Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Delaware

Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Delaware (2026)

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Quick Help Box (fastest steps in a crisis)


How to use this guide

Start with “Emergency First Steps” if you have an urgent need. Then go to the section that fits your situation: food, housing and utilities, healthcare and prescriptions, money and legal help, transportation, or caregiving. We include state-specific programs, links, and realistic timelines.


Emergency first steps in Delaware

Reality check:

  • Beds and funds can run out quickly during heat waves, storms, or at the end of program years. Start with Delaware 2‑1‑1 and the official program pages to save time.
  • If you’re turned away, ask, “Where else can I try today?” Many agencies keep updated referral lists.

Immediate needs: where to go first


Table 1. Fast contacts for common emergencies

NeedWho it helpsHow to reachOfficial source
Police, fire, ambulanceAnyone in danger911Your local 911
Suicide/mental health crisisAnyone in crisis988 (call/text)988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Find food, shelter, utility helpDelaware residentsDial 2‑1‑1 or visitDelaware 2‑1‑1: https://delaware211.org/
Adult Protective ServicesAdults 60+/adults with disabilitiesContact via ADRCAPS: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/aps.html; ADRC: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/adrc.html
Disaster updates/sheltersStatewideDEMA websiteDEMA: https://dema.delaware.gov/
FEMA disaster aidDisaster survivors1‑800‑621‑3362 or websiteFEMA: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Red Cross disaster helpAnyone after fires/floods1‑800‑733‑2767American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

Tip: If a phone line is busy, try early morning or use the online forms where available.


Food and nutrition programs (emergency and ongoing)

Reality check:

  • SNAP decisions can take time unless there’s an expedited need. When applying, report emergencies (no food, very low income, or shutoff notices) for faster service where eligible.
  • Home-delivered meals may have waitlists in some areas. Ask about short-term options from local senior centers or food pantries while you wait.

Table 2. Food and nutrition at a glance

ProgramWhat it doesHow to apply/contactOfficial source
SNAPMonthly food benefits on EBT for low-income householdsApply online (ASSIST)DSS/ASSIST: https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/
Home-delivered mealsHot meals to homebound seniorsContact DSAAPD/Meals on WheelsDSAAPD: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/; MOW DE: https://mealsonwheelsde.org/
Congregate mealsLunch at senior/community sitesCall your local senior centerDSAAPD: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/
CSFPMonthly food box for age 60+ with limited incomeEnroll through Food Bank of DEFBD: https://www.fbd.org/
SFMNPSeasonal produce vouchersCheck eligibility and marketsDelaware Dept. of Agriculture: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/marketing-and-promotion/farmers-markets/

Housing and utilities help

Reality check:

  • Some rental or emergency programs open and close waitlists. If a list is closed, ask when it might reopen and request email/text alerts where offered.
  • For shutoff notices, bring or upload the notice with your LIHEAP application. Ask about “crisis” or “life-threatening” categories for faster review if applicable.

Table 3. Housing and utility programs

ProgramWhat it doesHow to apply/contactOfficial source
DSHA housing programsRental help and counseling; program availability changesVisit DSHA website for current programsDSHA: https://www.destatehousing.com/
Coordinated Entry (shelter)Centralized referrals to shelters/housing resourcesUse Housing Alliance Delaware’s “Get Help” infoHousing Alliance DE: https://www.housingalliancede.org/
LIHEAP/DEAPHelp with heating/cooling bills and crisisFollow DHSS instructions; local admin via Catholic CharitiesDHSS Energy Assistance: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/energy.html
WeatherizationFree home energy upgradesContact DNREC programDNREC WAP: https://dnrec.delaware.gov/energy-climate/energy-efficiency-weatherization/weatherization-assistance-program/
LifelineDiscounted phone/internetCheck eligibility and applyLifeline (USAC): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

Health coverage, prescriptions, and caregiving

Reality check:

  • Managed long-term care (DSHP-Plus) has rules and assessments. Expect paperwork and time for approvals. Use the ADRC for help understanding options: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/adrc.html.
  • Review your Medicare drug plan each fall during Open Enrollment; formularies and costs change. DMAB can compare your options.

Table 4. Health coverage and caregiver supports

ProgramWhat it doesWhere to startOfficial source
Delaware Medicaid (DMMA)Health coverage; includes long-term services (DSHP-Plus)Apply on ASSISTDMMA: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/; ASSIST: https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/
Medicare counseling (SHIP)Free one-on-one Medicare helpContact DMABDMAB: https://insurance.delaware.gov/dmab/
Medicare Extra Help (LIS)Lowers drug plan costsApply with Social SecuritySSA Extra Help: https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp/
Caregiver SupportInfo, respite, resourcesDSAAPD Caregiver pagehttps://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/caregiver.html
LTC OmbudsmanHelp with care facility issuesOmbudsman Programhttps://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/ltcom.html

Money, legal help, and consumer protection

Reality check:

  • Be cautious of “guaranteed” grants, loans, or debt relief. Verify with Delaware DOJ or check the organization on the state’s site before sharing personal info or money.

