Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom Line: Delaware does not have one separate benefits portal just for seniors. Most older adults should start with the ASSIST portal for Medicaid, food benefits, Medicare Savings Programs, cash aid, LIHEAP, renewals, and some case updates. But ASSIST is not the only tool. Use ConnectEBT for EBT card problems, the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center for aging services, and county tax offices for the Senior School Property Tax Credit.
Emergency help now
- If your EBT card is lost, stolen, skimmed, or used by someone else: Call 1-800-526-9099 and lock the card through ConnectEBT. Delaware says its EBT tools can lock and unlock the card, change the PIN, check transactions, and request a replacement.
- If your heat, electric, or cooling is in danger: Use Delaware’s LIHEAP page and call the Office of Community Services at 1-302-255-9875 if the issue is urgent.
- If a hospital discharge, nursing-home stay, or home-care crisis depends on Medicaid: Call the DMMA Central Intake Unit at 1-866-940-8963. Start online if you can, but do not rely on the portal only.
- If you need food today: Call 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372, or use Delaware 211 to ask for the nearest pantry, meal site, or emergency food option.
Quick help for Delaware seniors
| Need | Best first step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, QMB, LIHEAP, or cash aid | Use ASSIST | It is Delaware’s main online application for many health and social service programs. |
| Renew benefits or report a change | Use ASSIST, then watch your mail | The portal may help, but official notices and proof requests still matter. |
| Card balance, PIN, replacement, or card lock | Use ConnectEBT | ASSIST handles the case. ConnectEBT handles the card. |
| Meals, caregiver help, home care options, or adult day services | Call the ADRC at 1-800-223-9074 | Aging services are not handled like a normal ASSIST case. |
| Portal fails or proof will not upload | Call 1-866-843-7212 or visit an office | Delaware’s DSS Customer Relations line can point you to the right next step. |
Contents
- When to use ASSIST
- What ASSIST can do
- How to apply online
- Programs seniors ask about
- Documents to gather
- Phone scripts
- Office fallback help
- Reality checks
- Backup options
- Local resources
- FAQs
When to use ASSIST and when not to
Use ASSIST when you need to apply for benefits that Delaware handles through the Division of Social Services or the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. This includes many seniors who need help with food, medical costs, long-term care, Medicare costs, or energy bills.
Do not treat ASSIST as a complete senior services office. It is a portal. It does not replace a caseworker, local office, county tax office, EBT customer service, or aging services counselor. For broader help beyond the portal, see the Delaware benefits guide for other state programs and local paths.
A good rule is simple. If you need to apply for public benefits, start in ASSIST. If you need a human to sort out care, meals, housing, or a blocked case, use the right phone number too. This matters for older adults who have deadlines, limited internet access, or trouble scanning documents.
What ASSIST can do for a senior
Delaware’s ASSIST system lets people screen for benefits, apply online, finish a saved application, renew some benefits, report a change, and check some application status details. The official ASSIST citizen guide says a typical application takes about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the benefits selected and the size of the household.
| Task | Can ASSIST help? | Important senior note |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for Medicaid or health coverage | Yes | Identity proofing and documents may still be needed. |
| Apply for QMB or Medicare Savings Programs | Yes | Start under health coverage. QMB is not full Medicaid. |
| Apply for long-term care Medicaid | Yes | Call the Central Intake Unit too if care is urgent. |
| Apply for Food Supplement Program benefits | Yes | Use ASSIST for the case, but ConnectEBT for card issues. |
| Apply for LIHEAP | Yes | Some LIHEAP status tools are limited inside ASSIST. |
| Apply for the senior school tax credit | No | Use the county process from the state tax relief page. |
| Find Meals on Wheels or caregiver support | No | Call the Delaware ADRC instead. |
How to apply online without wasting time
Before you start, set aside quiet time. Have paper nearby. Write down your username, password, and e-application number. Delaware says a saved application can stay available for up to 180 days from the last update, but you need the e-application number to get back in. The same guide says inactive IAM accounts may need to be recreated if you do not log in at least once every 90 days.
