Government grants are direct financial awards that help Delaware residents pay for housing, utilities, education, and daily living expenses without repayment. Unlike loans, these funds do not require payback, making them critical support for families facing income challenges, job transitions, or unexpected costs.
Delaware administers grants through multiple state agencies, including the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), Division of Social Services (DSS), and Division of Small Business. These programs target low-income households, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and small business owners across all three counties.
Eligibility typically depends on income level, residency status, and household composition. Most programs require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal residents living in Delaware. Application processes vary by program but often use centralized portals like Delaware ASSIST for streamlined access.
Key Takeaways
Delaware offers housing, utility, education, and business grants that never require repayment
Eligibility is primarily income-based, with specific programs for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities
Delaware ASSIST (assist.dhss.delaware.gov) serves as the main application portal for most social service grants
Workforce Training Grants reimburse businesses up to $100,000 for employee training costs
EDGE Grants provide $50,000-$100,000 to Delaware small businesses and startups
Types of Government Grants Available in Delaware
Delaware provides targeted financial assistance across multiple categories to address different resident needs.
Housing Assistance
The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) administers federal and state housing funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, with approximately $1.43 million allocated for recovery housing through 2032. The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) helps low-income families pay rent by covering a portion of monthly housing costs.
Special Populations Housing Fund reserves $1.5 million annually for emergency homeless shelters, permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, re-entry housing, substance abuse recovery facilities, and youth aging out of foster care. Funding is distributed through competitive applications, with a maximum of $500,000 per county.
Utility and Energy Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Delaware households pay heating and electric bills. Through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, DSS received $12.8 million in one-time special funds to help more than 3,000 households pay down or eliminate past-due utility balances.
The Low-Income Water Assistance Program addresses water and sewer bill arrears, removing barriers for residents seeking stable housing. Catholic Charities partners with DSS and local utility companies to administer these programs.
Education and Workforce Training
Workforce Training Grants reimburse Delaware businesses up to 50% of eligible training costs, capped at $100,000 per grant. These matching grants support employee advancement through training related to new processes, machinery upgrades, or technology implementation.
Businesses must demonstrate a clear training need and cannot begin programs until a fully executed contract exists, as retroactive funding is not available.
Small Business Grants
EDGE Grants (Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion) offer significant capital to Delaware small businesses and startups. STEM-based companies can receive up to $100,000, while Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses qualify for up to $50,000.
The Division of Small Business awards these grants competitively with a 3:1 state-to-business match requirement, providing up to 10 grants per application round.
Delaware secured $60.9 million in federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds, which leverage private investment to potentially generate ten times the initial amount. These funds support Capital Access Programs, Loan Participation Programs offering up to 50% loan backing, and Equity/Venture Capital Programs for high-potential startups.
Assistance for Seniors, Disabled, Families, and Veterans
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as the Food Supplement Program in Delaware, helps residents buy food if they meet income limits.
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid & Attendance (A&A) Pension Benefits, providing up to $1,794 monthly for veterans, $1,153 for surviving spouses, or $2,127 for couples. Delaware also offers veterans grants for wheelchair-accessible homes and adapted motor vehicles for those who lost sight or limb use.
Disability compensation and pension payments are available for service-connected disabilities, along with dependent-care assistance benefits.
| Grant Type | Maximum Amount | Administered By | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDGE Grant (STEM) | $100,000 | Division of Small Business | Business growth and innovation |
| EDGE Grant (Non-STEM) | $50,000 | Division of Small Business | Entrepreneurship support |
| Workforce Training Grant | $100,000 | Division of Small Business | Employee training reimbursement |
| Special Populations Housing Fund | $500,000 per county | DSHA | Homeless, disabled, re-entry housing |
| Veteran A&A Pension (Couple) | $2,127/month | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Assisted living costs |
| LIHEAP | Varies | DSS | Heating and electric bills |
Who Is Eligible for Delaware Government Grants
Eligibility requirements vary by program but follow consistent patterns across most Delaware grant initiatives.
Income-Based Eligibility
SNAP (Food Supplement Program) requires households to meet specific gross income limits, though exact thresholds depend on household size. Expedited SNAP benefits are available within days if monthly gross income is under $150 and available resources don’t exceed $100, or if income and resources combined are less than monthly rent/mortgage and utilities.
LIHEAP and water assistance programs target low-income households struggling with utility payments.
