Welfare Info

Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is Delaware's main cash assistance program. It is administered through a joint effort of the Division of Social Services (DSS), Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Department of Transportation and the...

What is Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is Delaware's main cash assistance program. It is administered through a joint effort of the Division of Social Services (DSS), Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Economic Development Office. The goal of TANF is to give people temporary help until they get a job that enables them to become self-sufficient. Within the program both the state and the TANF client have responsibilities. The state provides positive incentives for the family to become self-sufficient, and the family must accept responsibility to become self-sufficient and self-supporting. Time on TANF is limited for most people. You can get benefits for 36 months, but you must work to receive your TANF check.

Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Delaware, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Application Details

What is the application process for Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?

Click here to go to Delaware's Application for Social Services and Internet Screening Tool (ASSIST).

You can also download and fill out an application on the Delaware Health and Social Services website.

The completed application will then need to be submitted to your local Division of Social Services office. You can find your nearest office on the Office Locations page. 

Contact Info

302-255-9500