- Start with the screening tool: Use Do I Qualify? if you are not sure which benefit fits.
- Create the login carefully: First-time users create an Identity Access Management account.
- Choose all benefits you need: Many seniors should apply for food, health coverage, and energy help at the same time if they may need all three.
- Use e-sign if you can: If you cannot e-sign, Delaware says you may need to print, sign, and submit the summary page to a local Social Services office.
- Send proof fast: The application is not finished just because the online form was submitted. Watch for the verification page and notices.
- Check status with the number: ASSIST asks for the e-application number when checking application status.
If the portal behaves oddly, check Delaware’s compatibility page before starting again. It warns users not to rely on browser back, forward, or refresh buttons. Use the buttons inside the portal instead.
Programs seniors ask about most
Medicaid and Medicare Savings help
What it helps with: Medicaid can help with health coverage and, in some cases, long-term care. Medicare Savings Programs can help pay certain Medicare costs. Delaware’s QMB page says QMB may pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for people who qualify.
Who may qualify: Rules depend on the program. For QMB, a person must be entitled to Medicare Part A and have low income. Delaware says assets are not counted for QMB. The state 2026 income chart lists QMB monthly income limits effective April 1, 2026.
Where to apply: Start in ASSIST under health coverage. For more basic background on how Medicaid works for older adults, use our Medicaid for seniors guide.
Reality check: QMB is not the same as full Medicaid. If you need nursing-home care or home-based long-term services, do not assume a QMB approval solves that need.
Food benefits and EBT card help
What it helps with: Delaware SNAP, called the Food Supplement Program, helps eligible households buy food. ASSIST is the place to apply for the food benefit case. The EBT card is separate.
Who may qualify: Eligibility depends on income, household size, and other program rules. A senior who lives alone should not guess. Apply or ask DSS to screen the case.
Where to apply: Use ASSIST for the case. Use the official EBT card flyer for card tasks such as PIN changes, lost cards, purchase history, and locking or unlocking the card. For broader food help, see our senior food programs guide.
Reality check: Delaware says benefits stolen after December 20, 2024 cannot be replaced because of federal rule changes. That makes card locking and PIN safety more important.
Long-term care Medicaid
What it helps with: Long-term care Medicaid can help with nursing-home care or home and community-based care for people who meet medical and financial rules.
Who may qualify: A senior must need a high level of care and meet Delaware Medicaid financial rules. Spouse income, bank accounts, insurance, property, and transfers may need review.
Where to apply: You can begin in ASSIST, but use the DMMA contact list if the case is urgent. Delaware lists the Central Intake Unit at 1-866-940-8963 for nursing-home or community-based long-term care Medicaid referrals and applications. Our Delaware assisted living guide explains payment paths for people comparing care settings.
Reality check: These cases can take time. A hospital discharge or nursing-home deadline should be handled by phone and documents, not just by waiting for the online portal.
LIHEAP and energy help
What it helps with: Delaware’s Energy Assistance Program can help with heating bills, crisis assistance, cooling help, and weatherization. LIHEAP is not meant to pay every energy cost.
Who may qualify: The state says income eligibility is based on 60% of Delaware State Median Income after federal and local taxes are deducted. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for heating help.
Where to apply: ASSIST can start a LIHEAP application. For practical utility help outside Delaware, our utility bill guide explains other common paths seniors may use.
Reality check: If you have a shutoff notice, past-due bill, or fuel emergency, call the LIHEAP numbers for your county instead of waiting for a portal message.
Aging services outside ASSIST
What it helps with: The Delaware ADRC helps older adults and adults with physical disabilities find services, compare options, and connect to local help.
Who may qualify: Many aging services depend on need, county, funding, and assessment. Some services may have waitlists or screening steps.
Where to start: Call 1-800-223-9074 and ask for options counseling. Our Delaware aging agencies guide gives more detail on aging-service paths.
