Documents You’ll Typically Need for Delaware SNAP (Food Stamps)

Applying for Delaware SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often called “food stamps”) usually goes more smoothly when you know which documents to gather ahead of time.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains the common paperwork Delaware applicants are asked to provide, where it usually comes from, and how to handle special situations. This site is informational only—it does not accept applications or replace your official state agency.

Quick Snapshot: Common Documents for Delaware SNAP

Most Delaware SNAP applicants are typically asked to provide documents in these categories:

• Identity
• Social Security numbers
• Delaware residency
• Household composition (who lives with you)
• Income
• Expenses (especially rent, utilities, and child care)
• Immigration status (for non‑U.S. citizens applying)
• Special circumstances (disability, student status, etc.)

Exact requirements can vary by household and by case. Your local Delaware office or the official benefits portal will tell you what they specifically need from you.

What Is Delaware SNAP?

Delaware SNAP helps eligible low‑income individuals and families buy food. Approved households receive benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at participating grocery stores and some farmers’ markets.

SNAP is a federal program run in each state by a state agency. In Delaware, the program is administered through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), typically by its Division of Social Services.

You do not apply through HowToGetAssistance.org. To apply, you must go through:

• The official Delaware online benefits portal, or
• A local Division of Social Services office, or
• The state’s official benefits phone line.

Who Typically Qualifies for Delaware SNAP?

Eligibility rules are set by federal law but can have state‑specific details. In general, Delaware SNAP usually looks at:

• Household income (earned and unearned)
• Household size
• Citizenship or eligible non‑citizen status
• Delaware residency
• Certain expenses (like rent, utilities, and child care)
• Work requirements for some adults, especially those aged 18–52 without dependents (rules change periodically)

Having the right documents is critical because the state uses them to verify your answers on the application.

Core Documents You’ll Typically Need

1. Proof of Identity

Every Delaware SNAP application normally needs at least one form of ID for the primary applicant (and sometimes others).

Common examples:

• State driver’s license or state ID card
• U.S. passport
• Birth certificate
• Military ID
• Tribal ID
• School ID (for some situations)

If you don’t have a standard ID, the local office may accept alternative proofs, such as:

• A letter from a shelter, social worker, or employer
• Court papers or official mail with your name

Ask your local office or the program’s hotline what they will accept if you lack photo ID.

2. Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

Most applicants are asked to provide Social Security numbers for each household member who is applying for benefits.

Documents that typically work:

• Social Security card
• Official letter from the Social Security Administration
• Medicare card (for older adults, if it clearly includes the SSN)
• Certain tax documents that show the full SSN

If someone in your home does not have a Social Security number or is not applying for benefits (for example, a non‑citizen parent of U.S. citizen children), ask the office how to list them correctly. Usually, you do not need an SSN for people in the household who are not applying, but you may still need to report their income and presence in the home.

3. Proof of Delaware Residency

You usually must show that you live in Delaware and intend to stay.

Common residency documents:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, trash, internet, etc.)
• Bank statement with your name and Delaware address
• Official mail from a government agency (for example, court, DMV, Social Security)
• A letter from a shelter or service provider verifying that you stay there

If you are experiencing homelessness or staying temporarily with friends or family, the office may accept:

• A signed statement from the person you stay with, including their address and phone number
• A letter from a shelter or outreach program

4. Proof of Household Composition (Who Lives With You)

SNAP looks at the entire household that buys and prepares food together. You may be asked to verify who lives at your address.

Possible documents:

• Lease listing household members
• School records showing children’s address and guardians
• Birth certificates for children
• Custody papers or court orders
• A sworn statement from a landlord, roommate, or relative

If you share housing with people who do not share food or expenses, be sure to explain that clearly during your interview, and ask what documentation they need.

5. Proof of Income

Income verification is usually one of the most important parts of a Delaware SNAP application.

