How to Get Help Paying Heating Bills in Kent & Sussex County, Delaware (2026-27)
Where Kent and Sussex County homeowners and renters apply for LIHEAP heating assistance, what to bring, deadlines, and what to do if your heat stops working.
Updated 2026-10-23. First State Home Link is a free referral service operated by Doorstep Digital (Milford, Delaware). We are not a contractor and do not perform any work ourselves. We connect homeowners in Sussex and Kent counties with independent local service providers, who set their own prices and are responsible for their own work. We are not affiliated with LIHEAP, Catholic Charities or the State of Delaware; confirm details with them directly.
Quick answer
Apply for winter heating help through the Delaware Energy Assistance Program, run by Catholic Charities for the state Division of Social Services. Returning applicants can use the online heating application. First-time applicants call the Kent office (302-674-1782) or the Sussex office (302-856-6310) for an intake appointment. The 2026-27 heating period runs October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
If the heat isn't working at all
Bill help won't fix a broken system. Check the thermostat setting and batteries, the breaker, and the furnace filter first. If it's still out, see our heating and air conditioning page to get connected with a local HVAC technician, and check their Delaware license before work starts.
Sources: Catholic Charities heating application, DHSS Utility Assistance, LIHEAP Clearinghouse Delaware profile.
Common questions
Who runs heating assistance in Kent and Sussex counties?
The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) uses federal LIHEAP funds through the Division of Social Services, and Catholic Charities administers it statewide. The Kent County office is at 2099 S. DuPont Highway, Dover (302-674-1782) and the Sussex County office is at 404 S. Bedford St., Suite 9, Georgetown (302-856-6310).
When can I apply for winter heating help?
Catholic Charities lists the 2026-27 heating application period as October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, and began accepting applications on August 1, 2026. Offices get busy once it turns cold, so apply early.
Can I apply online?
Yes, returning applicants can use the Catholic Charities online heating application or the state's ASSIST self-service portal. First-time applicants, and households of 10 or more, must call their county DEAP office to schedule an intake appointment.
Who qualifies?
Income-eligible Delaware households, whether they own or rent. The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists Delaware's income limit as 60% of state median income; Catholic Charities posts the current gross income guidelines on its site.
What documents do I need?
Photo ID for adults, Social Security cards for everyone in the household over 6 months old, proof of citizenship or qualified alien status, proof of Delaware residency, recent utility or fuel bills, a lease or proof of ownership, and 3 months of income documents. Incomplete applications aren't processed.
Does LIHEAP pay my whole heating bill?
No. It's a one-time supplemental benefit paid directly to your utility or fuel company, and eligibility doesn't guarantee a benefit because funding is limited. Keep paying your bill until you get an eligibility letter.
What if my heat is about to be shut off or I'm out of fuel?
Ask your county DEAP office about crisis assistance, which the LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists as available year-round. Chesapeake Utilities customers who are elderly, disabled or on a fixed income can also ask about its Sharing Program, administered by Catholic Charities in Kent County and the Salvation Army in Sussex.
Is there help to make my home cheaper to heat?
Delaware's Weatherization Assistance Program (302-504-6111) helps income-eligible households with energy-saving repairs. If your furnace or heat pump itself is broken, you'll also need a licensed HVAC technician.