Residency Requirements
All applicants must be Delaware residents. SNAP additionally requires U.S. citizenship or legal immigrant status. Families with immigrants can still apply for children even if parents aren’t eligible, and applications do not affect immigration status or permanent residency chances.
Priority and Protected Groups
Veterans qualify for specialized assistance including disability compensation, wheelchair-accessible home grants, and adapted vehicle grants. The Aid & Attendance benefit specifically targets veterans and spouses needing help with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Seniors and people with disabilities access permanent supportive housing funds and priority SNAP processing.
Workforce Training Grants require businesses to be registered through the Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance and hold all necessary business and professional licenses under Delaware Code Titles 24 and 30.
Small business EDGE Grants require Delaware small business or startup status and operation within specified industries for the two grant categories.
| Group | Eligible Programs | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Income Families | SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, Housing Assistance | Income limits, household composition verification |
| Veterans & Spouses | A&A Pension, Disability Compensation, Vehicle/Home Grants | Service-connected disability or ADL assistance needs |
| Seniors & Disabled | Supportive Housing, SNAP expedited processing | Disability documentation, age verification |
| Delaware Businesses | Workforce Training, EDGE Grants | State business registration, license compliance |
| Homeless & Re-Entry | Special Populations Housing Fund | Referral from DHSS or DSCYF required |
How to Apply for Government Grants in Delaware
Application processes depend on the grant type, but Delaware has streamlined access through centralized systems.
Primary Application Portals
Delaware ASSIST (assist.dhss.delaware.gov) functions as a one-stop portal for most social service grants. The system helps determine eligibility and allows online applications for SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and child care assistance.
DSHA applications for housing grants require submission through specific Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) processes with detailed guidelines on deadlines and eligibility.
Small business grants go through the Division of Small Business, with applications evaluated in the order received and decisions communicated within 45 days.
Application Steps
Step 1: Use online screening tools to verify eligibility before applying. Delaware ASSIST and DSS provide quick assessment tools.
Step 2: Gather required documentation including proof of income, residency verification, household composition details, and identification.
Step 3: Submit applications online through the appropriate portal or at local DSS offices for in-person assistance.
Step 4: For business grants, demonstrate clear business need and ensure training programs or business activities align with grant purposes.
Step 5: Wait for eligibility determination. SNAP expedited applications can be processed within days; business grants take up to 45 days.
Required Documentation
Most programs require proof of citizenship or legal residency, Delaware residency verification, household income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and identification for all household members.
Business applicants need unemployment insurance registration confirmation, business license documentation, and detailed training program proposals or business plans.
| Application Step | Action Required | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility Check | Use online screening tools at Delaware ASSIST | Immediate results |
| 2. Document Gathering | Collect income proof, ID, residency verification | 1-3 days |
| 3. Application Submission | Submit online or at DSS office | 1 hour |
| 4. Review Process | Agency evaluates application | 1-45 days depending on program |
| 5. Approval Notification | Receive decision and next steps | Via mail or online portal |
Benefits and Limitations of Government Grants
Understanding what grants cover and their restrictions helps applicants set realistic expectations.
What Grants Can Help Pay For
Housing grants cover down payments for first-time homebuyers, rental assistance payments, home modifications for wheelchair accessibility, and energy efficiency improvements. Emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing costs are also eligible.
Utility assistance pays current heating, electric, water, and sewer bills, plus past-due balances preventing housing access.
Workforce training funds reimburse expenses for instructor fees, training materials, certification costs, and technology-related education.
Business grants support equipment purchases, facility improvements, marketing expenses, workforce training, and market research.
Veteran benefits fund wheelchair-accessible home modifications, adapted vehicles, assisted living costs, and daily care assistance.
Common Restrictions
Grants never require repayment unless fraud or misrepresentation occurs. However, they come with usage restrictions and eligibility limitations.
Workforce Training Grants will not fund programs retroactively, meaning training cannot begin before a fully executed contract exists. Applications stop when funding is exhausted, requiring new submissions if additional funds become available.
Business grants require matching contributions, with EDGE Grants demanding a 3:1 state-to-business match and Workforce Training Grants covering only 50% of eligible costs.
Housing assistance often requires referrals from specific agencies like DHSS or DSCYF for programs like SRAP. Units receiving SRAP subsidies must pass Housing Quality Standards inspections.
