Where Delaware's Section 8 Program Operates

Delaware has one housing authority that administers Section 8 vouchers for the entire state: the Delaware Housing Authority (DHA). Unlike larger states with multiple regional authorities, all voucher applications, waiting lists, and tenant services go through DHA's central office in Wilmington. This means there is one waiting list to join and one set of rules to follow, regardless of where in Delaware you live.

DHA also manages public housing properties, but the voucher program is separate. A voucher lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program, rather than living in a DHA-owned building. The voucher covers a portion of your rent; you pay the difference out of pocket.

Because Delaware is small and centralized, you will not find multiple housing authorities competing for applicants or offering different programs. Everything runs through one office, which can make the process simpler but also means the waiting list moves at one pace.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware Housing Authority is the only source for Section 8 vouchers in the state, and you must explore directly to them in Wilmington.
  • The waiting list is typically closed, but DHA periodically opens it for a limited time — you must watch their website or call to know when.
  • Income limits for a single person are around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, and higher for larger households, but the exact figure depends on your family size and changes annually.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID to submit your information.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord and sign a lease, or the voucher expires.

Income Limits and Household Composition Rules

Delaware Housing Authority sets income limits based on your household size and the area median income for the state. For a single person, the limit is typically in the $30,000 to $35,000 range per year. For a family of four, it is usually around $50,000 to $55,000. These numbers change each year, so you should confirm the current limits by calling DHA or checking their website before you gather documents.

Your household includes anyone who lives with you and depends on your income — children, parents, a spouse, or others. DHA counts all household members' income together. If you have a roommate who is not related to you and does not depend on you financially, they are not part of your household for this purpose, but you will need to explain the living arrangement.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming in. Some income is not counted — for example, income of children under 18 in school, and certain education grants. If you receive benefits from multiple sources, bring documentation for all of them.

Documents You Need to Gather Before Contacting DHA

Delaware Housing Authority will ask for specific documents to verify your information. Have these ready before you call or visit:

  • Photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for the head of household.
  • Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all household members.
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work visa).
  • Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days) or a letter from your employer stating your income.
  • If self-employed, tax returns from the last two years.
  • If receiving benefits, award letters from Social Security, unemployment, or other agencies.
  • Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency).
  • If you have children, birth certificates and proof of custody if applicable.

You do not need to submit all of these at once. DHA will tell you which documents to bring when you contact them. Having them organized before you call will speed up the process.

How to Contact Delaware Housing Authority and Check Waiting List Status

The Delaware Housing Authority's main office is located in Wilmington. You can reach them by phone at (302) 571-6300 to ask about waiting list status and process procedures. Their website is www.delhousing.org, where you can also find current income limits and program information.

Before you contact them, understand that the waiting list is usually closed. DHA opens it periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — and then closes it again once they have enough applications. When the list is closed, you cannot add your name. You must call or check the website to learn about it is currently open.

If the list is open, you can explore in person at the DHA office or by mail. Ask which method is faster when you call. Some housing authorities process mail applications more slowly, so an in-person visit may get you on the list sooner.

What Happens After You Are Added to the Waiting List

Once your process is accepted and you are on the waiting list, you will wait for your name to come up. How long this takes depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers DHA has available each year. In some states this is a few months; in others it can be several years. Delaware's wait time varies, so ask DHA for an estimate when you explore.

While you are waiting, your circumstances may change — your income may go up or down, you may move, or household members may join or leave. You are responsible for telling DHA about major changes. Some changes may move you up or down the list, or could affect whether you still meet income limits.

When your name reaches the top of the list, DHA will contact you. At that point, you will attend an orientation session and receive your voucher. You will then have a limited time — usually 120 days — to find a landlord who accepts Section 8, sign a lease, and have the property inspected. If you do not use the voucher within that time, it expires and goes back to DHA.

Finding a Landlord and Using Your Voucher

Once you have a voucher, you can rent from any private landlord in Delaware who is willing to participate in the Section 8 program. Not all landlords accept vouchers — some prefer to rent only to tenants paying full market rent. You will need to search for available rentals and ask landlords directly whether they accept Section 8.

When you find a place, the landlord must sign a lease with you and DHA. DHA will inspect the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, electricity, and safe structure. If the property passes inspection, DHA will sign the lease and begin paying their portion of the rent directly to the landlord each month.

You pay the difference between what DHA pays and the actual rent. This amount is called your tenant contribution, and it is usually based on 30 percent of your household income. If your income changes, your contribution may change too.

What Can Disqualify You or Remove You From the Program

DHA will deny your process or remove you from the program if you have certain criminal convictions, including drug-related felonies within a set time period. You will also be denied if you owe money to a housing authority in another state or have been evicted from public housing for lease violations.

If you are already receiving a voucher, you can lose it if you fail to pay your share of the rent, damage the property beyond normal wear, or violate the lease in other ways. You can also lose it if your income exceeds the program limit by a certain amount for a certain time period, though DHA usually gives you time to adjust before removing you.

Not all criminal history disqualifies you. DHA looks at the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have rehabilitated. If you have a record, ask DHA directly whether it will prevent you from being accepted. Being honest upfront is better than having your process denied later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

If the waiting list is open and you explore in person, DHA usually confirms your process within a few days to a week. If you explore by mail, it may take longer. Once you are on the list, the wait to receive a voucher depends on how many people are ahead of you — this can range from a few months to several years in Delaware.

What if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?

If your income rises above the program limit, you do not lose your voucher when ready. DHA allows a grace period, usually one year, before removing you. During that time, your tenant contribution will increase. After the grace period, if your income is still too high, the voucher ends. Report income changes to DHA as soon as they happen.

Can I use my Delaware voucher if I move to another state?

No. Your voucher is only good in Delaware. If you move out of state, your voucher ends. If you move to a different state and want housing information there, you will need to explore to that state's housing authority and go on their waiting list.

What if the waiting list is closed when I want to explore?

Call DHA and ask when they expect to open it again. Some housing authorities open their lists on a predictable schedule; others open them only when funding becomes available. You can also ask to be notified when the list reopens, though not all authorities offer this service. Check the DHA website regularly for updates.

Do I need a job to get a Section 8 voucher in Delaware?

No. You do not need to be employed. You can receive a voucher if your income comes from Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, or other sources. DHA only cares that your total household income is below the limit — they do not require you to be working.