Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Wilmington, Delaware
All waiting lists in Wilmington are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Wilmington are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 63 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Wilmington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Wilmington right now, there are 63 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware, is primarily served by the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) for local affordable housing assistance. The WHA administers key programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Currently, both of these waiting lists are closed, meaning no new applications are being accepted. There are a total of two closed lists in the area. Wilmington and its surrounding region benefit from approximately 3,552 assisted housing units available through various programs.
To qualify for very low-income housing assistance in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area, a family of four must meet an income limit of $59,700 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. This income threshold is a vital factor in determining eligibility. While waiting lists are presently closed, it is advisable for prospective applicants to regularly monitor the Wilmington Housing Authority for announcements regarding when lists might reopen. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) also provides resources and oversight for affordable housing initiatives across the state. Being prepared with necessary documentation can facilitate a smooth application process when opportunities arise.
Housing Authorities in Wilmington
How to Apply for Section 8 in Wilmington
To apply for housing assistance in Wilmington, Delaware, submit an application directly to Wilmington Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $59,700/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 Wilmington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Wilmington, Delaware Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Wilmington, Delaware, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $119,400.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,100 | $41,800 | $66,850 |
| 2 Persons | $28,650 | $47,800 | $76,400 |
| 3 Persons | $32,250 | $53,750 | $85,950 |
| 4 Persons | $35,800 | $59,700 | $95,500 |
| 5 Persons | $38,700 | $64,500 | $103,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,300 | $110,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,050 | $118,450 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,850 | $126,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Wilmington 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 Wilmington and have active housing programs.