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Delaware resources for parents
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This morning my daughter woke up with a raging case of pink eye. As soon as possible, I called the doctor, scheduled an appointment, and picked up her medication. While I was sitting in the doctor’s office, three thoughts popped into my head. One, I was really glad that there was an appointment available. Two, I was really grateful for my health insurance. And three, no matter what our differences, all parents want the best for their children.
So where can a parent turn when she is having trouble meeting her child’s basic needs, like food and health care? The State of Delaware manages a variety of programs intended for such assistance.
Food and Nutrition
Food Stamps (recently renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Food Stamps is a program that enables low-income families to buy a variety of food that is the basis for better nutrition. Eligibility for food stamps is based on household income. Food Stamps are administered through an EBT card. For a detailed description of the Food Stamps program, visit http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/foodstamps.html
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—is a food assistance program available to low income pregnant women, and women with children under the age of 5. Foods available through WIC include formula, milk, cheese, and peanut butter. For a detailed description of the WIC program, as well as eligibility requirements and stores that accept WIC vouchers, visit http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/chca/dphwichominf01.html
The Delaware Food Bank—while not managed by the State, the Delaware Food Bank offers food assistance to residents, as well as a variety of services including a market that is open to the public and catering services. The Food Bank has locations in Milford and Newark. For full information regarding the Food Bank, visit its website at: www.fbd.org
Health Care
Medicaid—is available to low-income uninsured adults between the ages of 19 and 65; certain children living with stepparents, grandparents, or siblings with income may receive Medicaid, low income pregnant women and children under the age of 19. Medicaid pays for: doctor visits, hospital care, labs, prescription drugs, transportation, routine shots for children, mental health and substance abuse services. For full information and eligibility, visit: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/medicaid.html
Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP)—is available to all uninsured children under the age of 19, who meet eligibility requirements and reside in the State of Delaware. The coverage is comparable to most private insurance plans and, although there is a small monetary contributions, there are incentives for prepaying your contribution (ex. If you pay for 9 months at once, 3 months are free. For full details of the Delaware Healthy Children Program, visit: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/dhcpqualify.html
Energy Assistance and other Emergency Programs
Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)—is the Delaware program of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and is run in conjunction with Catholic Charities. It offers assistance to low income individuals with meeting their home energy needs. It offers Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, and Summer Cooling Assistance. For full details, as well as eligibility requirements and contact information, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/liheap.html
Weatherization Assistance Program--installs energy efficiency improvements in the homes of low-income persons and households to reduce their energy burden, lower their energy costs and improve their health and safety in the home. This program is run in conjunction with Neighborhood House for New Castle County and First State Community Action Agency in Kent and Sussex Counties. For full details, as well as eligibility requirements and contact information, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/weatheriz.html
Emergency Assistance Programs—the Division of State Service Centers offers emergency assistance in the areas of rent, utilities, food, and housing. Contact the DSSC at 302-255-9675 for further information on these programs.
Applying for these programs, as well as several others including child care assistance, can be done online through the ASSIST system, which can be accessed at https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/PGM/ASP/SC001.asp or in person at one of the 15 State Service Center locations. These locations, along with directions and which services are available, can be found by visiting http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/ofclocations.html.
In addition to the programs administered by the State, there are lots of community resources available for parents who may not meet the income requirements for these programs. For affordable clothing, check out some of the area resale or consignment shops such as Once Upon a Child or 2nd Chance Resale and Consignment, or the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores which also have household items available. There are church stores, such as the one on Otts Chapel Road (run by the Greater Grace Church), yard sales, and mega yard sales like the one run by First State Mothers of Multiples (which is coming up on March 28 at Kirk Middle School). Other ways to help with costs include shopping at discount grocery stores such as Sav a Lot, which offer groceries for less money. For help with your electric bill, talk to your electricity provider to see if there are budget plans available. And don’t forget about our libraries and parks. They offer programs, exercise, books, movies, and fun all for free!
In this economic climate, we all could use a little help now and then. Even if you’re unsure if you qualify, call and talk to someone. You never know what resources you might discover!
For more info on community resources available in Delaware, contact the Delaware Helpline at 1-800-464-HELP or online at www.delawarehelpline.org
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