Delaware’s two statewide property tax breaks for homeowners both target school taxes: a credit for homeowners 65 and older [1] and a credit for 100% disabled veterans [2]. Counties also run their own exemptions for older owners [3], and after the 2025 reassessment the state gave counties new ways to soften big increases [4].
At a glance
- Senior School Property Tax Credit
- 50% of regular school tax, up to $500 [1]
- Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit
- Credit against the non-vocational school district tax [2]
- Deadline for both
- April 30, to your county [1][2]
- Reapply each year?
- No, for the senior credit [5]
- Payment plans after reassessment
- Allowed when a bill rises $300 or more [4]
The Senior School Property Tax Credit
If you’re 65 or older, you can take a credit against the regular school property taxes on your primary residence worth 50% of the tax, up to $500 [1].
The domicile rule
How long you need to have lived in Delaware depends on when you made it your legal home [1]:
| When you became a Delaware domiciliary | Required Delaware domicile |
|---|---|
| Before January 1, 2013 | No waiting period; eligible the next tax year |
| January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017 | At least 3 consecutive years |
| On or after January 1, 2018 | At least 10 consecutive years |
How to apply
Fill out the Senior School Property Tax Credit application and send it to the county where you live by April 30 [1]. Each applicant needs a copy of a valid driver’s license or official state ID [1]. The county takes the credit off your bill before it’s mailed [5]. If you own the home with someone else, your share of the credit follows your ownership share [5].
Once you qualify, you don’t have to reapply each year; if you move, check with your county, since you may need a new application [5]. To keep the credit, pay each year’s property tax bill in full by the end of the tax year [1][5].
Disabled veterans
Delaware’s Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit is a credit against 100% of the non-vocational school district property tax on a veteran’s primary residence [2]. The law behind it, House Bill 214 with House Amendment 1, signed August 10, 2021, allows school districts to grant the credit [2]. To qualify, you have to [2]:
- Receive 100% disability compensation for a service-connected, permanent and total disability, through either a 100% VA rating or individual unemployability.
- Have held legal domicile in Delaware for the past three years.
Applications for the coming tax year are due April 30 [2]. Bring a valid driver’s license or state ID, your VA disability documentation and a copy of your Social Security card [2]. You can’t claim both this credit and the senior school credit [2].
County exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities
On top of the state credits, Delaware law provides county property tax exemptions for owners 65 or older with limited income, applied for on forms each county sets, and lets New Castle, Kent and Sussex write their own rules for them [3]. Ask your county about its current income limits and deadlines, and whether it also offers an exemption for owners with disabilities. The Department of Finance lists these county contacts for questions [2]:
- New Castle County: (302) 395-5520
- Kent County: (302) 744-2401
- Sussex County: (302) 855-7871
Help after the 2025 reassessment
In August 2025, after a property reassessment, the governor signed a package of property tax relief and reform bills [4]. For homeowners, the useful pieces are [4]:
- Payment plans (HB 241): counties can offer payment plans for school and county taxes when a taxpayer’s bill rises by $300 or more from the year before. Late penalties are suspended for taxpayers on a plan, and New Castle County’s other late penalties drop from 5% to 1%.
- Refunds (HB 240): counties can refund property taxes overpaid by more than $50 the year after a reassessment.
- A review (SCR 122): a comprehensive review of the reassessment process to improve future assessments.
Where to start
- Your county tax or assessment office: the senior and disabled veteran school credits, county exemptions, and payment plans [1][2][3].
- Delaware Department of Finance: applications and rules for the state school tax credits [1][2].
Sources
- Delaware Department of Finance: Senior School Property Tax Relief
- Delaware Department of Finance: Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit
- Delaware Code Title 9, chapter 81, subchapter II: exemptions for citizens over 65 (county programs)
- Delaware News: Governor Meyer, Legislature Deliver Property Tax Relief And Reform (August 13, 2025)
- Delaware Department of Finance: Senior School Property Tax Relief, Commonly Asked Questions
Next steps
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Is there a Delaware property tax break for seniors?
Yes. Homeowners 65 or older can get a credit against the regular school property tax on their primary residence of 50%, up to $500. Anyone who became a Delaware domiciliary on or after January 1, 2018 needs at least 10 consecutive years of Delaware domicile to qualify. Apply to your county by April 30.
Do I have to reapply for the Delaware senior school tax credit every year?
No. The Delaware Department of Finance says that once you qualify, you don't need to reapply each year. If you move, contact your county property tax office, because you may need a new application. You do have to pay each year's tax bill in full by the end of the tax year to keep the credit for the next year.
What property tax help do Delaware disabled veterans get?
Veterans who receive 100% disability compensation for a service-connected, permanent and total disability, through either a 100% rating or individual unemployability, and who have been domiciled in Delaware for the past three years, can get a credit against the non-vocational school district property tax on their primary residence. Applications are due April 30. You can't claim both this credit and the senior credit.
Can I get a payment plan if my Delaware property tax bill went up after reassessment?
A 2025 Delaware law lets counties offer payment plans for school and county taxes when a bill goes up by $300 or more from the year before, and suspends late penalties for taxpayers on a plan. Ask your county tax office what it offers.