Reality check: Meals, caregiver support, home care options, and adult day services are not handled like a normal ASSIST application.
Senior school property tax credit
What it helps with: Delaware’s Senior School Property Tax Credit lowers regular school property taxes on a primary residence. The official tax relief page says the credit is 50% of regular school property taxes, up to $500.
Who may qualify: Homeowners age 65 or over may qualify if they meet Delaware domicile and primary-residence rules. Newer Delaware residents may face a 10-year or 3-year domicile rule, depending on when they became legally domiciled in the state.
Where to apply: Apply through the county process. The state lists April 30 as the application deadline. Our Delaware tax relief guide explains more property-tax options.
Reality check: This credit is not in ASSIST. You need a valid Delaware driver license or state ID copy with the application.
Documents to gather before you start
Gather documents before you open the portal. Many delays happen because one proof page is missing, blurry, or not matched to the case.
| Item | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|
| Photo ID or Delaware state ID | Identity proofing, property tax credit, and office visits |
| Social Security numbers and birth dates | Benefit screening and household details |
| Medicare and insurance cards | Medicaid, QMB, and other health coverage questions |
| Social Security award letter, pension proof, or pay stubs | Income review |
| Rent, mortgage, utility bills, and shutoff notices | Housing and LIHEAP questions |
| Bank statements and life insurance papers | Long-term care Medicaid or resource questions |
| Case number or renewal notice | Renewals and follow-up calls |
| Nursing-home or hospital paperwork | Long-term care Medicaid or discharge planning |
When sending documents by mail, fax, email, or office drop-off, write the head of household name and e-application number on every page. Keep a copy or photo for yourself.
Phone scripts to use when you call
| Situation | Number | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Portal submitted, but no update | 1-866-843-7212 | “I submitted an ASSIST application. My e-application number is ____. Can you tell me which office has it and what proof is still missing?” |
| EBT card problem | 1-800-526-9099 | “I need to lock my Delaware EBT card and change my PIN. I also need to check whether any transactions were not mine.” |
| Urgent long-term care | 1-866-940-8963 | “This is a long-term care Medicaid case. There is a nursing-home, hospital, or home-care deadline. What documents should I send today?” |
| Aging services | 1-800-223-9074 | “I am calling for an older adult in Delaware who needs help with meals, care options, transportation, or caregiver support. Can we do options counseling?” |
Best office fallback if the online system fails
If uploads fail, identity questions do not work, or the issue is urgent, use Delaware’s office finder. The state says four offices stay open Wednesdays until 6 p.m.: Hudson in Newark, Northeast in Wilmington, Williams in Dover, and Adams in Georgetown.
| County | Good fallback office | Phone | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle | Northeast State Service Center, 1624 Jessup Street, Wilmington | 1-302-552-3500 DSS: 1-302-552-3503 |
Useful for Wilmington-area seniors. Hudson in Newark is another strong option. |
| Kent | James W. Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover | 1-302-857-5000 | Main Kent County fallback office for many DSS issues. |
| Sussex | Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford Street, Georgetown | 1-302-515-3000 DSS: 1-302-515-3080 |
Good starting point for Sussex County seniors who need in-person help. |
For housing, rent, or home repair needs outside the portal, use our Delaware housing help guide. It can help you decide when a State Service Center, housing agency, nonprofit, or county office is the better start.
Reality checks and common mistakes
- ASSIST is not instant approval. The online form starts the process. The agency may still need proof, an interview, or more review.
- Uploading proof is not enough if the file is wrong. A dark photo, missing page, or unmatched document can stall the case.
- LIHEAP, Food Bank, National School Lunch, and SUN Bucks status tools are limited. Delaware’s guide says you cannot check every program status in ASSIST.
- Browser buttons can cause trouble. Use the portal’s own buttons instead of the browser back button.
- Food benefits and EBT cards are different. ASSIST handles the case. ConnectEBT handles the card.
- Medicaid and food renewals may not follow the same path. Read every renewal letter. Do not assume one approval renews all benefits.
