Applying for Section 8 in Delaware can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process makes it much more manageable. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market. In Delaware, multiple housing authorities administer the program, and each one has its own waiting list, application process, and timeline.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to apply for Section 8 in Delaware, from eligibility requirements and income limits to the specific housing authorities you can contact.
Not sure which benefits you qualify for? Use our free eligibility screener to check your eligibility for Section 8 and other assistance programs in minutes.
What Is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Once approved, participants receive a voucher that covers a portion of their monthly rent. The tenant typically pays about 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remaining amount up to a limit called the payment standard.
In Delaware, the program is administered by several local and state housing authorities rather than a single statewide office. This means you may be able to apply to more than one housing authority depending on where you live or want to live.
Delaware Housing Authorities That Administer Section 8
Delaware has six public housing agencies that manage Section 8 programs. Here is a list of each agency, what areas they serve, and how to contact them:
| Housing Authority | Area Served | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Section 8 Office | Kent County, Sussex County | (302) 739-4263 | 18 The Green, Dover, DE 19904 |
| Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) | City of Wilmington | (302) 429-6701 | 400 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 |
| Dover Housing Authority | City of Dover | (302) 678-1965 | 76 Stevenson Drive, Dover, DE 19901 |
| Newark Housing Authority | City of Newark | (302) 366-0826 | 313 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 |
| New Castle County Housing Authority | New Castle County | (302) 283-8108 | 77 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720 |
| DSHA Public Housing Office | Statewide | (302) 739-4263 | 18 The Green, Dover, DE 19904 |
Each authority maintains its own waiting list, so you should check with the agencies that cover your area or the area where you would like to live.
Income Limits for Section 8 in Delaware
To qualify for Section 8 in Delaware, your household income must fall below certain limits set by HUD each year. These limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county or metropolitan area where you plan to live. HUD generally requires that at least 75% of new voucher recipients have incomes at or below 30% of AMI (extremely low income).
The following table shows approximate income limits for the most common Delaware areas for FY 2025. Limits vary by household size and county. These figures are estimates based on HUD guidelines and may be updated annually.
Wilmington/New Castle County Area (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Metro)
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,150 | $36,900 | $55,500 |
| 2 Persons | $25,300 | $42,200 | $63,400 |
| 3 Persons | $28,500 | $47,450 | $71,350 |
| 4 Persons | $31,650 | $52,700 | $79,250 |
| 5 Persons | $34,200 | $56,950 | $85,600 |
| 6 Persons | $36,750 | $61,150 | $91,950 |
Dover/Kent County Area
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,550 | $29,250 | $46,800 |
| 2 Persons | $20,050 | $33,400 | $53,450 |
| 3 Persons | $22,550 | $37,600 | $60,150 |
| 4 Persons | $25,050 | $41,750 | $66,800 |
| 5 Persons | $27,100 | $45,100 | $72,150 |
| 6 Persons | $29,100 | $48,450 | $77,500 |
Sussex County Area
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,550 | $27,050 | $43,300 |
| 2 Persons | $20,050 | $30,900 | $49,500 |
| 3 Persons | $22,550 | $34,750 | $55,650 |
| 4 Persons | $25,050 | $38,600 | $61,800 |
| 5 Persons | $27,100 | $41,700 | $66,750 |
| 6 Persons | $29,100 | $44,800 | $71,700 |
Note: These income limits are approximate and based on HUD FY 2025 guidelines. Exact figures may vary slightly. Always confirm current limits with your local housing authority or visit HUD's income limits page for the most up-to-date numbers.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Section 8 in Delaware
Step 1: Determine Which Housing Authority Serves Your Area
Use the table above to identify the housing authority (or authorities) that cover the area where you live or want to live. You can apply to multiple housing authorities to improve your chances, as each maintains a separate waiting list.
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
Section 8 waiting lists in Delaware open and close periodically. Some may be open for extended periods, while others open for only a single day. For example:
- The DSHA Section 8 Office (Kent and Sussex County) has periodically opened its waiting list. As of the most recent available information, applications were accepted online and by mail.
- The Wilmington Housing Authority Section 8 waiting list was last opened for one day in October 2019. There is no set schedule for when it will reopen.
- Other local authorities open their lists on varying schedules.
Check each housing authority's website regularly or call their office to ask about waiting list status. You can also monitor AffordableHousingOnline.com for updates.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, prepare the following documents for all household members:
- Identification: Government-issued photo ID for all adults (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income: Pay stubs, benefit award letters, Social Security statements, child support documentation, or a letter from your employer
- Tax returns: Most recent federal tax return
- Proof of assets: Bank statements (checking, savings), retirement account statements
- Proof of current address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail
- Immigration status documentation (if applicable)
- Disability verification (if applicable and you are requesting a preference)
- Veteran status documentation (DD-214 or VA benefit letter, if applicable)
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Depending on the housing authority, you may be able to apply in one or more of the following ways:
- Online: The DSHA accepts applications through its online portal at secure.destatehousing.com
- By mail: Request a paper application by calling the housing authority or download one from their website
- In person: Visit the housing authority office during business hours to pick up and submit an application
- By phone: Call (888) 363-8808 (DSHA) to request an application be mailed to you
Fill out the application completely and accurately. Incomplete applications may be returned or placed at the bottom of the list.
