Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Delaware. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Utilities and phone
Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) (LIHEAP) in Delaware
Delaware calls its LIHEAP the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP).
It pays a one-time benefit toward winter heating, from Oct. 1 to March 31, and toward summer electric bills, plus crisis help all year if you have a shut-off notice or your fuel tank is nearly empty. Catholic Charities runs it statewide for the Division of Social Services.
How to apply in Delaware
- In person
- Apply by phone or in person with Catholic Charities, which runs the program statewide: New Castle County 302-654-9295, Kent County 302-674-1782, Sussex County 302-856-6310. First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown also takes calls at 1-800-372-2240.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Delaware
| Yearly gross income limit, one person (program year 2027) | $40,380 a year for one person (60% of state median income) |
|---|---|
| Yearly gross income limit, two people (program year 2027) | $52,804 a year for two people |
| If heat is included in your rent | Not eligible for the heating benefit |
| What to bring | Social Security cards for everyone 6 months or older, proof of citizenship or qualified immigrant status, photo ID with your current address, your utility bills, your lease or proof you own the home, and three months of income papers for every adult |
Source: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington (state's LIHEAP administrator) (source 3)
What you may get
| One-time heating benefit, by fuel (program year 2027) | Propane $314 to $2,496; oil or kerosene $304 to $2,414; electric heat $170 to $1,346; natural gas $169 to $1,340; other fuels $100 to $794 Source: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington (state's LIHEAP administrator) (source 3) |
|---|---|
| Summer cooling help | A one-time payment toward summer electric costs. Homes that show a need may also get a free window air conditioner. You must have applied for LIHEAP earlier in the program year. Source: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services (source 1) |
| Crisis help | Available all year for a shut-off or disconnection notice, a fuel tank at or below 10%, or past-due energy bills. It can be used along with the winter heating benefit. Source: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services (source 1) |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Winter heating help | Oct. 1 to March 31. Catholic Charities starts taking applications in July. Source: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington (state's LIHEAP administrator) (source 2) |
|---|---|
| Crisis help | Year-round Source: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services (source 1) |
How Delaware is different
Where Delaware's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.
- Crisis help is available all year, not only in winter
- Cooling help can include a free window air conditioner for homes that show a need
Source: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services (source 1)
Good to know
- Qualifying does not guarantee a payment. Funding is limited and depends on how many people apply. Benefits are paid straight to the utility or fuel company.
- Weatherization is a separate free program run by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Call 302-735-3480 and ask for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Sources: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington (state's LIHEAP administrator) (source 2), Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services (source 1)
Free help
Free help with this in Delaware
Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Delaware
Help with heating and cooling bills in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services, Utility Assistance: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington (state's LIHEAP administrator), Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wilmington (state's LIHEAP administrator), Delaware Energy Assistance Program Year 2027 Income and Benefit Guidelines. Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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