DOVER, DE (Dec. 28, 2021) – The Division of Public Health announced that it will implement updated guidance issued Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to shorten the recommended time that people should isolate or quarantine from 10 days to 5 days based on certain conditions and vaccination status.  The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if they have no symptoms at that time, they may leave isolation as long as they continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

The CDC’s new guidance says:

• For those who test positive for COVID-19 – but don’t have symptoms – the isolation period can be reduced from 10 days to 5 days as long as the person wears a mask around others (in and out-of-home) for at least 5 additional days. If you have symptoms, you can end isolation after 5 days as long as any fever you had has resolved and any other symptoms are improving. If you have a fever, remain in isolation until the fever resolves. You must wear a mask in all settings for 5 additional days.
• For close contacts who are unvaccinated, or more than 6 months out from their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 2 months out from their single dose of Johnson & Johnson (without a booster), quarantine has been reduced from 10 days to 5 days, followed by mask use for an additional 5 days.
• For close contacts who have received their booster shot, or are less than six months out from being fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna or are less than 2 months from their J&J vaccine, no quarantine is needed, but these persons should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure to the positive case.
• For vaccinated close contacts who are not yet eligible for a booster – including students younger than 16 – no quarantine is needed. However, mask-wearing in all settings is required for 10 days. DPH is reviewing the guidance and evaluating its impact on the Test-to-Stay program.

According to the CDC, for all those exposed, best practice would also include a COVID-19 test at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not related to COVID-19.

Additionally, DPH will be refocusing its contact tracing efforts to focus on case investigation and contact tracing in high-risk settings (e.g.: schools, LTCs).  During case investigation, epidemiologists will ask persons who are positive for COVID-19 to inform their close contacts of their positive status instead of reaching out to all close contacts itself.  This change is due to increasing case numbers to investigate and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, necessitating a need to prioritize its personnel and resources on preventing spread among those at highest risk.  During the next few weeks, DPH also asks for the public’s patience with case investigators and contact tracers. Because it will take time for DPH to update its computer-based systems with the new guidance, contact tracers will advise individuals that the standard script they read will be based on the previous isolation and quarantine guidance, but let them know next steps for ending isolation and quarantine earlier per the new guidance.

Employers and schools are advised that they can move forward in applying the guidance to their employees and students themselves without our oversight, or needing clearance letters from DPH, which are not required. Using the new guidance can reduce the impact of illness on a business or school’s workforce.

“We know this sudden change in isolation and quarantine guidance will take time for everyone to review, understand and implement,” said Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “But we want to follow the science and what it’s telling us is that people are mostly infectious earlier in their exposure and longer periods of isolation and quarantine are not necessary. We also want to prepare folks that because it will take our contact tracers a few weeks to implement this change in our system, that people may receive conflicting guidance.  But we believe it’s important to empower individuals, employers and schools to make the isolation and quarantine changes themselves, providing they understand the conditions attached to the CDC’s guidance.”

“The most important thing that Delawareans can do to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and to get their booster if they are eligible,” Dr. Rattay said. “In addition, everyone can protect themselves and their families by wearing a face mask in public places; washing their hands; maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowds, especially indoors; and getting tested if they have symptoms, have had an exposure, or are required by their employer. And if you are planning a New Year’s celebration, please keep the gathering small and wear a face mask if you do not know everyone’s vaccination status.”

DOVER, DE (Dec. 3, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 155,149
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 432.7, an increase from 377.6 last week 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 8.3%, an increase from 7.1% last week 
• Hospitalizations: 266, an increase of 107 from last week; critically ill: 32, an increase of 12 from last week 
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,194
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 21, including nine from a review of vital statistics records.

 

Scam Alert:

DPH is making the public aware of a scam targeting Delaware residents. This scam is in the form of a text message indicating that you are required to validate your vaccination or testing status. The link will take you to a site that requests you enter personal information. This is not a valid website and the request is fraudulent. This text message may be sent from a variety of spoofed numbers. As a reminder, DPH and other state agencies will not ask for private information, such as Social Security number or driver’s license number, in this manner. If you receive such a message, do not respond. Individuals are advised NOT to click on any links included in text messages and/or emails unless you are certain they are valid. 

  

COVID-19 Vaccinations: 

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,424,415
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 77.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 83.7% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 85.6%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 61.8% 

 

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit [de.gov/getmyvaccine]de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at [de.gov/healthycommunity]de.gov/healthycommunity. 

