DOVER — The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for January to eligible households as part of the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be issued Wednesday and should be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards on Thursday. Recipients of cash assistance programs,Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and General Assistance, should receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Wednesday. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of January are not eligible for the January emergency cash funds.

DSS has issued emergency benefits every month since March 2020 as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. An estimated 147 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in January, totaling about $20,570 in emergency benefits for the month. In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for January on the usual issuance dates.

For more information about DSS’ benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to the division’s webpage.

To be screened for and to apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212. To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, clients are asked to contact the Division of Social Services by phone or online.