Delaware SNAP Benefits for Grandparents Raising a Grandchild

SNAP is the benefit that trips up Delaware kinship caregivers the most, because it works the opposite way from child-only TANF. Where TANF ignores the caregiver's income entirely, SNAP counts everyone in the household who buys and prepares food together — and that difference catches people off guard.

How SNAP Household Rules Work for Kinship Families

When a grandchild lives with you and you buy and prepare meals together, SNAP considers the full household. That means your Social Security, pension, wages, and the child's income (TANF grants, survivor benefits) are all counted as gross household income.

The good news: Delaware uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and eliminates asset testing. So your savings account, home equity, and car do not factor in. For a two-person household in 2026, 200% FPL means you can earn up to roughly $3,608 per month and still qualify.

SNAP Benefit Amounts

SNAP benefits are calculated by subtracting 30% of your net income (after allowable deductions) from the maximum allotment for your household size. Deductions include a standard deduction, excess shelter costs, dependent care expenses, and medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled household members. Most kinship caregivers who qualify on gross income end up with a meaningful monthly benefit, especially with the medical and shelter deductions.

SNAP Work Requirements

A common fear: that applying for SNAP means you have to look for a job or meet work requirements. Delaware exempts people from the ABAWD work requirement if they live with a child under 14, and it also lists caring for a child under 6 as an exemption from SNAP work requirements. A grandparent caring for a child aged 14 or older is not automatically exempt just because the child is a dependent.

The TANF Connection

Here's why it matters to apply for both TANF and SNAP: a child receiving TANF is directly certified for free school meals, and SNAP itself provides additional food purchasing power for the whole household. The two programs work in parallel — TANF covers the child's cash needs while SNAP stretches the household food budget.

How to Apply

Apply through the ASSIST portal (assist.dhss.delaware.gov) or at a State Service Center. You can request SNAP and TANF on the same application. Bring income documentation for everyone in the household, plus any receipts for shelter costs, medical expenses, or childcare that might increase your deductions.

The Delaware Financial Help for Kinship Caregivers guide explains how SNAP and TANF interact, and includes a side-by-side comparison showing which programs count your income and which don't.

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