 

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:  

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Nov. 22 – Nov. 28. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations. 

 

Weekly Overview (11/22 -11/28)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1667
Total Cases	2306
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	72%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	91
Total Hospitalized Cases	114
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	80%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	8
Total COVID-19 Deaths	10
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	80%

 

 Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 7,633 or 1.4% of fully vaccinated individuals 
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 127
• Total breakthrough deaths: 98

 

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection occurred after vaccination. 

 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:  

In the last week, 91 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 61 (67%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were four additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 65 variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain.

 

Due to a technical issue, last week’s sequencing report could not be provided in the Nov. 26 weekly COVID-19 update. Between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26, 359 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 184 (51.3%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 33 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 217 variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain.

DPH continues to monitor the science around the new Omicron variant, which has been classified as a Variant of Concern by both the World Health Organization and CDC. This variant was first reported in South Africa and has since been detected in several other countries and a handful of states, including Pennsylvania, in the U.S. No cases of this variant have been identified in Delaware to date. The Delaware Public Health Laboratory regularly monitors for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Omicron, through routine sequencing of test specimens.

While we still have more to learn about the Omicron variant, Delawareans should continue doing what we know works: get vaccinated, wear a mask in indoor public settings, socially distance from others and wash your hands regularly. Vaccines remain the most critical tool to protect us against severe disease. Delawareans who are 5 years and older who have not received the vaccine should do so as soon as possible. This is especially important for our youngest eligible Delawareans, as they currently have the highest COVID-19 case rates.

 

DPH also encourages those who have been vaccinated with at least one dose to complete the full vaccination series and every adult should receive a booster dose when eligible. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response to protect you from the virus, and many of its mutations. All adults who completed a primary vaccination series with an mRNA vaccine at least six months ago and those who received a Johnson & Johnson shot at least two months ago are eligible for a booster.

 

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units: 

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities.

 

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location. The mobile units in New Castle County will travel through specific neighborhoods and a community intervention team will canvas door to door to offer vaccination and testing services to residents.

 

Monday, Dec. 6

Wilmington’s North Side neighborhood, starting at North Claymont Street, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel Junction, 10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Davelli’s Bagel Café, 201 W. Stein Hwy., Seaford, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

ILC Dover, 1 Moonwalker Road, Frederica, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Country Farms, 1014 S. Little Creek Road, Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 7

DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Road, New Castle, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

 

Wednesday, Dec. 8
Goodwill Job Resource Center, 300 East Lea Blvd., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Bethel Market, 7743 Main St., Bethel, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Service General Laundromat, 801 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Emerald City Wash World, 730 W. Division St., Dover, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Byler’s Harrington, 1 Liberty Plaza, Harrington, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Dec. 9

Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dover Housing Authority, 76 Stevenson Drive, Dover, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Friday, Dec. 10

Wilmington’s Browntown/Hedgeville neighborhood, 1100 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Dec. 11

Route 9 Library, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather 

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine. 

 

Long-term Care Statistics: 

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, there have been a total of 3,002 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 868 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19. 

 

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. 

DOVER (NOV. 3, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Delaware’s vaccine providers can begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 pediatric vaccine to children ages 5 to 11.

Today’s announcement comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week gave its approval to expand Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to children in this age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met Tuesday and agreed with the FDA findings. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the advisory committee’s recommendations later that evening.

“This is very exciting news for Delaware in the ongoing fight against COVID,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We have been waiting for the day when we could give our younger school-aged children this very effective layer of protection and let them get back to a more normal childhood. Parents are naturally going to be concerned about rare adverse reactions. What we know is the benefits far outweigh the extremely rare chance of a bad reaction. If my children were in this age group, I would absolutely vaccinate them right away.”

The Pfizer vaccine dose has been reduced for children under 12. During clinical trials nationwide involving more than 3,000 children ages 5-11, the vaccine was found to be more than 90% protective against developing symptomatic COVID-19.  No severe vaccine-related side effects such as myocarditis or severe allergic reactions were identified. Side effects were found to be similar to, or fewer than, those experienced by adults and included sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills, and low-grade fevers lasting a day or two.

There will be adequate supply of vaccine to accommodate those children who qualify. There are approximately 77,500 children in this age group in Delaware.

