While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the TANF program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Delaware TANF FAQ Sheet

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Table of Contents 

What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.

Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.

To learn more about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Delaware and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Delaware TANF website here.

What Services Does TANF Provide in Delaware?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Delaware provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.

For more information on the services, the TANF program provides to participating families, review the Delaware TANF website here.

What Is the Difference Between TANF and Food Assistance?

TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS). While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.

To learn more about the restrictions on TANF expenditures, visit the TANF website here.

Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.

To apply for Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit the Delaware ASSIST benefit portal here.

If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Division of Social Services at (800) 372-2022.

How Much Assistance Does TANF Provide?

The exact benefit amount a family can receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.

Eligible families of three can receive a maximum of $338 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 36 months throughout their lifetime.

Learn more information about TANF and benefit amounts in Delaware here.

How to Qualify for TANF in Delaware

To qualify for TANF in Delaware, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
  • Be a resident of Delaware
  • Have children in your care
  • Participate in the Delaware Work and Training Program
  • Meet the Delaware state income requirements for your household size

Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only TANF Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.

To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.

How to Apply for TANF in Delaware

Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Delaware, complete the following three steps:

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.

Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

  2. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, in person, by mail or by fax.

To apply for TANF online, create an account on the Delaware ASSIST benefit portal here and fill out the virtual application form.

To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Delaware DSS office location.

If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Delaware Division of Social Services at (800) 372-2022 or the Delaware Helpline at (800) 464-4357.

How to Check Your Application Status

Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:

  • If you applied online, you can check your application status using the Delaware ASSIST benefit portal here.
  • If you applied by mail or fax, you can call (800) 372-2022 to check the status of your application or the DSS office where you applied. Find office contact information here.
  • If you applied in person, contact the DSS office where you applied. Find office contact information here.

What Happens After You Apply for TANF?

If you applied for TANF online, by mail or by fax, you will need to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face interview with the local DSS office.

After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Division of Social Services with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits.

If you applied in person at a local DSS office, you will complete the interview at the time of your application. You can receive your determination on the same day so long as you provide all the required information and documentation.

If you are approved for benefits, your TANF benefits should be mailed to you in the form of a check. Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.

If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call (800) 372-2022. 

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Delaware Division of Social Services, you can appeal your decision in writing.

To file a claim, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal
  • Your desired solution for how the Division of Social Services should remedy the situation

You will need to submit your appeal request to the same Division of Social Services office that sent your determination letter. You will also need to submit your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Delaware or for any further questions about your application, call the Delaware Division of Social Services at (800) 372-2022.

You can also visit or call a local DSS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

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