Delaware Races Clock On SNAP Renewals As State Moves To Shield November Benefits

Delaware will fund weekly SNAP loads in November under a State of Emergency signed Oct. 29.

WILMINGTON — Delaware families who receive SNAP (food stamps) face a Monday recertification deadline that could interrupt November benefits for households whose certification periods end in October. At the same time, the state has declared a limited State of Emergency, so benefits can continue despite a federal shutdown that would otherwise halt payments.

Gov. Matt Meyer, on Wednesday, declared an emergency order, authorizing Delaware to load SNAP benefits week-to-week in November with state funds and to boost support for food banks and pantries if needed. The order cites more than 120,000 Delawareans relying on SNAP each month. The administration emphasized the measure is temporary and intended to prevent an abrupt lapse while federal payments are suspended.

Republican legislative leaders publicly backed keeping benefits flowing but urged Meyer to use uncommitted state dollars first and, if necessary, call the General Assembly into session. In letters this week, GOP caucuses suggested redirecting money earmarked for the Legislative Hall parking garage project and portions of the state’s ERP cloud migration budget, with backfilling once federal operations resume.

The emergency order follows a USDA memo stating it would not deploy federal contingency funds for November SNAP during the shutdown and would not reimburse states that self-fund benefits—leaving states to decide whether to cover the gap. Several states, including Delaware, have now acted, according to reports in Reuters.

Meanwhile, the Delaware Division of Social Services (DSS) says many SNAP households still must complete routine recertification by Monday to avoid a separate interruption unrelated to the shutdown. Renewals can be submitted through the Delaware ASSIST portal or at State Service Centers. DSS reminds clients to provide income, housing and household documentation; missing items can delay approval. Delaware Health and Social Services+1

Local nonprofits, including the Food Bank of Delaware, are preparing for increased demand if families miss the cutoff or experience processing delays, even with the state’s emergency funding in place. Advocates have stepped up outreach through social media, churches and community partners to prevent gaps.

What families should do now

Check if you’re due to renew: This applies to households whose certification period ends in October. Delaware Health and Social Services
Recertify by Monday: Submit online via Delaware ASSIST or return your mailed packet to DSS; include income, rent/mortgage, utilities and household size documentation.
Need help or status updates? Call the SNAP hotline: 1-866-843-7212 or log in to Delaware ASSIST. Delaware Health and Social Services

The big picture

State action: Delaware will fund weekly SNAP loads in November while federal payments are suspended, under a State of Emergency signed Oct. 29.
GOP stance: Support for continuity of benefits, coupled with calls to reprioritize specific state funds and, if needed, reconvene lawmakers. See House Republicans open letter.
Why it’s urgent: A federal memo says USDA will not use contingency funds for November and won’t reimburse states that pay on their own.

Editor’s note for readers: If you or someone you know receives SNAP, don’t wait—complete recertification before Monday to avoid a processing gap. Renew at Delaware ASSIST or contact DSS for assistance.