Table 5. Money and legal help quick view

TopicWho to contactOfficial source
Senior property tax creditDelaware Department of Financehttps://finance.delaware.gov/senior-relief/
Elder legal helpCLASI; LSCD; DVLSCLASI: https://www.clasi.org/; LSCD: https://www.lscd.com/; DVLS: https://www.dvls.org/
Fraud/scamsDelaware DOJ Consumer Protection Unithttps://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/
Housing counselingHUD-approved counselorshttps://www.hud.gov/findacounselor

Transportation and mobility

Tip: When you book paratransit, have your exact pickup and drop-off addresses ready and allow a pickup window. Book medical rides as early as allowed.


Safety, protection, and rights

Reality check:

  • If you fear retaliation for reporting, tell APS or the Ombudsman. You can ask how your identity is protected.

Inclusive resources

For LGBTQ+ seniors

Tip: If you experience discrimination in healthcare or housing, speak with DMAB (for Medicare issues), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (facility issues), or CLASI for legal help: https://insurance.delaware.gov/dmab/, https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/ltcom.html, https://www.clasi.org/.

For veteran seniors

Reality check:

  • Aid and Attendance decisions can take months. File a fully developed claim with DCVA help to speed it up and avoid errors.

For tribal members and Native elders living in Delaware

Note: Title VI Native American aging services (meals, transport) are tied to federally recognized tribes; availability varies. Ask your tribal office what’s offered where you live.

For rural seniors and families (Sussex, western Kent)

Reality check:

  • Rural ride scheduling often requires more advance notice. Ask about recurring ride bookings for regular dialysis or therapy.

Resources by region

Use these regional starting points alongside the statewide programs above.

New Castle County

Kent County

Sussex County

Tip: Senior centers often know which programs have openings this week. Call the center closest to you even if you’re not a member.


Step-by-step: applying for common benefits in Delaware

  1. Food and cash benefits
  • Where: Delaware ASSIST portal: https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/
  • Programs: SNAP (food), TANF (if caring for minor children), and related supports.
  • Tips: Have ID, Social Security numbers, proof of Delaware residence, income, and expenses (rent, utilities, medical bills). Report if you have no food or face a shutoff for possible expedited review.
  1. Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and long-term care
  1. Energy assistance (LIHEAP/DEAP)
  • Where: DHSS Energy Assistance page: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/energy.html (local intake by Catholic Charities).
  • Tips: Upload or bring shutoff notices and a recent bill. Ask about crisis categories and whether documentation can be submitted online or by drop box.
  1. Housing stability
  1. Home-delivered meals and CSFP

Reality checks, warnings, and practical tips

  • Documents matter: Keep a basic packet ready—photo ID, Social Security card, Medicare/Medicaid cards, benefit award letters, recent bills, lease/mortgage papers, and any shutoff or eviction notices.
  • Beware “fees” to apply: Legitimate state/federal programs do not charge application fees. If someone asks for money to “guarantee” benefits, report it to Delaware DOJ: https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/.
  • Timelines: Energy help and SNAP can be faster for emergencies, but housing help often takes longer. Ask each program how to mark your case as urgent if you have medical risks (oxygen, refrigeration for insulin, etc.).
  • Stay informed about program changes: For example, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024; see updates at the FCC page: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I need help now with food or a shutoff. Who can I call first in Delaware?

  • Start with Delaware 2-1-1 (https://delaware211.org/ or dial 2-1-1). For energy shutoffs, see DHSS Energy Assistance: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/energy.html. For food today, check the Food Bank of Delaware: https://www.fbd.org/.

Q: How do I report elder abuse or financial exploitation?

  • See Delaware Adult Protective Services: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/aps.html. If you’re unsure whether it’s abuse, call the ADRC for guidance: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/adrc.html. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

Q: Does Delaware still have emergency rental assistance?

  • Delaware’s emergency COVID-era rental programs have ended or changed. Check current DSHA rental programs and any open waitlists: https://www.destatehousing.com/. For shelter or rapid-rehousing referrals, use Housing Alliance Delaware: https://www.housingalliancede.org/ and Delaware 2-1-1: https://delaware211.org/.

Q: Where do I apply for Medicaid, SNAP, or Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI)?

Q: Can I get help paying my Medicare drug costs?

  • Yes. Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) can lower premiums and copays. Apply with Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp/. As of 2024, full Extra Help is available up to 150% FPL; see SSA for details.

Q: I lost food in a power outage. Can SNAP replace those benefits?

  • SNAP may replace benefits when food is lost due to a power outage or disaster. Contact Delaware DSS quickly to report the loss and ask about required forms and deadlines: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/. Keep outage dates and any proof (utility notice, photos).

Q: Who can help me choose a Medicare plan in Delaware?

Q: How do I get rides to the doctor if I can’t drive?

Q: Is there a property tax break for seniors in Delaware?

Q: I’m a veteran. Where do I start for benefits or long-term care?

Q: Are there supports for LGBTQ+ older adults in Delaware?

Q: I live in a rural area. How can I do telehealth without home internet?


Resource directory (statewide links)


Disclaimer

Program rules, funding, and contact details can change. Always confirm the latest information with the agency or program linked in this guide. If you spot an error or a broken link, please check the official agency site and consider notifying them.


About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: January 2026
  • Sources Verified: January 2026
  • Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.