NEW CASTLE (April 26, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for April to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Benefits will be issued as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and two cash assistance programs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA). The SNAP emergency food benefit will be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards on Thursday, April 28. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Thursday, April 28.

All households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

1. SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
2. SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
3. SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families will increase a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of April are not eligible for the April emergency cash funds.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.

“As our state continues to recover from the pandemic, we know the recovery has not been the same for every Delaware family,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “These emergency benefits are critical for families who recently lost work time to positive cases of COVID-19 or the flu, both of which are on the increase in our state. Still, we understand that as the recovery continues, the need for these emergency benefits will end, and we are preparing Delawareans for that eventuality. In the meantime, we are grateful to the federal government and Delaware’s congressional delegation for providing these crucial and necessary benefits again this month.”

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $150 in emergency benefits ($250 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).

Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

An estimated 57,093 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in April, totaling about $11.2 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

General Assistance (GA)

An estimated 180 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in April, totaling about $26,900 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for April on the usual issuance dates.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to the division’s webpage. To screen for and apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212.

NEW CASTLE (26 de Abril de 2022) – La División de Servicios Sociales de Delaware emitirá beneficios de emergencia para Abril a los hogares elegibles como parte de la respuesta continua del estado a la crisis de salud pública de COVID-19.

Los beneficios se emitirán como parte del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) y dos programas de asistencia en efectivo – Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF) y Asistencia General (GA). El beneficio de alimentos de emergencia de SNAP se emitirá el Jueves 28 de Abril y debería estar disponible en las tarjetas de los recipientes Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) de los beneficiarios el Jueves 28 de Abril. Los hogares de TANF y GA deben recibir un cheque de beneficios en efectivo de emergencia a partir de o después del Jueves 28 de Abril.

Todos los hogares con casos abiertos de SNAP recibirán al menos $95 en beneficios de emergencia de comida, a ser emitidos de la siguiente manera:

1. Los hogares de SNAP que reciben la cantidad máxima de beneficios de alimentos para el tamaño de su hogar recibirán $95 en beneficios de alimentos de emergencia.
2. A los hogares de SNAP con un monto calculado de beneficios de alimentos de emergencia menor a $95 se les aumentará su beneficio de emergencia a $95.
3. Los hogares de SNAP con un monto de beneficio de emergencia calculado de $95 o más continuarán recibiendo el monto de beneficio de emergencia calculado para aumentar el beneficio mensual del hogar hasta el monto máximo de beneficio para el tamaño de su hogar.

La asistencia de emergencia para las familias de TANF y GA aumentará el beneficio mensual de un hogar para cada programa hasta el monto máximo de beneficio para el tamaño de su hogar. Los hogares que ya reciben la cantidad máxima de beneficios de TANF o GA o que tienen un beneficio prorrateado en el mes de Abril no son elegibles para los fondos en efectivo de emergencia de Abril.

El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales de Delaware (DHSS) ha emitido beneficios de emergencia cada mes para los hogares elegibles bajo la Ley de respuesta al coronavirus Families First (Familias Primero) de 2020, que se convirtió en ley en Marzo de 2020.

“A medida que seguimos recuperándonos de la pandémica, sabemos que la recuperación no ha sido igual para cada familia de Delaware,” dijo la Secretaria del DHSS, Molly Magarik. “Estos beneficios de emergencia son cruciales para las familias que recientemente han perdido tiempo en el trabajo gracias a casos positivos de COVID-19 o Influenza, los cuales están incrementando en nuestro estado. Aun así, entendemos que a medida de que la recuperación continua, la necesidad por estos beneficios de emergencia terminaran y estamos preparando a las familias de Delaware para esta eventualidad. Mientras tanto, estamos agradecidos con el gobierno federal y la delegación del congreso de Delaware por brindar estos beneficios cruciales y esenciales de nuevo este mes.”

Cómo se calcula el beneficio de emergencia mensual: El beneficio de emergencia mensual de un hogar es igual al monto máximo actual del beneficio para el tamaño del hogar menos el monto del beneficio mensual actual del hogar. Por ejemplo, según los límites actuales del USDA para los beneficios SNAP, si un hogar de 1 miembro recibe $100 en beneficios mensuales regulares, recibirán $150 en beneficios de emergencia (beneficio máximo de $250 menos beneficio mensual de $100).

Aquí están los montos máximos de beneficios mensuales actuales por tamaño de hogar para SNAP, TANF y Asistencia General:

Beneficios de SNAP de emergencia

Se estima que 57,093 hogares serán elegibles para recibir la asignación de SNAP de emergencia en Abril, por un total de alrededor de $11.2 millones en beneficios de alimentos de emergencia para el mes.

