Wilmington Housing Authority

Wilmington, Delaware

Last Updated

Less than an hour ago

About Wilmington Housing Authority

The Wilmington Housing Authority (PHA Code: DE001) serves Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware. This authority manages approximately 3,552 assisted housing units, which include 2,301 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 1,251 Public Housing units.

Currently, all waiting lists for programs managed by the Wilmington Housing Authority are closed. This applies to both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program. Recent updates confirm that both Public Housing and HCV waiting lists remain closed to new applications.

For a family of four applying for Very Low Income assistance in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA area, the current income limit is $59,700 per year. As all waiting lists are closed, there are no immediate opportunities for new applicants to apply for housing assistance through the Wilmington Housing Authority.

Other Programs

2 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

Public Housing Closed Feb 21, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 19, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Contact Wilmington Housing Authority directly at (302) 429-6701 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 400 N Walnut St
City Wilmington, DE 19801
PHA Code DE001
Section 8 Units 2,301
Public Housing Units 1,251

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Wilmington Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 2 waiting lists at Wilmington Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Wilmington Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $59,700/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Wilmington Housing Authority directly at (302) 429-6701 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Wilmington Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wilmington Housing Authority manages approximately 3,552 assisted housing units (2,301 Section 8, 1,251 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Wilmington. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Wilmington Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Wilmington Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Wilmington. This program serves approximately 2,301 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Wilmington Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Wilmington Housing Authority manages approximately 1,251 Public Housing units in Wilmington. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Wilmington Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Wilmington Housing Authority administers 2 programs (HCV, Public Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 400 N Walnut St, Wilmington, DE.
How long is the wait at Wilmington Housing Authority?
Wait times at Wilmington Housing Authority depend on demand in Wilmington, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 3,552 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 21, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Wilmington Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Wilmington Housing Authority, including Penns Grove Housing Authority (4 mi), New Castle County Housing Authority (5 mi), Newark Housing Authority (11 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Delaware and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Delaware.
How do I contact Wilmington Housing Authority?
You can reach Wilmington Housing Authority by phone at (302) 429-6701. Their office is located at 400 N Walnut St, Wilmington, DE 19801. You can also email them at RFitzgerald@whadelaware.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Wilmington Housing Authority?
Income limits for Wilmington Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA (currently $119,400). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $59,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Wilmington Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Wilmington Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $59,700. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $119,400 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.