employer and income information for everyone in your household (for example, from paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
  • Policy numbers for any current health insurance
  • Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family
I was denied TANF benefits. What can I do?

State and local agencies are responsible for establishing the eligibility criteria and procedures that apply in their programs, not the Federal government. If you disagree with a decision regarding welfare benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. For more information about your state's appeals procedures, contact the DE TANF office.