What Grants Do Not Cover
Grants do not pay off personal debts unrelated to program purposes, luxury items, business operating losses, or expenses incurred before approval.
Immigration consequences do not result from applying for benefits for eligible family members, even if the applicant is not eligible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Application errors can delay or prevent grant approval.
Incomplete Applications
Missing documentation is the primary reason for application delays. Applicants must provide all required proof of income, residency, household composition, and identification for every household member.
Business grant applications need detailed training program descriptions or business plans demonstrating clear need. Vague proposals or insufficient justification lead to rejections.
Missed Deadlines
NOFA-based programs have strict application windows. Once submission periods close, applicants must wait for the next funding cycle.
Workforce Training Grant applications are evaluated in order of receipt, meaning delays can result in lost opportunities when funding depletes.
LIHEAP special funds had specific end dates, with some programs closing application periods on set dates like September 30, 2022.
Confusing Grants with Loans
Grants do not require repayment, unlike loans from programs like SSBCI Loan Participation initiatives. Applicants sometimes mistakenly believe grants carry interest rates or credit checks similar to traditional financing.
Business loans through Capital Access Programs differ fundamentally from EDGE Grants, despite both coming from economic development agencies.
Starting Programs Before Approval
Training programs cannot begin until fully executed contracts exist. Businesses that start training early lose reimbursement eligibility because the Division of Small Business will not fund programs retroactively.
Applying to Incorrect Agencies
Some programs like SRAP require referrals from DHSS or DSCYF rather than direct applications. Applicants who submit applications directly to DSHA for referral-only programs face automatic rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if I qualify for Delaware government grants?
Check your eligibility using Delaware ASSIST (assist.dhss.delaware.gov), which provides quick screening for SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, and Medicaid. Most programs require Delaware residency, U.S. citizenship or legal immigrant status, and income below specific thresholds based on household size. Veterans should contact the VA for disability compensation and Aid & Attendance pension eligibility.
What income limits apply to Delaware assistance programs?
Income limits vary by program and household size. SNAP expedited benefits are available if monthly gross income is under $150 with resources below $100, or if combined income and resources are less than monthly rent and utilities. LIHEAP targets low-income households but specific thresholds change annually. Contact DSS directly or use Delaware ASSIST screening tools for current limits.
Can small businesses in Delaware get free money through grants?
Yes. EDGE Grants provide $50,000 to $100,000 for qualifying Delaware small businesses and startups, though they require a 3:1 state-to-business match. STEM-based companies receive up to $100,000, while non-STEM entrepreneurs qualify for up to $50,000. Workforce Training Grants reimburse up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) for employee training programs. These grants never require repayment.
Where do I apply for housing assistance in Delaware?
Apply through the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) at destatehousing.com for programs like the Community Development Block Grant and Special Populations Housing Fund. State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) requires referral from DHSS or DSCYF rather than direct application. Units must pass HUD Housing Quality Standards inspections to qualify.
Do Delaware grants need to be paid back?
No. Government grants never require repayment as long as applicants use funds according to program rules. This distinguishes grants from business loans under programs like SSBCI Loan Participation, which do require repayment with interest. Misrepresentation or fraud may trigger repayment obligations.
How long does it take to get approved for Delaware grants?
SNAP expedited applications can be processed within days if you meet emergency criteria. Business grants receive decisions within 45 days of application submission. Housing grants vary based on competitive selection processes and funding availability. Regular SNAP, TANF, and LIHEAP applications typically take 30 days for eligibility determination.
What documents do I need to apply for Delaware government assistance?
Most programs require proof of identity, Delaware residency verification, income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), household composition details, and citizenship or immigration status proof. Business applicants need Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance registration, business licenses under Delaware Code Titles 24 and 30, and detailed training program descriptions or business plans.
Conclusion
Delaware government grants provide substantial financial relief across housing, utilities, education, workforce training, and business development without repayment requirements. Eligibility centers on income levels, Delaware residency, and specific group status such as veteran, senior, disabled, or small business owner.
Delaware ASSIST streamlines access to most social service programs, while specialized portals like DSHA and the Division of Small Business handle housing and economic development grants. Applications require thorough documentation and adherence to program-specific deadlines.
Start by using eligibility screening tools, gathering required documents, and submitting applications through appropriate channels. Avoid common mistakes like incomplete applications, missed deadlines, or starting programs before approval. Delaware’s grant ecosystem offers real financial support when you understand requirements and follow application procedures correctly.