Does Delaware Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Yes, for the care part. In Delaware, Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) Long Term Services and Supports can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
Delaware · checked September 2026
Senior care help in Delaware
How Delaware helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Is there public help paying for assisted living in Delaware?
Yes, for the care. Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) Long Term Services and Supports helps pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
Paying for senior care in Delaware
Delaware's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Monthly income limit
$2,485
2026
250% of the SSI standard ($2,485/month for one person in 2026). If gross income is above this, a Miller trust (qualified income trust) is required. Nursing home residents keep $75/month for personal needs.
Asset limit (single person)
$2,000
2026
Countable resources must be $2,000 or less; spousal protections apply when there is a spouse at home.
If income is over the limit
Delaware uses a hard income cap. People over it can still qualify by putting the extra income into a Qualified Income Trust (a "Miller trust") each month.
Apply for Delaware Medicaid (Long Term Care Medicaid; Diamond State Health Plan Plus)
Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA), Delaware Health and Social Services
Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) Long Term Services and Supports
Can pay in assisted livingDelaware's Medicaid managed care program for older adults and people with physical disabilities who need long-term care. A health plan coordinates nursing home care, assisted living care, or help at home such as personal care, respite, adult day and home-delivered meals. Start by calling the Medicaid Central Intake Unit.
Waitlist: Ask whether there's a waitlist when you call.
PACE (all-inclusive care for 55+)
PACE provides all medical and long-term care for people 55+ who need nursing-home-level care but can live in the community. Programs in Delaware:
- Saint Francis LIFE, Northern Delaware, with centers in Newark and Wilmington (302) 660-3380
Who to call in Delaware
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)
Start hereThe state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
Delaware Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult protective servicesYou don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Call to confirm hours. APS covers people living in the community; for someone in a nursing home or assisted living, call the Division of Health Care Quality at 1-877-453-0012.
Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB)
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
How to check a Delaware assisted living or nursing home
In Delaware, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Facility. Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ), Delaware Health and Social Services
Look up any licensed community and read its inspection reports online.
File a complaint
Nursing homes
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
Delaware veterans homes and benefits
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Delaware Office of Veterans Services (Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs)
Free legal help and paperwork in Delaware
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) Elder Law Program
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Delaware help for caregivers and people with dementia
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
Yes, if the person you care for is enrolled in one of Delaware's Personal Attendant Services programs, which let them hire and supervise their own attendant, including family members and friends. Medicaid's DSHP Plus also covers consumer-directed attendant care. The ADRC can explain which program fits.
Caregiver Resource Centers and caregiver support (through the Delaware ADRC)
Information, referrals and in-person help for family caregivers, with Caregiver Resource Centers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Call the ADRC to get connected.
Lifespan Respite Care Program
Respite vouchers so eligible family caregivers can take a break, including caregivers of older adults. Run by Easterseals of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore.
DelaCARES
A free online community with practical guidance for family caregivers.
More help in Delaware
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill
A state-run long-term care facility operated by DSAAPD.
Delaware senior care questions
What is the Medicaid asset limit in Delaware?
$2,000 for a single person (2026). Countable resources must be $2,000 or less; spousal protections apply when there is a spouse at home.
Who do I call with a complaint about an assisted living or nursing home in Delaware?
The Delaware Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 1-855-773-1002. It's free and independent.
National help that works in Delaware too
Senior living in Delaware cities
Senior care guides for other states
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Researched from 29 sources, official pages first. Last checked .