- Long-term care cases need follow-up. A family should call the Central Intake Unit when timing matters.
- The senior tax credit is outside ASSIST. Missing the April 30 deadline can mean waiting another year.
Backup options if ASSIST does not solve the problem
| Problem | Backup path | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| No food today | Call 2-1-1 or contact Food Bank help | Nearest pantry, mobile pantry, or senior meal option |
| Utility shutoff | Call LIHEAP county help | New Castle: 1-302-654-9295, Kent: 1-302-674-1782, Sussex: 1-302-856-6310 |
| Caregiver is overwhelmed | Call the ADRC | Options counseling and caregiver referrals |
| Need charity help | Use local nonprofits | Our Delaware charity help guide lists stronger local starting points. |
| Dental pain or no dentist | Look for low-cost care | Our Delaware dental help guide explains safer options than unverified dental grants. |
Local resources in Delaware
- Delaware 211: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372 for referrals to food, housing, utilities, transportation, medical, and emergency help.
- Food Bank of Delaware: New Castle County seniors can call 1-302-292-1305. Kent and Sussex seniors can call 1-302-424-3301.
- ADRC: Call 1-800-223-9074 for aging and disability resource help. Delaware Relay is 711.
- DSS Customer Relations: Call 1-866-843-7212 for general DSS or DMMA application and case help.
- Central Intake Unit: Call 1-866-940-8963 for new long-term care Medicaid applications and referrals.
- Senior property tax credit: Call New Castle County at 1-302-395-5520, Kent County at 1-302-744-2341, or Sussex County at 1-302-855-7871.
Resumen en español
Delaware no tiene un portal separado solo para adultos mayores. Para solicitar muchos beneficios públicos, el punto de inicio es ASSIST. Allí una persona mayor puede solicitar Medicaid, ayuda de comida, ayuda con costos de Medicare como QMB, ayuda de energía y algunos servicios de cuidado a largo plazo.
Pero ASSIST no sirve para todo. Para problemas con la tarjeta EBT, llame al 1-800-526-9099 o use ConnectEBT. Para comidas a domicilio, apoyo para cuidadores, opciones de cuidado o servicios para adultos mayores, llame al Delaware ADRC al 1-800-223-9074. Si el portal no funciona, llame a DSS Customer Relations al 1-866-843-7212 o visite un State Service Center. Para comida urgente, llame al 2-1-1. Para el crédito escolar de impuestos a la propiedad, use el proceso del condado, no ASSIST.
Frequently asked questions
Is ASSIST the only benefits website Delaware seniors need?
No. ASSIST is the main place to apply for many public benefits. Seniors may also need ConnectEBT for EBT card tasks, the ADRC for aging services, county offices for property tax relief, and local offices when the portal fails.
Can I apply for QMB through ASSIST?
Yes. Start a health coverage application in ASSIST. QMB can help with certain Medicare costs if you meet Delaware’s rules. It is not the same as full Medicaid.
What should I write down during an ASSIST application?
Write down your username, password, recovery email or phone, e-application number, and the date you submitted proof. Keep these in a safe place.
Why can I not see my LIHEAP status in ASSIST?
Some programs have limited status tools in ASSIST. Delaware’s guide says LIHEAP, Food Bank, National School Lunch, and SUN Bucks are not available for normal application status checks.
What if I forgot my ASSIST username or password?
Try the official recovery tools first. If you do not know the username, did not set up recovery, or the account is locked, call 1-866-843-7212 or visit a State Service Center.
Can my adult child help me use ASSIST?
Usually, yes. Delaware’s guide says an application can be started for yourself, a family member, someone in your household, or a non-family member. The safest plan is to sit together and keep the login and e-application number in one place.
Is the Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit part of ASSIST?
No. That credit is outside ASSIST. It is handled through the county process, and the state lists April 30 as the application deadline.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Verification: Last verified 27 May 2026, next review 27 August 2026.
Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Next review: 27 August 2026
Choose your state to see senior assistance programs, benefits, and local help options.
About the Authors