Application Instructions for Delaware Section 8
Step 1
Under the direction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the Delaware Section 8 Program offers affordable housing. This program is available to Delaware residents who are considered low-income and in need of safe and decent accommodations. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) provides the services on a local level. When you apply for Delaware Section 8 you have two options for assistance:
- Public Housing
The Delaware Public Housing program is managed by the DHSA. It includes 518 public housing units at 10 sites throughout the state. You will pay up to 35 percent of the rent and utilities, while the Section 8 program covers the remaining costs.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program
The DHSA Housing Choice Voucher Program provides housing subsidies for low-income households. There are 902 Housing Choice vouchers available in total with this program, which is based on first-come, first-serve. This Section 8 program connects you with privately-owned rental units that are subsidized by the DHSA.
You can apply for the Section 8 services in:
- Kent County
- Sussex County
Note there are only three counties in Delaware including Kent, Sussex, and New Castle counties. If you live in New Castle County, then you will be required to apply for Section 8 in Kent or Sussex. After you apply for Section 8 you may be placed on a waiting list. However, if you are a resident of Kent or Sussex counties you will be given priority on the waiting list.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
The primary factor in qualifying for Delaware Section 8 is your income. Your household income must not be more than 80 percent of the median income in your area. Here is an income limits summary to help you identify the low-income brackets applicable to Delaware.
You must also be enrolled in the Moving to Work (MIW) program. This is a mandatory program that teaches self-sufficiency and job skills for individuals whom are low-income. An exception to the program is available for individuals who qualify for Section 8 based on income, but whom are disabled or elderly. Through this program participants can receive up to seven years of Section 8 housing assistance.
Other qualifications for Delaware Section 8 include:
- Age must be over 18 to apply for assistance
- You must be a full-time resident of Delaware
- You must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident
Other contending factors include having a criminal history, assets, and previous rental history. Each of these factors will be taken into consideration when you apply for Delaware Section 8.
How to Apply
As you are ready to proceed to the next step, this involves applying for Section 8 in Delaware. Contact your local DSHA office to get started. In Delaware, there are five offices:
- Delaware State HA
- Dover HA
- New Castle County HA
- Newark HA
- Wilmington HA
New Castle County HA only offers Section 8 assistance, while the other four provide low-rent programs. You will find the low-income housing program application at your DSHA office. When you receive the application, review the instructions and ask for clarification if needed. Follow the instructions closely and provide any documentation required. This is paramount to getting your application into the system as soon as possible.
If you would like additional information contact your local DSHA office or the HUD Wilmington Field Office in Delaware.