Delaware Utility Relief Programs: LIHEAP, Delmarva Help, and Shutoff Protections

Delaware utility relief programs side by side

Delaware is small, so nearly every program runs statewide through one or two organizations. That makes the system easier to navigate than in larger states. The trick is knowing which door fits your income. The table sorts the main options by who they serve.

If you are not sure where you fit, start with Catholic Charities. Its staff screen for DEAP first and can point you to the Energize Delaware funds if your income is too high. For a plain-language look at the federal program behind DEAP, see our LIHEAP guide.

DEAP heating and cooling for 2026–27

Delaware's LIHEAP plan for federal fiscal year 2027, which the federal government accepted, covers October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. The state puts about 48% of its LIHEAP money into heating, 10% into cooling, 20% into crisis help, and 10% into weatherization.

Heating benefit

The heating benefit is a one-time grant per season, sent to your electric company, gas company, or fuel dealer. The 2027 plan lists a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $2,496. The state sets your amount from home energy burden data, so households that spend a bigger share of income on energy tend to get more. For comparison, last season's plan listed a $2,464 maximum.

The plan sets several dates you should know:

• Application period: September 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 in the plan. Catholic Charities says it began taking applications for program year 27 on August 1, 2026.
• Benefits for gas and electric: applied to bills from October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
• Benefits for oil, propane, and kerosene: deliveries through April 30, 2027.

One public comment on the plan raised a practical point. People who apply in February or March have little time to use their benefit before unused money goes back on March 31. Applying in the fall avoids that problem.

Summer Cooling Assistance

Cooling applications run from April 1 to August 15. The 2027 plan lists a cooling benefit of up to $1,250, up from $1,000 the year before. The state says the exact cooling amount depends on how much money is left for summer, so it does not publish a fixed chart.

Applying through Catholic Charities

Delaware uses one income test for every part of DEAP: household income at or below 60% of the state median income. That limit is higher than the 150%-of-poverty rule many states use. Energize Delaware, which uses LIHEAP eligibility as its lower tier, lists about $3,145 a month for a one-person household. Catholic Charities has the full chart for larger households.

Ways to apply

• Online: returning clients can fill out, sign, and upload documents through the portal on the Catholic Charities heating application page. Incomplete applications are not processed.
• By appointment: first-time applicants and households with 10 or more people must call an office to schedule an intake.

Documents Catholic Charities asks for

Delaware is strict about Social Security proof. Catholic Charities accepts only the Social Security card or a Social Security Administration letter showing the number, for everyone older than 6 months. It also asks for:

1. Photo ID for every adult and proof of Delaware residency.
2. Proof of citizenship or qualified immigrant status for household members.
3. Award letters for Social Security, SSI, pensions, or veterans' benefits, or a bank statement showing the deposit.
4. Three months of pay stubs, or tax records if self-employed.
5. Current electric, gas, and propane bills showing the address and account numbers.
6. Proof of unemployment, child support, TANF, or General Assistance, and a class schedule for any adult in college.

Our documents checklist explains how to replace a missing card or letter. Catholic Charities' general line is 302-655-9624, Monday through Friday.

Crisis assistance and emergency fuel

Delaware runs its crisis help, called the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), year-round. It is tied to the weather. The state plan says the crisis program switches on when the 8:30 a.m. forecast shows that within the next 72 hours the temperature may drop to 40°F or below, or the heat index may reach 95°F or more.

During those periods, an income-eligible household may qualify if it:

• has been disconnected or has a disconnection notice;
• is on a payment arrangement to avoid a shutoff;
• has run out of delivered fuel, or has less than a quarter of a standard delivery and the dealer will not deliver; or
• needs an emergency repair to a heating or cooling system that has stopped working.

The household also has to show it has no other way to fix the problem within 48 hours. Delaware commits to resolving a crisis within 48 hours, or within 18 hours when the situation is life-threatening. Unlike some states, Delaware allows more than one crisis benefit in a year if money is available.

How much crisis help can a household get? The 2027 plan caps regular crisis help at $1,500 a year per household for fuel or utility bills, down from $2,500. Emergency repair of heating or cooling equipment can go up to $10,000. For after-hours emergencies, Catholic Charities lists a 24/7 hotline at 877-225-7870.

Energize Delaware funds for moderate incomes

In July 2025, Governor Matt Meyer signed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 50. It created help for households that earn too much for DEAP but still struggle with bills. Energize Delaware, the state's Sustainable Energy Utility, runs both funds. You can apply to one of them, not both.