Parents or guardians are encouraged to first contact their child’s pediatrician to see if they are administering the vaccine. Vaccines will also be available at Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients; Westside Family Healthcare will offer vaccinations to non-patients as well), and standing DPH Vaccine sites:

• Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
• Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
• University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702

Additionally, vaccines will be available to patients of pediatric health care providers and a limited number of large chain pharmacies initially until vaccine supply opens up. DPH recommends parents check pharmacy websites for scheduling options and availability before going.

Written parental consent is required for people younger than 18, but either a parent or other adult may attend with the child. Those with concerns should speak to their family physician.

For a complete list of locations where vaccines are available, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.

 

DOVER (OCT. 15, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.

 

Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 139,380
7-day average of new positive cases: 391.6, a decrease from 445.7 last week
7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 8.2%, an increase from 7.8% last week
Hospitalizations: 207, a decrease of 27 from last week; Critically ill: 30, a decrease of two from last week
Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,021
Total COVID-19 deaths since last week: 24, including 7 from a review of vital statistic records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,216,916
Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 78.5%
Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 80.2%
Delawareans who are fully vaccinated: 524,838 **

** The total number of fully vaccinated Delawareans, according to DelVAX, shows a decrease this week due to a technical error where booster doses were inadvertently added to this category. This issue has been rectified.

 

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. 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 report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Oct. 4 – Oct 10. The report highlights the significant percentage of cases and hospitalized individuals in Delaware who are unvaccinated, or only partially vaccinated.

 

Weekly Overview (10/4 -10/10)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	2300
Total Cases	2975
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	77%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	71
Total Hospitalized Cases	96
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	74%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	14
Total COVID-19 Deaths	19
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	74%

 

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

Fully vaccinated Delawareans: 524,838
Total breakthrough cases: 4,683 or 9/10 of 1% of vaccinated individuals
Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 85
Total breakthrough deaths: 59

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection occurred after vaccination.

 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

In the last week, 368 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 246 (66.8%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were eight additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 254 variant positive samples, all but one was identified as the Delta strain.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the classifications of known COVID-19 variants. Currently, the Delta variant is the only variant being monitored by the CDC as a “variant of concern” and no other variants are currently classified as “variants of interest.” For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

 

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. With the official start of Flu Season, the flu vaccine will also be available and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location.

 

Tuesday, October 19

Spence’s Bazaar, 550 S. New Street, Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Shoppes at Hamlet, 1015 Walker Road, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, October 20

Wawa, 2800 N. DuPont Hwy, Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Edgehill Shopping Center, 43 S. Dupont Hwy, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wilmington Farmers Market, 1000 N. Market Street, Wilmington, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Adams Four Shopping Center, 800 West 3rd Street, Wilmington, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, October 21

Simmons Food/Simmons Feed Ingredients, 7494 Federalsburg Road, Bridgeville, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Impact Life Job Fair, 6 North Clifton Avenue, Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

Friday, October 22

12th and Northeast Boulevard – near Family Dollar Store, Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

 

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

 

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, there have been a total of 2,903 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 849 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

 

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.

 

Available to All SNAP Households and to Eligible TANF and General Assistance Households

NEW CASTLE (Aug. 24, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for August to eligible households as part of the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

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 issued Wednesday, Aug. 25, and should be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Thursday, Aug. 26. TANF and GA households should receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Wednesday, Aug. 25.

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 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 August are not eligible for the August emergency cash funds.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which was signed into law in March 2020.

“Just last week, members of my leadership team and I had the opportunity to tour the Food Bank of Delaware’s Glasgow location,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “Food Bank leaders told us how crucial the food assistance that they provide continues to be for so many Delaware individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At DHSS, we know that the emergency food and cash benefits that we distribute are another critical piece to keeping people fed, healthy and safe. We are grateful for the federal and state funding that allows us to provide these safety net programs at emergency levels.”

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 $134 in emergency benefits ($234 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

Number in SNAP Household	Maximum Benefit Amount Adjusted with the 15 percent increase effective Jan-Sept. 2021
1	$234
2	$430
3	$616
4	$782
5	$929
6	$1,114
7	$1,232
8	$1,408
Each additional person	$176

An estimated 56,700 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in August, totaling about $10.5 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Number in TANF Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681
9	$750
10	$819

 

General Assistance (GA)

Number in GA Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$79
2	$107
3	$144
4	$169
5	$209
6	$239

An estimated 172 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in August, totaling about $22,500 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for August 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 apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212. To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, clients are asked to contact the Division of Social Services by phone or online. If clients do need an in-person appointment, they are reminded that face masks are required for all state employees and visitors to state offices and facilities.

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