Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Dover, Delaware
There are 16 open waiting lists in the Dover area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Dover, Delaware and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Dover, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Dover, Delaware
Dover, Delaware is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 16 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Dover area. There are also 19 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Dover include Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Mainstream (2 open), HCV (2 open), Public Housing (2 open), PBV (2 open).
Latest Opening
Delaware State Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist on Apr 1, 2026.
About Housing in Dover, Delaware
Finding affordable housing in Dover, Delaware involves programs administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Dover Housing Authority. Approximately 2,115 assisted housing units are available in the area. For a family of four, the very low-income limit for the Dover MSA area is $49,000 per year for FY2025. Income limits vary by household size and specific program requirements.
Dover currently has 16 open affordable housing waiting lists. These include opportunities for Public Housing, Mainstream programs, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), and various Senior Housing options. While programs such as Project Rental Assistance (PRA), State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) exist, their waiting lists are currently closed. Prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly review the status of all available lists and apply to any programs for which they may be eligible.
Housing Authorities in Dover
Delaware State Housing Authority
Dover, Delaware · DE901
Delaware State Housing Authority
Dover, Delaware · DE004
Dover Housing Authority
Dover, Delaware · DE002
How to Apply for Section 8 in Dover
To apply for housing assistance in Dover, Delaware, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Dover area (listed above). Right now, 16 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $49,000/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Dover include Other, Senior Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Senior Housing Units, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Other Waitlist, Other Waitlist (Specific Properties), Project Rental Assistance (PRA), State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), PRA, SRAP, other, Family Reentry Program, LIHTC, RAD. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Dover, Delaware Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Dover, Delaware, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Dover, DE MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $49,000 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $99,400.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,600 | $34,300 | $54,900 |
| 2 Persons | $23,550 | $39,200 | $62,750 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $44,100 | $70,600 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,000 | $78,400 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $52,950 | $84,700 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $56,850 | $90,950 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $60,800 | $97,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $64,700 | $103,500 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Dover use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Dover and have active housing programs.