How to apply for childcare assistance in Delaware.

Delaware runs its child care subsidy through the Purchase of Care program, administered by the Department of Health and Social Services Division of Social Services. Here is who qualifies, what families pay, and the step-by-step way to apply in 2026.

You apply online through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov or at a local Division of Social Services (DSS) office. If at least one parent is working, in school, or in approved training, your household income is within the Purchase of Care ceiling, and your child is under thirteen, you likely qualify. DSS pays your provider directly and you pay a co-payment based on income, per the Delaware Division of Social Services.

Who qualifies for Delaware Purchase of Care?

To qualify, at least one parent must be in an approved activity (work, school, or training), the child must be under thirteen, and your household income must be within the Purchase of Care ceiling, which Delaware sets at roughly 185 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level at entry, per the DSS policy manual. Children with documented disabilities qualify up to age nineteen.

Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Delaware's TANF program), children in foster care, and families referred by the Division of Family Services are categorically prioritized for Purchase of Care funding.

2026 income reference by family size

Purchase of Care entry sits around 185 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, with exit eligibility up to 85 percent of State Median Income. The table shows the 2025 federal poverty guidelines so you can check your household; confirm the current cutoff with DSS.

What will Delaware families pay?

Most families pay a monthly co-payment on a sliding scale based on income and family size, paid directly to the provider, per the DSS policy manual. Purchase of Care covers the rest, up to the state maximum reimbursement rate for that provider type and child age. Lower-income families pay little; co-pays rise toward the top of the eligibility range.

Purchase of Care reimbursement includes tiered add-ons for higher-rated Delaware Stars for Early Success programs, so subsidy dollars go further at higher-rated providers. Because reimbursement is capped, some higher-priced centers charge the difference above the state maximum.

How do I apply for Delaware Purchase of Care?

Apply in five steps through Delaware ASSIST or a DSS office. Gather documents first; an incomplete application is the most common cause of delay, per DSS guidance.

1. Create a Delaware ASSIST account. Go to assist.dhss.delaware.gov, or visit a local Division of Social Services office to apply in person. Select Child Care (Purchase of Care).
2. Complete the application. Enter household composition, income, your approved activity, and weekly work or school hours. Name a preferred provider if you have one.
3. Submit your documents. Photo ID for each adult, child birth certificates, proof of Delaware residency, 30 days of pay stubs or an employer letter, school or training enrollment, and a current schedule.
4. Wait for the determination. DSS reviews your application and notifies you of approval, denial, or missing items through Delaware ASSIST or by mail.
5. Choose a provider and enroll. Use Purchase of Care at any participating licensed center or licensed family child care home. DSS pays the provider, and you pay your monthly co-payment.

What if my application is denied?

You can appeal a DSS denial or termination by requesting a fair hearing, generally within the timeframe printed on your notice. Many denials are reversed once the family supplies a missing pay stub or corrected schedule. If the appeal fails, reapply when your income or hours change.

While you wait, layer other help: the Delaware Early Childhood Assistance Program and Head Start serve income-eligible children at no cost, and a Dependent Care FSA through your employer can shelter up to $5,000 pre-tax for care costs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for Purchase of Care in Delaware?

Apply online at Delaware ASSIST (assist.dhss.delaware.gov) or at a local Division of Social Services office. Submit your documents and wait for the DSS determination.

What is the income limit in 2026?

Entry eligibility is roughly 185 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, with families remaining eligible up to 85 percent of State Median Income. For a family of three, entry is roughly $4,100 to $4,400 per month.

Who administers Delaware subsidy?

The Delaware DHSS Division of Social Services administers Purchase of Care; the Department of Education Office of Early Learning oversees licensing and Delaware Stars.

What is Delaware Stars?

Delaware Stars for Early Success is the state's quality rating system. Purchase of Care reimbursement includes add-ons for higher-rated programs.

Can I use a relative as my provider?

In limited circumstances, after the relative enrolls with DSS and passes background checks. Licensed providers are reimbursed at higher rates.

Bottom line

For most Delaware families near the income ceiling, the best move is to apply for Purchase of Care through Delaware ASSIST now, even before you have chosen a daycare. Gather your documents, ask providers whether they accept Purchase of Care in full, and look at Delaware Stars ratings so your subsidy buys the most quality.