Delaware Child-Only TANF for Relative Caregivers

Most grandparents and relatives who step in to raise a child in Delaware assume their own pension or paycheck disqualifies them from cash help. That assumption costs families hundreds of dollars a year they could have claimed through Delaware's child-only TANF track — officially called the Children's Program.

How the Child-Only TANF Grant Works

When a non-parent relative applies for TANF solely on behalf of the child, Delaware's Division of Social Services (DSS) evaluates the child as a separate assistance unit. The critical rule: the caregiver's income, pension, Social Security benefits, and personal assets are completely excluded from the eligibility calculation. Only money that belongs directly to the child — survivor benefits, trust distributions, or direct parental support — is considered. DSS disregards the first $50 of child support received each month.

This means a grandparent collecting $2,400 a month in Social Security can apply for a child-only grant and have zero dollars of that income counted against the child.

Who Qualifies as a Relative Caregiver

Delaware's eligibility rules under DSSM 3004 recognize a broad range of relationships: grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and anyone holding guardianship or legal custody. You do not need a court order. Physical care and control of the child in your home is enough to satisfy the basic requirement.

What the Monthly Payments Look Like

Delaware calculates grants based on the number of eligible children. The current payment standards (October 2026–September 2027) are:

• 1 child: approximately $241/month
• 2 children: approximately $324/month
• 3 children: approximately $405/month
• 4 children: approximately $488/month

For five or more children, the current standards are $570 for five children and $652 for six; DSS lists larger family sizes on its current table. The actual amount equals the payment standard minus any countable income the child receives.

No Work Requirements, No Time Limits

Non-needy relative caretakers are exempt from Delaware's adult TANF work rules, mandatory job search, and the 36-month lifetime limit. You do sign a modified Contract of Mutual Responsibility (CMR), but it focuses on the child's well-being — regular school attendance, current immunizations, and other child-related requirements such as parenting classes. These child-only grants continue as long as the child remains eligible.

The Child Support Cooperation Requirement

As a condition of receiving TANF, you must cooperate with the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) to establish paternity and pursue support from the biological parents. However, if pursuing child support would put the child or you at risk — due to domestic violence, abuse, or other safety concerns — you can request a good-cause exemption through your DSS caseworker.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the ASSIST portal at assist.dhss.delaware.gov or visit any State Service Center in person. One application lets you request TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and childcare subsidies simultaneously. When filling out the TANF section, make sure you are applying as a non-needy caretaker for the child only — not as a household member seeking your own assistance. That distinction is what keeps your income out of the calculation.

The Delaware Financial Help for Kinship Caregivers guide walks through the full TANF application process step by step, including what documents to bring and how to handle the child support cooperation requirement.

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