What affordable housing programs exist in Delaware
Delaware has several programs that help people find or keep affordable housing, but they are run by different agencies and have different rules. The main ones are Public Housing (managed apartments owned by the state), Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use at any landlord), Project-Based Rental information (subsidized apartments at specific buildings), and emergency rental help through local nonprofits. There is no single Delaware housing office that runs all of them — you will need to contact the right agency for each one.
The Delaware Housing Authority manages Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers statewide. Emergency rental information and other temporary help usually comes through your county or through nonprofits like Catholic Charities or the Community Legal Aid Society. Which program makes sense for you depends on whether you need permanent housing, temporary help with rent, or a subsidy you can take to a landlord of your choice.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware Housing Authority runs Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, but you explore at local offices in New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County.
- Housing Choice Vouchers have long waiting lists in most Delaware counties, so explore now does not mean you will receive one soon.
- Emergency rental information and one-time help come through county governments and nonprofits, not the Housing Authority, and funds often run out.
- Public Housing apartments are owned and managed by the state, so you pay rent directly to the Housing Authority, not a private landlord.
- Your income must fall below 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, depending on the program, and you will need to prove it with recent pay stubs or tax returns.
Housing Choice Vouchers and how the waiting list works
A Housing Choice Voucher is a monthly rent subsidy from the federal government that you can use at any landlord who agrees to take it. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord signs a contract with the Housing Authority, and then the voucher pays most of the rent while you pay the rest. The amount the voucher covers depends on the size of the unit and the neighborhood, not on how much the landlord charges.
Delaware Housing Authority maintains separate waiting lists for New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County. All three lists are currently closed to new applicants, meaning you cannot add your name right now. The Authority opens the lists periodically when they have capacity, but there is no set schedule. You can call the local office in your county to ask when the list might reopen, but staff cannot predict this in advance. Once you are on the list, the wait is typically two to five years, though it varies by county.
When a list does reopen, you will need proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a photo ID, and proof of residency in Delaware. If you have an eviction record or criminal history, you may still be considered, but the Housing Authority will review your case individually. You do not have to be homeless or in crisis to explore — the program is for anyone whose income is below 50 percent of the area median income for your county.
Public Housing apartments in Delaware
Delaware Housing Authority owns and operates Public Housing apartments in all three counties. These are permanent rental homes where you pay rent directly to the Housing Authority, usually 30 percent of your income. The apartments are scattered throughout communities — not concentrated in one complex — so you are not living in a building labeled as "public housing." The Authority maintains the buildings and handles repairs.
To explore for Public Housing, you contact the local office in your county. You will need the same documents as for a Housing Choice Voucher: proof of income, a photo ID, and proof of Delaware residency. Public Housing also has income limits, typically 50 percent of area median income or below. Waiting lists for Public Housing vary by county and building type — some have shorter waits than others, and some may be closed. Call your county office to find out the current status.
Public Housing is different from a Housing Choice Voucher because you cannot choose any landlord you want. You are renting from the Housing Authority itself, and you live in one of their designated units. The advantage is that rent is capped at 30 percent of your income, so if your income drops, your rent drops too. The disadvantage is you have less choice about where you live.
Emergency rental information and temporary help
When you are behind on rent or facing eviction, emergency rental information comes through your county government or local nonprofits, not the Housing Authority. Delaware Department of Health and Social Services coordinates some emergency funds, but the actual programs are run at the county level. New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County each have their own processes and funding.
Emergency programs typically cover rent you already owe (arrears) rather than future rent, and they usually pay the landlord directly. You will need a signed lease, proof of the hardship (job loss, medical emergency, or other recent event), and proof of income. Some programs also help with utilities or security deposits. Funds are limited and often run out partway through the year, so availability changes month to month.
To find emergency help, start by calling your county's Department of Social Services or searching for "emergency rental information [your county]" online. Nonprofits like Catholic Charities Delaware and Community Legal Aid Society also administer rental help and can tell you which county programs are currently open. If you have an eviction notice, tell the program when ready — many prioritize active cases.
Delaware Housing Authority contact information by county
| County | Office Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| New Castle | 200 South Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 | (302) 577-5600 |
| Kent | 22 The Green, Dover, DE 19901 | (302) 739-4444 |
| Sussex | 19386 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 | (302) 227-2440 |
You can visit in person, call, or check the Delaware Housing Authority website for process forms. Most offices accept applications during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. If you are explore for Public Housing or a Housing Choice Voucher, ask the office whether the waiting list is currently open in your county.
Income limits and what counts as income
All Delaware housing programs have income limits based on the area median income for your county. Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers typically limit income to 50 percent of area median income, though some programs go up to 80 percent. The exact limit depends on the program and your household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four.
Income includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and some other sources. It does not include food stamps, Medicaid, or certain one-time payments. If you are unsure whether your income qualifies, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a letter from any benefit programs you receive to your appointment. The Housing Authority will calculate your income and tell you whether you meet the limit.
If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still be considered for some programs, especially if you have a disability or are over 62 years old. Ask the office about exceptions or alternative programs when you call.
how the process works and what documents you need
The process process is different for each program, but all of them require the same basic documents. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Delaware residency (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you receive benefits, bring a benefits letter. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years.
For Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, you explore at the county office in person or by mail. The office will give you an process form and tell you what documents to bring. Processing usually takes two to four weeks, and you will be notified by mail whether you are approved, denied, or placed on a waiting list. If you are placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted when a unit or voucher becomes available.
For emergency rental information, the process is faster but the process is different. You typically explore through your county Department of Social Services or through a nonprofit partner. Call ahead to ask what documents they need and whether the program is currently open. Emergency programs often prioritize people with active eviction cases, so mention that if it applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for both a Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing at the same time?
Yes. The waiting lists are separate, so you can be on both. If you receive a voucher first, you can usually decline the Public Housing offer when it comes, or vice versa. Tell each office that you are explore to both so they know not to count you twice.
What happens if I get an eviction notice while I am on a waiting list?
Contact the Housing Authority office when ready and tell them about the eviction. Some programs will move you up the list or fast-track your process if you are in when ready danger of losing your home. At the same time, explore for emergency rental information through your county, as that is usually faster than waiting for Public Housing or a voucher.
Do I have to be a Delaware citizen to explore for housing programs?
No, but you must be a legal resident of Delaware and have a Delaware address. You do not have to have lived in Delaware for a certain amount of time. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
What if my income is too high for Public Housing but I still cannot afford market rent?
Ask the Housing Authority about Project-Based Rental information programs, which sometimes have higher income limits than Public Housing. You can also search for nonprofit housing organizations in your county that may offer other programs. Catholic Charities and Community Legal Aid Society can point you toward options.
How long does it take to get emergency rental information?
If the program is open and you have all your documents, approval can take one to three weeks. Some programs are faster. Call your county Department of Social Services to ask about current timelines, as it depends on how busy the program is and how much funding is left.