Frequently Asked Questions

What are Emergency Food Benefits?

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government allowed states to issue additional SNAP Food Benefits. Since March 2020, the Division of Social Services has been providing extra Emergency Food Benefits at the end of each month to SNAP households. These extra Emergency Food Benefits increased your total monthly benefit amount up to the maximum benefit amount for your household size or by $95 if you already received the maximum benefit amount. You received Emergency Food Benefits as a second issuance at the end of each month, separate from your normal monthly benefit issuance.

When is the last Emergency Food Benefit?

You will receive the final issuance of Emergency Food Benefits on February 28, 2023. Starting on March 1, 2023, you will only receive your regular monthly benefit on the normal issuance date. You will no longer get extra Emergency Food Benefits on your EBT card at the end of each month. This change will happen automatically for all SNAP households.

Will I still get SNAP Food Benefits after the Emergency Food Benefits end?

Yes, you will continue to receive your regular Food Benefits as long as you remain eligible for SNAP. Your benefit amounts are based on a number of factors, including household size, income and your specific circumstances.

Why are Emergency Food Benefits ending?

On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 was signed into law. The law ends Emergency Food Benefits after the February 2023 benefit issuance. Delaware was approved to issue additional SNAP Food Benefits due to the state and federal emergency declarations that were in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Division of Social Services cannot change the end of Emergency Food Benefits. Emergency Food Benefits will end nationwide after the February 2023 issuance.

I have extra Food Benefits on my EBT card. Will they expire after February 2023?

No - any unspent Food Benefits on your EBT card roll over each month. As long as you use your EBT card regularly, your Food Benefits will not expire. Food Benefits only expire if you do not use your card for nine months.

How will I know if my Food Benefit amount is changing?

Emergency Food Benefits are ending for all SNAP households in March 2023. You will receive a letter in the mail about the end of extra Emergency Food Benefits and resources available if you need help because of this change.

Where can I find my regular Food Benefit amount?

You can find your regular monthly Food Benefit amount on your Food Benefit approval notice, by viewing your EBT account history, or by contacting the Division of Social Services.

How can I check my EBT card balance?

You can check the Food Benefit balance on your EBT card by going to www.ConnectEBT.com or calling 1-800-526-9099

What is the maximum Food Benefit amount for my household?

What is the minimum Food Benefit amount for my household?

When will I receive my regular Food Benefit?

You will receive your regular Food Benefit amount following the schedule below.

Food Benefit Issuance Dates

Can I request a Fair Hearing because my Food Benefits are changing?

We cannot change the end of Emergency Food Benefits. Emergency Food Benefits will end nationwide after the February 2023 issuance. You may not appeal the end of Emergency Food Benefits and will not be given a Fair Hearing for this issue. You may ask for a Fair Hearing if you think your normal Food Benefit amount in wrong.

How do I report changes to my information?

Please contact us if anything has changed with your household. It is important for us to know your current address, employment, income, expenses (such as rent/mortgage, utilities, child care, and medical costs), and the people in your household. You can report a change by:

• Logging in to your Delaware ASSIST account at assist.dhss.delaware.gov or
• Calling 1-866-843-7212
• Calling or visiting your local office.

How can I apply for other benefits?

You can apply for health and social service programs online at Delaware ASSIST or at one of our locations.

Who can I contact for additional information or questions?

If you have questions about your benefits, call 1-866-843-7212 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). For more information about SNAP or other Division of Social Services programs, visit our website.