A. Earned Income (Wages, Self‑Employment)

For employees:

• Pay stubs from the last 30 days or longer (some offices ask for the last 4–6 pay stubs)
• An employer letter on company letterhead with:
  • Your name
  • Job title
  • Pay rate
  • Average hours worked
  • Start date
• A work schedule confirming regular hours

For self‑employed workers:

• Recent tax return
• Invoices, receipts, contracts
• A profit‑and‑loss statement (many offices can give you a simple form to fill out)
• Business bank statements showing income and expenses

If your work hours recently changed, tell the caseworker and provide current documentation (for example, a new schedule or employer note).

B. Unearned Income

You’re usually required to report and verify other income sources, such as:

• Unemployment benefits – payment history or official letter
• Social Security (retirement or disability) – award letter or benefit statement
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – award letter
• Pensions or retirement payments – statement or letter
• Child support received – court order and payment history, or bank statements
• Alimony – court order and proof of payment
• Veterans benefits – award letter
• Workers’ compensation – statement or decision letter

6. Proof of Expenses

Many Delaware households can increase their SNAP benefit amount by showing certain allowable expenses. You’re not required to claim every expense, but doing so often helps.

Common verifications:

A. Housing Costs

• Current lease or rental agreement
• Rent receipts
• Mortgage statements
• Property tax bill (if you own your home)
• Homeowner’s insurance bill

B. Utilities

• Electric, gas, water, sewer, trash bills
• Heating fuel or delivery receipts
• Phone or cell phone bills (where allowed)
• Some states use a standard utility allowance; your Delaware office will explain if you need actual bills or not.

C. Child Care and Dependent Care

If you pay someone to care for:

• A child so you can work, attend school, or look for work, or
• An adult with a disability in your household,

you may need:

• Receipts from your provider
• A signed statement from the provider including:
  • Their name and contact information
  • How much you pay and how often
• Contracts with child care centers

D. Medical Expenses (for Elderly or Disabled Members)

For household members who are 60 or older or receive certain disability benefits, you may be able to deduct some out‑of‑pocket medical costs.

Common proofs:

• Pharmacy printout of monthly medications
• Medical bills you pay directly
• Health insurance premiums
• Receipts for medical equipment, co‑pays, etc.

Ask the local office which expenses count in Delaware and what documentation they require.

7. Immigration and Citizenship Documents

SNAP has specific rules about citizenship and immigration status.

For U.S. citizens, common documents include:

• Birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

For eligible non‑citizens (only for those who are applying for benefits):

• Permanent Resident Card (“green card”)
• Employment Authorization Document
• I‑94 with appropriate status
• Certain other USCIS documents

You do not have to provide immigration documents for household members who are not applying for SNAP. However, their income may still need to be counted if they live with you and share expenses.

If you’re unsure how your immigration status affects SNAP, ask the state agency directly. They are usually trained to explain this without giving legal advice.

8. Special Situations: Extra or Different Documents

Some households will be asked for additional documents based on their situation.

A. Students

If someone in your household is a college student or in post‑secondary education, different SNAP rules may apply.

You may need:

• Proof of enrollment from the school
• Class schedule
• Documentation of work‑study or employment
• Proof that the student meets certain exemptions (for example, working enough hours, caring for young children, or part of a specific program)

B. Non‑Custodial Parents Paying Child Support

If you pay court‑ordered child support, you may be asked for:

• Court order or agreement
• Payment records, such as:
  • Wage garnishment records
  • State child support payment history
  • Bank statements showing payments

C. People Experiencing Homelessness

If you are homeless, you can still qualify for SNAP. Typical documents might include:

• A letter from a shelter or outreach worker
• A statement from a soup kitchen or service provider
• Any ID or official mail you do have

If you lack documents, tell the caseworker. Offices often have ways to verify your situation using alternative methods.

Helpful Summary Table: Common Documents by Category

Always confirm with your local Delaware office what they specifically accept and require.

How and Where to Apply for Delaware SNAP

Even though this site does not handle applications, it’s useful to know the usual official channels:

1. Online

   • Most states, including Delaware, use an official online benefits portal.
   • You create an account, fill out the SNAP application, upload documents, and submit electronically.

2. In Person

   • You can typically apply at a local Division of Social Services office.
   • Staff can give you the application form and may be able to copy your documents.

