Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Delaware. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Delaware)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Delaware SHIP)
Delaware's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB), run by the Delaware Department of Insurance (formerly known as ELDERinfo). Trained volunteers give free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance), Medicare Part D drug plans, long-term care insurance, and other health insurance questions.
Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB): 1-800-336-9500 or 302-674-7364 DMAB page: insurance.delaware.gov/divisions/dmab
Medicaid in Delaware
Delaware Medicaid is administered by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) within the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Most enrollees are served through the Diamond State Health Plan (DSHP). For seniors needing long-term care, Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) covers nursing-facility care and Long-Term Care Community Services, with home-based supports such as adult day care, meal delivery, minor home modifications, respite care, and personal emergency response systems so people can stay at home.
How to apply: online through Delaware ASSIST, by phone, or at a local DHSS State Service Center. For long-term care Medicaid information, see dhss.delaware.gov/dmma/ltcmedicaid. Be ready with Social Security and Medicare cards, income and bank records (long-term care reviews can look back several years), property deeds, and insurance policies.
DHSS Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance: dhss.delaware.gov/dmma
Prescription help
Delaware operates a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program called the Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP). DPAP provides up to $3,000 per year toward medically necessary prescription drugs and Medicare Part D premiums for eligible residents who are seniors or disabled. It is limited to residents with income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level who are not on Medicaid and who have no other prescription coverage except Medicare Part D (which they must have).
DPAP: 1-844-245-9580 (press 0 for a representative), dhss.delaware.gov/dmma/dpap
Other options: Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): a federal program that lowers Part D drug costs for qualifying beneficiaries. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. BenefitsCheckUp.org: screens for manufacturer patient assistance programs and added savings. Delaware DMAB counselors (1-800-336-9500) can check Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program eligibility at no charge.
Energy and utility help
Delaware's LIHEAP is called the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP), administered through DHSS and delivered by Catholic Charities, Inc. It helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills with a benefit that does not have to be repaid, plus year-round crisis assistance for emergencies.
Eligibility: income at or below 60 percent of the Delaware State Median Income (after federal and local taxes). Note that meeting eligibility does not guarantee a benefit, because LIHEAP funding is limited.
Timing: the heating season runs October 1 through April 30, cooling May 1 through August 31, and crisis help is available year-round. Catholic Charities generally begins accepting applications in July.
How to apply: contact your local Catholic Charities office (ccwilm.org), see dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/liheap.html, or call 211.
Property tax relief (Delaware)
Delaware Senior School Property Tax Credit (statewide, administered locally by each county): homeowners age 65 or older may receive a credit against the school portion of their property tax equal to 50 percent of school taxes, up to a maximum of $500. The credit itself has no income test, but residency rules apply: residents who established legal domicile in Delaware on or after January 1, 2018 must have been legally domiciled in the state for at least 10 consecutive years before applying. The state application deadline is April 30.
This is a school-tax credit, not a freeze or a deferral, and the dollar cap is set by the state. Because each county processes applications, confirm the exact filing steps, deadline, and any local senior tax breaks with your county (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex) assessment or finance office.
Delaware Division of Revenue and county offices administer property tax relief: revenue.delaware.gov and your county website
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Delaware's aging services are coordinated by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) within DHSS.
DSAAPD statewide: 1-800-223-9074 Find services through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Services available through the network:
- Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels)
- In-home care, personal care, and homemaker services
- Family caregiver support
- Transportation assistance (including DART Paratransit)
- Long-term care ombudsman services for residents of care facilities
Legal aid: free civil legal help for older Delawareans is available through the Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (lscd.com) and Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (declasi.org). You can also reach legal help through DSAAPD or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Frequently asked questions
What is Delaware's SHIP program? Delaware's SHIP is the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB), run by the Department of Insurance and formerly called ELDERinfo. Trained volunteers give free, unbiased Medicare help statewide, covering plan comparisons, Part D, Medigap, and long-term care insurance. Reach it at 1-800-336-9500 or 302-674-7364.
Does Delaware offer property tax relief for seniors? Yes. The Senior School Property Tax Credit gives homeowners 65 and older a credit of 50 percent of school property taxes, capped at $500, with no income test but with a residency requirement (10 consecutive years for those who established Delaware domicile on or after January 1, 2018). The state deadline is April 30, and each county processes applications, so confirm details with your county office.
How do Delaware seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP), the state's LIHEAP, delivered by Catholic Charities. Households at or below 60 percent of State Median Income may qualify, the benefit does not have to be repaid, and crisis help is available year-round. Applications usually open in July. Contact Catholic Charities (ccwilm.org) or call 211.
Does Delaware help seniors pay for prescriptions? Yes. The Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP) provides up to $3,000 a year toward prescriptions and Medicare Part D premiums for eligible seniors and disabled residents with income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level who are not on Medicaid. Call 1-844-245-9580.
Sources
- Delaware Department of Insurance, Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB): https://insurance.delaware.gov/divisions/dmab/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- SHIP National directory, Delaware: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/delaware/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Delaware DHSS DMMA, Long Term Care Medicaid Programs: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dmma/ltcmedicaid/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Delaware DHSS DMMA, Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP): https://dhss.delaware.gov/dmma/dpap/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Delaware DHSS, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/DEAP): https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/liheap.html (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Delaware Division of Revenue, Senior School Property Tax Credit application: https://financefiles.delaware.gov/docs/ssptc_app.pdf (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Sussex County, State Senior Citizen School Property Tax Credit: https://sussexcountyde.gov/state-senior-citizen-school-property-tax-credit (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Delaware DHSS DSAAPD, Contact Information: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/contact/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.