Step 5: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After your application is accepted, you will be placed on the waiting list. Wait times in Delaware can range from several months to several years depending on the housing authority and your priority status. During this time:
- Keep your contact information current with the housing authority
- Respond promptly to any mail or requests from the housing authority
- Report any changes in income, household composition, or address
If you do not respond to correspondence, you may lose your place on the waiting list.
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the housing authority will contact you for an eligibility interview. At this appointment, you will need to provide:
- Updated versions of all documents listed in Step 3
- Any additional documents requested by the housing authority
- Information about your current housing situation
The housing authority will verify your income, household composition, and background. A criminal background check and landlord reference checks are standard parts of the process.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You will then have a set period of time (typically 60 to 120 days) to find a rental unit that meets the program's requirements. The unit must:
- Meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have a rent within the payment standard for your area
- Pass an inspection by the housing authority
Your landlord must agree to participate in the Section 8 program, and the housing authority must approve the lease before you move in.
Waiting List Preferences in Delaware
Many housing authorities in Delaware give priority to certain applicants through a preference system. Common preferences include:
- Residency: Applicants who live or work in the housing authority's jurisdiction
- Employment: Applicants working more than 20 hours per week
- Veterans: Military veterans and their families
- Elderly or disabled: Seniors aged 62 and older or individuals with documented disabilities
- Victims of domestic violence: Those fleeing unsafe living situations
Having one or more preferences does not guarantee faster placement, but it can move you higher on the waiting list.
Delaware's Moving to Work (MTW) Program
The Delaware State Housing Authority participates in HUD's Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration program. Under MTW, the DSHA has flexibility to design and test innovative approaches to providing housing assistance. One key requirement is that non-elderly, non-disabled participants in the DSHA's Section 8 program must also be enrolled in the MTW program. This typically involves meeting self-sufficiency goals such as employment or education milestones.
If you are applying through DSHA (Kent and Sussex County), be aware of the MTW participation requirement. Elderly and disabled applicants are generally exempt from MTW requirements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply to multiple housing authorities. You are not limited to one application. Submitting to several agencies increases your chances.
- Keep copies of everything. Make photocopies of your application and all supporting documents before submitting.
- Update your information. If you move, change phone numbers, or experience a change in income, notify the housing authority immediately.
- Be patient but persistent. Wait times can be long. Check in periodically with the housing authority to confirm your place on the list.
- Look into other assistance while you wait. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP can help with expenses while you wait for Section 8 approval.
Explore other programs you may qualify for on our Delaware Benefits Overview page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Delaware?
Wait times vary significantly by housing authority. Some lists may have waits of one to three years or longer, while others could be shorter depending on funding and turnover. The Wilmington Housing Authority, for example, has not opened its Section 8 waiting list since October 2019, indicating a long backlog.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Delaware if I live in another state?
Yes, you can apply to a Delaware housing authority from another state. However, housing authorities often give preference to applicants who already live or work in their service area. Once you receive a voucher, you may be able to use it in any state through the portability feature, though there may be a residency requirement during your initial lease-up period.
What happens if my income changes while I am on the waiting list?
You should report any income changes to the housing authority. Your eligibility will be re-evaluated when your name comes up on the list. Increased income does not automatically disqualify you, as long as you remain under the income limits at the time of final eligibility determination.
Can I choose where I live with a Section 8 voucher?
Yes, the Housing Choice Voucher program allows you to rent any unit that meets program requirements, as long as the landlord agrees to participate. You are not limited to specific housing projects or complexes.
What if I am denied Section 8 assistance?
If your application is denied, the housing authority must provide a written explanation and inform you of your right to an informal hearing. You can present evidence and argue your case at this hearing.
Is Section 8 the same as public housing?
No. Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) allows you to rent from private landlords in the open market. Public housing involves living in government-owned housing developments. Both programs serve low-income residents, but they operate differently.
How much rent will I pay with a Section 8 voucher?
Generally, you will pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The voucher covers the difference between your contribution and the actual rent, up to the payment standard set by the housing authority.
Other Resources for Delaware Renters
- Delaware Housing Search: DelawareHousingSearch.org or call 1-877-428-8844 for help finding affordable rentals
- 211 Delaware: Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local housing and social service programs
- HUD Housing Counseling: Call (800) 569-4287 or visit HUD's counselor search for free housing advice
- Delaware Community Legal Aid: CLASI tenant rights resources for legal help with housing issues
Check your eligibility for Section 8 and other benefits with our free screener.
