You can apply for Delaware Medicaid three ways: online through the ASSIST portal, in person at a DMMA or DARC office, or by phone through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. This guide covers each channel, the documents to gather first, and what to expect after you submit.

For the most current details, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma.

Three Ways to Apply

All three channels feed the same DMMA eligibility process. Gathering your documents before you start is the single most effective way to prevent delays.

Apply Online Through ASSIST

The ASSIST portal at assist.dhss.delaware.gov is Delaware's primary self-service tool for public benefits including Medicaid, SNAP, and cash assistance. Create an account to save your progress, track your application, and upload supporting documents. You can also apply without creating an account.

For seniors applying for long-term care coverage, ASSIST walks through the financial and medical sections of the application in sequence. If your situation is complex (a spouse remaining at home, recent asset transfers, or income above the cap), you may want to supplement the online application with a phone call or in-person visit.

Apply in Person

DMMA and the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (DARC) both accept in-person applications. DARC staff specialize in helping older adults and people with disabilities navigate long-term services and supports, including Medicaid. This channel works well for applicants who want face-to-face guidance, who have complicated documentation, or whose income requires a Miller Trust setup.

To find a DMMA office or DARC location near you, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma.

Apply by Phone

Contact DMMA directly by calling the main line at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma or through DARC. A representative can explain the eligibility rules, help you understand whether a Miller Trust is needed, and walk you through the documents to submit.

Documents You'll Need to Apply for Delaware Medicaid

Gather these before you apply. Missing paperwork is the most common reason an application stalls.

  • Identity and citizenship: a driver's license or state ID plus proof of U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status.
  • Social Security number for each person applying.
  • Proof of income: Social Security award letters, pension or retirement statements, and recent pay stubs if applicable.
  • Bank and asset statements: checking, savings, CDs, retirement accounts, stocks, and bonds. The 2026 asset limit for a single long-term care applicant is $2,000 in countable resources.
  • Insurance information: Medicare card and any other health insurance details.
  • Medical records: for long-term care, documentation supporting the level-of-care assessment.
  • Miller Trust documents (if applicable): Delaware is an income-cap state. If your gross monthly income exceeds $2,982, you must establish a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller Trust) before Medicaid will approve long-term care coverage. An elder law attorney can assist with setup.

For long-term care Medicaid applicants, also prepare a five-year financial history. Delaware applies a 60-month look-back on uncompensated asset transfers, and transfers made for less than fair market value within that window can create a penalty period of ineligibility.

What Happens After You Apply

DMMA reviews your application and issues a financial eligibility determination. Long-term care applicants also receive a clinical level-of-care screening that runs on a separate track. Both the financial and clinical approvals must clear before long-term care Medicaid pays.

Federal rules give state agencies up to 45 days to decide most applications, extended to roughly 90 days when a disability determination is required. Retroactive coverage is available for up to three months before the application month if you were eligible during that period.

Respond promptly to any request from DMMA. Delays in providing documentation extend processing time.

If Your Application Is Denied

A denial is not necessarily final. Read the notice carefully: it states the reason and the appeal deadline. Many denials are procedural rather than substantive and can be resolved by supplying what DMMA requested.

Under federal Medicaid rules, you have the right to appeal an adverse decision and request a fair hearing. The denial notice specifies the deadline and method to file. If the denial turned on income exceeding the cap, the path forward may be establishing a Miller Trust. Confirm any approach with DMMA or a qualified elder law professional before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Go to the ASSIST portal at assist.dhss.delaware.gov and start a Medicaid application. ASSIST handles Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits in one place. Create an account to save progress and upload documents.

$2,982 per month for a single applicant, equal to 300% of the 2026 SSI Federal Benefit Rate. Delaware is an income-cap state: if gross monthly income exceeds this figure, you must establish a Miller Trust to redirect the excess before Medicaid will cover long-term care.

A Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) is a special irrevocable trust that holds income above the $2,982/month cap. Because Delaware is an income-cap state, applicants whose gross income exceeds the cap must establish one to qualify for long-term care Medicaid. An elder law attorney can set one up. Each month, the excess income goes into the trust and is applied toward allowable expenses; the state receives any balance remaining at death.

Federal rules give DMMA up to 45 days to decide most applications, or about 90 days when a disability determination is needed. The most common cause of delay is missing documents. Respond promptly to any request from DMMA.

Yes. A family member, authorized representative, or person with power of attorney can apply on your behalf through ASSIST, in person, or by phone. Confirm any representative paperwork requirements with DMMA.

Learn More

Find personalized help applying for Delaware Medicaid at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

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Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.