Securing affordable housing can be a significant challenge for many in Delaware, where housing costs often stretch household budgets. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides critical assistance, helping low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities access safe and stable housing in the private market. Administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and local housing authorities, this program helps bridge the gap between income and housing costs.

This guide outlines eligibility requirements, income limits, fair market rents, and the application process for Section 8 in Delaware. Additionally, it highlights other low-income housing options available in the state.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Delaware?

To qualify for Section 8, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Income Limits: Household income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For example, in New Castle County, a family of four must earn $48,000 or less in 2025 to qualify. Priority is often given to households earning less than 30% of the AMI.

Residency and Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, or eligible non-citizens.

Background and Rental History: Applicants must pass a criminal background check and demonstrate responsible rental history, such as paying rent on time and adhering to lease agreements.

Special circumstances, such as disabilities or age, may also influence eligibility. Contact the DSHA or your local housing authority for specific details.

What is the maximum amount of assistance that Section 8 will pay in Delaware?

The maximum amount of assistance that Section 8 will pay in Delaware is determined by the Section 8 payment standard. The payment standard is the maximum amount of monthly rent and utilities that Section 8 will pay on behalf of a participant. The payment standard is based on the fair market rent for the area where the participant is seeking housing.

The fair market rent is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is based on the rental market in the area. The fair market rent varies by area and is updated annually. The fair market rent for Delaware can be found on the HUD website.

The amount of assistance that a participant receives is also determined by other factors, such as the participant's income, family size, and the cost of the rental unit. Participants are required to pay a portion of their income towards their rent, which is known as the tenant rent contribution. The tenant rent contribution formula is based on a percentage of the participant's adjusted gross income.

The DSHA provides assistance and guidance on the Section 8 payment standard, tenant rent contribution, and other factors that affect the amount of assistance that a participant may receive.

Income Limits for Section 8 in Delaware

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Delaware, an individual or household's income must not exceed a certain limit. These income limits vary by family size and are based on the area median income (AMI). The AMI is the median income for a particular geographic area, and it is updated annually.

In Delaware, the income limits for Section 8 are determined by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). The income limits are based on the family size and the area where the participant is seeking housing. The income limits for each area in Delaware can be found on the DSHA website.

To determine eligibility for Section 8 housing in Delaware, the participant's income is calculated based on their adjusted gross income (AGI). The AGI is the participant's total income minus any deductions allowed by law. The participant's AGI is compared to the income limits for their area and family size to determine eligibility.

The DSHA provides guidance and assistance on calculating income for Section 8 eligibility. Participants may be required to provide documentation of their income, such as tax returns or pay stubs, as part of the application process.

Fair Market Rents in Delaware

Fair Market Rents (FMR) are used to determine the maximum amount of rent that can be paid by Section 8 housing assistance. FMRs are established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the rental market in the area where the participant is seeking housing.

In Delaware, the Fair Market Rents for Section 8 are determined by HUD and are based on the area where the participant is seeking housing. The Fair Market Rents for each area in Delaware can be found on the HUD website.

The Fair Market Rents for Section 8 are determined using a variety of data, such as rental prices, vacancy rates, and housing quality. HUD conducts surveys and research to determine the Fair Market Rents for each area. These rents are then used to establish the maximum amount of rental assistance that can be provided to Section 8 participants.

The Fair Market Rents affect the amount of assistance that Section 8 participants can receive. The payment standard, or the maximum amount of rent and utilities that Section 8 will pay on behalf of a participant, is based on the Fair Market Rent. If the rental unit costs less than the Fair Market Rent, the participant may pay less for their rent and utilities, which can save them money.

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) provides guidance and assistance on Fair Market Rents for Section 8 participants. The DSHA can help participants find housing that meets the Fair Market Rent requirements and can answer any questions about how the Fair Market Rent affects Section 8 voucher amounts.

How to apply for Section 8 housing in Delaware

The application process for Section 8 housing in Delaware involves several steps. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is responsible for administering the program in the state.

The first step in the application process is to determine eligibility for Section 8 housing in Delaware. Eligibility is based on factors such as income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status. Once eligibility is determined, the participant can begin the application process.

In Delaware, the application process for Section 8 housing can be completed online, in person, or by mail. The online application process is available through the DSHA website and can be completed from any computer with internet access. The online application is secure and confidential.

To apply in person, participants can visit the DSHA office or one of the local housing authorities in Delaware. Participants can also request a paper application by mail from the DSHA office.