Delaware Energy Fund

The Delaware Energy Fund gives a one-time credit of up to $300 to residential customers of utilities other than Delmarva Power. Household income must be below 350% of the federal poverty level. Energize Delaware's chart lists $54,775 a year for one person and $112,525 for a family of four. Before the credit is applied, you must complete an Energize Delaware efficiency visit, such as the Home Energy Checkup and Counseling (HEC2). Money is first come, first served. Call 888-735-1510 with questions.

Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund

Delmarva customers go to a separate fund instead. According to the Public Service Commission's 2026 notice, it gives a one-time grant to residential gas or electric customers with a past-due balance who either qualify for LIHEAP or have income up to 350% of poverty with at least $250 owed. Everyone must finish the HEC2 checkup. Energize Delaware lists a one-time credit of up to $300 per household. The fund is now closed: Energize Delaware says all funds are allocated, and Delmarva's relief page says it is no longer taking applications. Ask Energize Delaware at 302-883-3048 whether a new round opens.

Delmarva, the co-op, and gas company help

Delmarva Power. Delmarva serves most of New Castle County and much of the rest of the state. Besides the relief fund, ask about budget billing and a deferred payment arrangement. Delmarva has also asked the PSC, in its pending electric rate case (Docket 25-1555), to approve an income-based discount for customers enrolled in LIHEAP or DEAP. The PSC's public notice says it would take 20% off the distribution part of the bill. The PSC had not made a final decision when we checked, so treat it as a possibility, not a program.

Delaware Electric Cooperative. Members in Kent and Sussex counties can ask the co-op about Operation Share, a member-funded program for people facing a shutoff or out of fuel. Call the co-op for current rules, since we could not confirm this season's terms.

Chesapeake Utilities. The natural gas company's SHARE Fund may give customers who are elderly, disabled, or on a fixed income a grant toward the heating bill once each calendar year. Chesapeake says you apply through your local energy assistance office, so ask Catholic Charities at your DEAP appointment.

City-owned electric. Customers of municipal systems such as Dover, Newark, Lewes, or Seaford should ask their city utility office about payment plans. Delaware's 2025 shutoff law covers municipal electric service too, through a matching section of state law.

Your utility will not know you have applied for help until an agency contacts it. When you call about a bill, say that you have a DEAP or Energize Delaware application in progress and ask for a hold while it is processed.

What Delaware law says about shutoffs

Delaware's shutoff rules changed in 2025. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 62, signed May 22, 2025 and published as Chapter 24 of Volume 85, Laws of Delaware, rewrote 26 Del. C. § 117 for gas and electric companies and 22 Del. C. § 1319 for municipal electric service. It took effect 90 days after signing.

The notice must list the shutoff date, your right to dispute, installment options, assistance referrals including LIHEAP, and the medical option. You can also name a third person, such as a relative or caseworker, to receive copies of shutoff notices. A medical certificate can be renewed only if you are making a good-faith effort to pay, so pair it with a payment plan.

Older PSC regulations, such as 26 Del. Admin. Code 3002, still show lower triggers (32°F and a 105°F heat index). Where the statute gives you more protection, the statute controls. If a company does not follow the rules, contact the Division of the Public Advocate or the Delaware Public Service Commission.

Water bills, weatherization, and other help

Water and sewer. DEAP does not pay water bills. The City of Wilmington runs a permanent Utility Payment Assistance Program for city water customers with a financial hardship; the city lists an income limit of 200% of the poverty guidelines. Customers of private water companies or county sewer systems should call the provider and ask about payment arrangements or hardship credits. Delaware 211 can tell you what is open in your town.

Weatherization. The DNREC Weatherization Assistance Program offers free insulation, air sealing, and heating repairs to eligible homeowners and renters. DEAP clients qualify automatically on income, and the 2027 plan sends 10% of LIHEAP money to weatherization. Expect a wait.

Other local help. First State Community Action Agency and many churches give small one-time grants. You can also call Delaware 211. For a wider list, see our guide to emergency help with utility bills.

Food money. If high bills squeeze your grocery budget, check whether you qualify for SNAP. Paying utility costs can raise a SNAP benefit, and our SNAP calculator gives a quick estimate.

Related guides

• Delaware hardship program
• Delaware assistance programs
• Catholic Charities utility bill assistance
• New Jersey utility relief programs

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Benefit amounts, dates, and income limits are set by Delaware DHSS, Catholic Charities, Energize Delaware, and each utility, and can change when funding changes. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with the State of Delaware, any utility, or any government agency.