Applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are accepted through a variety of methods to suit your needs. Regardless of the method you choose, you must apply for food stamps in Delaware through the Division of Social Services (DSS).

It is recommended that you submit an application as soon as you need assistance. The sooner your application is received, the sooner your benefits may begin if you are eligible.

After you apply for SNAP, it is important to understand that you will only receive benefits for a set amount of time. Once this period ends, it is necessary to renew your benefits in order to keep getting assistance. This is also known as recertifying your eligibility. Below, find out everything you need to know before you sign up for food stamps and discover how to renew your benefits.

What do you need to apply for food stamps in Delaware?

When you apply for SNAP benefits, you must provide personal and financial information about yourself and each of your household members. However, if you do not have all of the required information available right away, you may still submit an application.

At the very least, your application must include your name, address and signature in order for your information to be put on file. If you submit an incomplete application, you will still need to provide all of the necessary details at a later date.

When you are ready to complete your food stamp application form, you will need to provide basic information and paperwork for yourself and each household member. The following details will be required for everyone who wants to receive benefits:

• Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
• Names and dates of birth
• Address
• Sources of income
• Amount of resources
• Deductible expenses

Your Delaware food stamp application may also need to include bills, pay stubs, receipts, bank statements and other similar documentation that verifies the information on your form. Learn more about the documents and information you may need by downloading our free guide now.

Applying for Delaware Food Stamps Online

It is easy to submit a Delaware food stamp application online using the online application portal. This website is used to apply for many types of services, including food assistance, Medicaid and cash assistance, among others. If you qualify for more than one type of benefit, you may apply through the same portal.

To request food stamps online, you will need to set up your account if you have not already. Simply log into your existing account if you have one, or create an account if you are a new user.

You may save your progress and return to your application if you are unable to complete it all at once. Once you submit your online application, your form will be sent to the correct office for processing.

Submitting a Delaware Food Stamp Application by Mail

If you prefer, you may apply for SNAP benefits using a paper form instead. The paper application can be downloaded and printed from the DSS website at any time. If you do not have access to a printer, you may obtain the form by contacting a DSS office instead.

The paper application contains the same types of information as the online version. Once it is complete, be sure to sign your form. Then, you can return it by mail to the DSS office that serves your community.

Applying for SNAP In-Person in Delaware

It is easy to sign up for food stamps in person by visiting your local DSS office. If you want to apply in person, you may wish to fill out the paper application before visiting the office, as this may save time during your visit.

However, it is also possible to pick up a copy of the form in person and fill it out while you wait. Completed forms may be submitted to a case worker. In some situations, you may be able to finish the entire application process the same day, including your interview.

Checking Your SNAP Application Status in Delaware

You may wish to look at your food stamp application status after you have sent in your form. If you applied online, simply log into your account to view your application status.

If you applied in person or by mail, you can also check the status of your SNAP application by contacting the DSS office that accepted your form.

Keep in mind that benefits are oftentimes processed quickly. You may even receive a decision within seven days if you have extremely limited resources or income. In all other cases, you should receive a response in no more than 30 days.

Delaware Food Stamps Interview Process

A food stamp interview is conducted after you submit your application. The purpose of an interview is to verify the information on your application.

During your interview, you should be prepared to provide any details that may have been missing from your original application. It is also beneficial to have documents that verify your details.

In some cases, you must attend an in-person interview. Other times, a food stamp phone interview is conducted instead. Learn more about the interview process when you download our free guide here.

About SNAP Recertification in Delaware

Once you are approved, you will receive benefits for a set amount of time. Beyond this period, food stamp renewal is required if you want to keep getting benefits. Recertification is similar to the process of applying and completing an interview.

In order to renew food stamps online, by mail or in person, you will need to provide your most recent information. This allows the DSS to determine if you are still meeting SNAP requirements based on your current situation.

About Appealing a Food Stamps Denial in Delaware

If you have your food stamps denied in Delaware, you have the right to ask for an appeal. Similarly, you can appeal a decision that changes the amount of benefits you receive. In the event you are denied or your benefit amount changes, the DSS will notify you by mail.

This notification of SNAP denial will include instructions for requesting an appeal. Keep in mind that when you appeal food stamps decisions, you may choose to have legal representation. You will also have the opportunity to present any evidence that verifies your claim.

Last Updated: February 27, 2023