Beneficios de Dinero en Efectivo de Emergencia

Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF)

Asistencia General (GA)

Se estima que 180 hogares serán elegibles para recibir beneficios de asistencia en efectivo de emergencia en Abril, por un total de alrededor de $26,900 en beneficios de emergencia para el mes.

Además de los beneficios de emergencia, los hogares recibirán sus beneficios regulares para Abril en las fechas de emisión habituales.

Para obtener más información sobre los programas de beneficios de DSS en respuesta a la pandemia, visite página web de la división. Para solicitar beneficios, vaya a Delaware ASSIST o llame al 1-866-843-7212. 

DOVER, DE (April 22, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on case and vaccination data since the last COVID-19 update released on March 25, 2022.  While Delaware is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, both remain significantly lower than during the winter surge. Deaths are also low overall. Over the last month, DPH announced its first Test-to-Treat center in Newark, on April 14, 2022, and distributed approximately 190,000 over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits to school districts, charter schools, and private/parochial schools.

DPH continues to encourage Delawareans to protect themselves and their families by using the tools they already have available to them to stay one step ahead of COVID-19:

• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Get vaccinated and boosted when eligible. Vaccines are readily available. Find a vaccination site at de.gov/getmyvaccine. 
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Some symptoms mirror those of flu, which remains active in Delaware, and seasonal allergies.  Be sure. Find a testing location or where to get a home test kit at de.gov/gettested.
• If you test positive for COVID, check with your health care provider to determine if you should get treatment for COVID-19.
• Mask up in indoor public settings if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or have a weakened immune system, or if you live with someone who does. 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 261,118
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 157.1, An increase of 94.0 average new positive cases from March 25, 2022.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 7.6%, an increase of 4.4 percentage points from March 25, 2022.
• Hospitalizations: 45 current hospitalizations (an increase of 10 since March 25); critically ill: 6, an increase of 4 since March 25, 2022.
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,896 an increase of 59 since last month (2 regularly reported deaths; 57 deaths from a review of vital statistics).

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,757,355 
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 78.7% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 68.9%  

Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:  

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for April 11 – April 17, 2022. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, April 21, 2022, there have been a total of 3,803 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents (an increase of 120 since March 25), and 945 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19 (an increase of 14).  

Flu Update: 

DPH reminds the public that flu season is not over.  There were 251 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of April 10-16, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available. There have been 1,708 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season, an increase of 807 since March 25,2022. The cases involved 793 individuals from New Castle County, 371 from Kent County and 544 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. There may be technical discrepancies of reporting numbers week to week due to retroactive reporting of cases.  

In addition to staying home if you have flu-like symptoms, and taking antiviral medication as directed, DPH recommends that you:

• Practice social distancing by keeping your distance from well people if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Wear a well-fitting face covering if you feel ill and have to go out in public to a doctor’s appointment or pharmacy.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately; if no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.

Flu vaccines remain available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics.  For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

Resources:  

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:  

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.    

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

WILMINGTON, Del. – El Jueves, el Gobernador John Carney emitió una revisión de la orden de Emergencia de Salud Publica y extendió la orden por otros 30 días mas para permitir que el Estado de Delaware y proveedores médicos continúen con servicios de vacunación y programas de pruebas de COVID-19 ​y para permitir la continua flexibilidad del personal en los hospitales y en instalaciones de cuidados prolongados.  

La revisión hace posible que el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales de Delaware mantenga la elegibilidad necesaria que el Estado de Delaware requiere para que los residentes de Delaware de bajos recursos continúen recibiendo beneficios de comida federales aumentados.  

Bajo la ley de Delaware, declaraciones de Emergencia de Salud Publica deben ser renovadas cada 30 días. 

Haga clic aquí  para la revisión de Emergencia de Salud Publica del Gobernador Carney. 

 Haga clic aquí para la extensión de Emergencia de Salud Publica del Gobernador Carney.   

Visite de.gov/getmyvaccine para encontrar donde obtener su vacuna contra el COVID-19. 

Visite de.gov/gettested para aprender mas sobre pruebas de COVID-19.  

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WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued a revision to the Public Health Emergency order and extended the order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs, ​and to allow continued staffing flexibility at hospitals and long-term care facilities.

The revision enables the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to maintain the State of Delaware’s eligibility ​for low-income Delawareans to continue receiving enhanced federal food benefits.

Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days. 

Click here for Governor Carney’s Public Health Emergency revision. 

Click here for Governor Carney’s Public Health Emergency extension. 

Visit de.gov/getmyvaccine to learn where to get your COVID-19 vaccine. 

Visit de.gov/gettested to learn more about COVID-19 testing. 

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