The required documents for the Section 8 housing application in Delaware may vary based on the individual circumstances. Generally, applicants will need to provide documents such as identification, income verification, and proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status. The DSHA can provide guidance on the required documents for the application.

The application process for Section 8 housing in Delaware can take several weeks or months to complete. The DSHA will notify applicants of their eligibility status and may require additional documentation or information before approving the application. The DSHA is available to provide assistance and guidance throughout the application process.

Housing Authorities in Delaware

Housing authorities in Delaware are responsible for administering Section 8 housing programs in their respective areas. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) oversees the Section 8 program in Delaware, but local housing authorities are responsible for managing the program at the local level.

The role of housing authorities in administering Section 8 includes determining eligibility for the program, processing applications, and conducting housing inspections. Housing authorities are also responsible for maintaining waiting lists for Section 8 housing and issuing vouchers to eligible participants.

Each housing authority is responsible for administering the program in their respective area and may have slightly different policies and procedures. Participants can contact their local housing authority for more information on the Section 8 program and the application process.

The following table contains contact information for Housing Authorities in Delaware.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Wilmington Housing Authority	100 W. 10th Street Wilmington, DE 19801 302-429-6701 Email	Visit Website
Dover Housing Authority	1114 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901 302-674-1663 Email	Visit Website
Newark Housing Authority	313 E. Main Street Newark, DE 19711 302-366-0826 Email	Visit Website
New Castle County Housing Authority	77 Read's Way New Castle, DE 19720 302-395-5600 Email	Visit Website
Sussex County Housing Authority	31039 N. Poplar Street Laurel, DE 19956 302-875-5225 Email	Visit Website

Section 8 Housing Delaware waiting list and approval timeline

The Section 8 waiting list in Delaware is managed by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and local housing authorities. The waiting list is used to determine who will receive a Section 8 voucher when one becomes available. The waiting list can be several months or even years long, depending on the area and the demand for Section 8 housing.

Participants can check their waiting list status by contacting the DSHA or their local housing authority. The waiting list is updated regularly, and participants will be notified when their name is at the top of the list.

Once a participant's name reaches the top of the waiting list, they will be issued a Section 8 voucher. The voucher can be used to pay for rental housing that meets the program's requirements.

The Section 8 application processing timeline in Delaware can vary depending on factors such as the number of applicants, the availability of funding, and the accuracy of the application. In general, the application process can take several weeks or months to complete.

Factors that may affect the processing time include incomplete or incorrect information on the application, delays in verifying income and other eligibility requirements, and a high volume of applications. Participants can contact the DSHA or their local housing authority for updates on their application status.

Once an application is approved, participants can expect to receive a Section 8 voucher within a few weeks. The voucher can be used to pay for rental housing that meets the program's requirements, and participants are responsible for finding suitable housing within a certain timeframe. The DSHA and local housing authorities can provide assistance and guidance on finding Section 8 housing in Delaware.

The following table shows the current waiting list status of Housing Authorities in Delaware.

Housing Authority	Waiting List Status	Visit Website
Wilmington Housing Authority	Open	Visit Website
Dover Housing Authority	Closed	Visit Website
Newark Housing Authority	Open	Visit Website
New Castle County Housing Authority	Closed	Visit Website
Sussex County Housing Authority	Open	Visit Website

Other Low-income housing options in Delaware

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Delaware. These options include subsidized housing programs and low-income housing with no waiting list.

Subsidized housing programs in Delaware include the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Homeownership Preservation and Protection Program (HPPP), and the Delaware Emergency Housing Assistance Program (DEHAP). These programs provide assistance with rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills for eligible low-income individuals and families.

To find low-income housing options in Delaware, participants can search online resources such as the Delaware Housing Search website or contact local housing authorities for assistance. The Delaware State Housing Authority also provides resources and guidance on finding affordable housing in Delaware.

Low-income housing with no waiting list is available through some private landlords and non-profit organizations in Delaware. These options may not be subsidized by the government but may offer affordable rent and no waiting list. Participants can search online or contact local organizations for more information on these options.

The DSHA and local housing authorities in Delaware can provide assistance and guidance on low-income housing options in the state.

Building a Stronger Foundation with Section 8 in Delaware

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program empowers Delaware residents to achieve housing stability and financial independence. While the application process may require patience, the program’s benefits can make a lasting impact.

For more information, contact your local housing authority or visit the DSHA website. By staying informed and proactive, Delaware residents can secure the housing assistance they need for a brighter future.