Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Delaware
Delaware has 6 housing authorities managing a combined 43 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 20 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 47%. This data was last verified on Apr 7, 2026.
Delaware offers various affordable housing assistance programs through its 6 housing authorities, which collectively manage 42 waiting lists across the state. Currently, 20 of these lists are open to new applicants, representing a 48% open rate, while 17 lists are closed. Given Delaware's smaller size and limited number of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), applicants are advised to consider applying to both the statewide Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Wilmington Housing Authority for the broadest possible coverage.
Applicants can find openings across several specific program types. Public Housing currently has 4 open lists out of 6 total lists available, while the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has 3 open lists from a total of 6. Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) also show 3 open lists out of 5. Other assistance programs, including Mainstream, Senior Housing, and Senior Housing Units, each have 2 open lists, demonstrating diverse options for different needs.
When considering where to apply, Dover is a key area for applicants, with 3 housing authorities managing 16 open waiting lists. Other cities with current openings include New Castle, which has 2 open lists from its single housing authority, and Newark, also with 2 open lists from its single housing authority. For a strategic approach, apply directly to the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) for statewide programs, particularly in Dover, and also explore opportunities with the Wilmington Housing Authority. Waitlist statuses are dynamic: DSHA in Dover recently changed a PBV list from closed to open, though another PBV list there later changed from open to opening soon. In New Castle, the New Castle County Housing Authority saw a PBV list transition to closed.
The affordable housing programs tracked in Delaware include Public Housing (4 open), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (3 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (3 open), Mainstream (2 open), RAD. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Delaware right now are Dover (16), New Castle (2), and Newark (2) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Delaware State Housing Authority — PBV
Eligibility Requirements for Delaware
To qualify for assistance in Delaware, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Delaware legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.