3. By Mail or Fax

   • Many people download or pick up a paper form, complete it, and mail or fax it to the local office.
   • Copies of documents are attached or sent soon after.

To find accurate instructions, contact:

• The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, or
• Your local county social services office, or
• The state’s SNAP/benefits hotline (listed on official Delaware government materials).

What Happens After You Apply

While exact steps can vary, Delaware SNAP applicants usually go through a process like this:

1. Application Submission

   • Once you submit your application (online, in person, or by mail/fax), the agency records the date.
   • That filing date is important for when your benefits can start if you’re approved.

2. Document Review

   • The agency reviews your form and checks which documents are missing.
   • You may receive a notice listing documents you still need to provide and a deadline.

3. Interview

   • An interview is usually required, conducted by phone or in person.
   • The worker may ask about your income, expenses, household, and may request additional documents.

4. Eligibility Decision

   • After they have enough information, the agency decides if you qualify and for how much.
   • You’ll receive a written notice of approval or denial.

5. EBT Card (If Approved)

   • Approved households receive an EBT card by mail or pick‑up instructions.
   • You then follow the directions to activate the card and choose a PIN.

If you’re unsure of your application status, use the official state portal or call the program’s hotline. Avoid sharing your personal information on unofficial websites.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Delaware SNAP applications are sometimes delayed or denied for reasons like:

• Missing documents (for example, no proof of income or ID)
• Not completing the interview
• Incomplete application (sections left blank or unclear)
• Income over the limit for your household size
• Not responding to requests for more information by the deadline
• Unverified household members (no proof of who lives with you, when requested)

If you receive a notice, read it carefully. It will usually explain why and what you can do next.

If You Disagree With a Decision (Appeals and Reviews)

If you believe your Delaware SNAP application was wrongly denied or your benefits were calculated incorrectly, you typically have the right to:

• Request a fair hearing or appeal within a set time period (often listed on your notice)
• Submit additional documents that support your case
• Have someone represent or assist you, such as a legal aid advocate or trusted person

To start this process, follow the instructions on your official notice, or contact your local office and ask how to file an appeal or hearing request in Delaware.

Alternatives and Additional Help If You Don’t Qualify

If you don’t qualify for Delaware SNAP or you receive a very low amount, you might look into:

• Food pantries and food banks run by community organizations or faith‑based groups
• Community meal programs and soup kitchens
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for pregnant people, new parents, and young children (if eligible)
• School meal programs (free or reduced‑price breakfast and lunch)
• 211 (by dialing 2‑1‑1) to ask about local food and financial assistance resources

These services operate separately from SNAP and may have different rules and documents.

Tips to Avoid Scams and Find Official Delaware SNAP Channels

To protect your personal information:

• Check the website address – Official Delaware SNAP information is usually found on a “.gov” website.
• Be careful with sites that:
  • Ask for a fee to apply.
  • Promise “guaranteed approval” or instant benefits.
• Never share your full SSN, EBT number, or PIN on unofficial pages or with people you don’t know.
• If you’re unsure:
  • Call the Delaware SNAP hotline listed on a state government site or
  • Visit a local Division of Social Services office to confirm you’re using the right forms and portals.

Final Checklist: What to Gather Before You Apply

Here’s a simple checklist you can use while getting ready to apply through official Delaware channels:

• [ ] Photo ID (or other proof of identity)
• [ ] Social Security numbers (or proof of application for SSN) for applying members
• [ ] Proof of Delaware address (lease, bill, or official mail)
• [ ] Names and information for everyone in your household
• [ ] Recent pay stubs or self‑employment records
• [ ] Proof of other income (Social Security, unemployment, child support, pensions, etc.)
• [ ] Housing cost documents (lease, mortgage, property tax, insurance)
• [ ] Utility bills (if needed for your state’s rules)
• [ ] Child care or dependent care receipts or statements
• [ ] Medical expense records (for elderly/disabled household members)
• [ ] Citizenship or immigration documents for those applying for benefits

Once you have these ready, you’ll be in a stronger position to submit your Delaware SNAP application through the official state agency, respond quickly to any document requests, and move your case forward with fewer delays.