Resource Page: Federal Government Shutdown
If you are a federal worker or family member affected by the shutdown, help is available from Delaware agencies, nonprofits, and financial institutions.
If you need immediate assistance, call the Delaware Helpline at 2-1-1 (or use the options below).
General Assistance (State of Delaware)
- Delaware 2-1-1 Help Hotline — Dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP to 898-211, or use live chat. Delaware 211 is a free, confidential referral and information service connecting you with health & human service programs. Visit the 2-1-1 website.
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services — Contact the Division of Social Services or visit a State Service Center for information on emergency assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SNAP (food benefits), food closets and utility help. Visit the Division of Social Services Website.
General Assistance (Non-Profits)
- Catholic Charities, Delaware — Visit the Catholic Charities website.
- Delaware 2-1-1 Help Hotline — Dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP to 898-211, or use live chat. Delaware 211 is a free, confidential referral and information service connecting you with health & human service programs. Visit the 2-1-1 website.
- First State Community Action Agency — Offers services such as rental assistance, utility help, food pantries, and more. Visit the First State Community Action Agency website.
Food Assistance
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) — For food benefits such as SNAP (food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and other safety net supports.
- First State Food Relief Funds Program
- With SNAP benefits halted by the federal government beginning November 1, Governor Matt Meyer has tasked the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to stand up the First State Food Relief Funds program to protect Delawareans’ access to food in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. First State Food Relief Funds will be administered to EBT cardholders by DHSS and funded for November on a weekly basis only as the federal shutdown continues.
- First State Food Relief Funds Program: Visit the First State Food Relief Funds/SNAP Alert webpage.
- SNAP: Visit the Division of Social Services website.
- WIC Program: Visit the Delaware WIC Program website.
- With SNAP benefits halted by the federal government beginning November 1, Governor Matt Meyer has tasked the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to stand up the First State Food Relief Funds program to protect Delawareans’ access to food in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. First State Food Relief Funds will be administered to EBT cardholders by DHSS and funded for November on a weekly basis only as the federal shutdown continues.
- First State Food Relief Funds Program
- Food Bank of Delaware — Distributes food to pantries and community sites across Delaware. Visit the Food Bank of Delaware website.
Healthcare Assistance
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services — For information on medical assistance services, including Medicaid, the Delaware Healthy Children Program, and the Delaware Prescription Assistance Program, visit the DHSS website.
- Healthcare Systems in Delaware – Some may offer help navigating medical billing, appointments, and health service options. Reach out to your provider.
- ChristianaCare — Visit the Christiana Care website.
- Bayhealth — Visit the Bayhealth website.
- Beebe — Visit the Beebe website.
- Tidal Health — Visit the Tidal Health website.
- St. Francis (Trinity) — Visit the St. Francis website.
- Nemours — Visit the Nemours website.
Crisis Assistance
- Behavioral Health Support — If you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, financial distress, and need someone to talk to, dial/text 9-8-8 or visit the 988 website.
- Help is Here: Dial 1-833-9-HOPEDE or visit the Help is Here website.
- LGBTQ+ Hotline/Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386, or text 678-678
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services – offers 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Services through the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- New Castle County: (800) 652-2929
- Kent/Sussex Counties: (800) 345-6785
- The Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families – offers 24/7 behavioral health crisis support for youth ages 17 and younger and their families through the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health’s Mobile Response Stabilization Services. For help statewide, call 1-800-969-HELP (4357).
Unemployment
Delaware Department of Labor — Offers information and processing for eligible unemployment claims.
Online: Go to Division of Unemployment Insurance – Delaware Department of Labor and start an unemployment claim.
In Person: Stop by one of the Department of Labor locations below.
- Department of Labor – Wilmington
4425 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
- Department of Labor – Newark
252 Chapman Road, 2nd Floor
Newark, DE 19702
- Department of Labor – Dover
655 S. Bay Road, Suite 2H
Dover, DE 19901
- Department of Labor – Georgetown
8 Georgetown Plaza, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947
Student Loan Assistance
During a government shutdown, there could be some disruption to student aid and loan programs such as processing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), disbursing Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing Federal student loans. If you have federal student loans, you should continue to make your payments on time.
- Federal Student Aid— Provides guidance on student loans and managing them. Visit the Federal Student Aid website.
- Loan Servicers — Contact your loan servicer for alternative payment arrangements.
Childcare Assistance
- Head Start — If you are a parent of a child in a Head Start program, contact your local Head Start provider directly to inquire about the program’s financial status during a federal shutdown.
Utilities Assistance
- Delmarva Power — May grant flexible payment plans for electric utility service. Visit the Delmarva Power website.
- Utility Bill Assistance programs — Visit the Public Advocate’s website.
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services — Contact the Division of Social Services for emergency assistance with utility bills. Visit the DSS website.
- Delaware Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Helps with heating/cooling costs and improving home energy efficiency. Visit the LIHEAP website.
Phone, Internet, and Cable Assistance
Some providers may offer payment flexibility or relief options. Ask your service provider what they offer.
Contact Your Federal Delegation
If you need additional support or advocacy, you can reach out to your elected officials:
- Senator Chris Coons — Visit Senator Coons’ website.
- Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester — Visit Senator Blunt Rochester’s website.
- Congresswoman Sarah McBride — Visit Rep. McBride’s website.
Contact the Governor’s Office
If you need assistance with a state issue, or would like to share your concerns or ideas, you can contact the Office of Governor Matt Meyer:
Office of the Governor
Tatnall Building, 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. South, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: 302-744-4101
Send a message using our contact form
The Governor’s team can help connect you with state resources, direct your inquiry to the right agency, or assist with constituent concerns involving state services and programs.
Organizations Offering Help
If your organization is providing assistance to furloughed federal workers and should be added to this page, please email gic@delaware.gov.
Notes & Tips
- Many assistance programs are income-based or have eligibility rules. Be prepared to explain your situation (e.g. furloughed status, income drop) when contacting service providers.
- It’s helpful to keep documentation with you (pay stubs, federal ID, proof of address) when applying.
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Federal Shutdown
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