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Delaware State Housing Authority
Dover, Delaware
Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Delaware State Housing Authority
The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), located in Dover, Kent County, Delaware (PHA Code: DE004), administers housing assistance programs across the state. DSHA manages approximately 290 assisted housing units, aiming to provide affordable options for eligible residents.
Currently, DSHA is accepting applications for several waitlists, including Mainstream, Other, Other Waitlist, Other Waitlist (Specific Properties), PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), Senior Housing, and Senior Housing Units. Programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing are currently closed to new applicants. Eligibility for DSHA programs includes income limits; for example, a family of four in the Dover, DE MSA area must have a Very Low Income of $49,000 per year or less. Applicants should review specific program requirements carefully.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 3, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Working families, elderly (62 or over), and disabled individuals receive preference, and residents of Kent or Sussex County have priority on the waiting list. Applications can be submitted online or via paper form requested by phone or email, or picked up in person.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Mainstream programs are available in Dover, DE, through the Delaware State Housing Authority as part of its open waitlists.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 3, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is open indefinitely for specific properties including Liberty Court, McLane Gardens, and Peach Circle.
(Specific Properties)
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 3, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is open indefinitely for specific properties including Liberty Court, McLane Gardens, and Peach Circle.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 1, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Delaware State Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist on April 1, 2026, as part of the centralized application system.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 3, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on a combined waiting list for Public Housing and Section 8. Working families, elderly (62 or over), and disabled individuals receive preference, and residents of Kent or Sussex County have priority on the waiting list. Applications can be submitted online or via paper form requested by phone or email, or picked up in person.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 3, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waiting lists are open for Holly Square and Huling Cove; elderly (62 or over) receive preference.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
Accepting applications by referral only. The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program is a project-based rental assistance program for individuals with extremely low incomes (less than 30% of Area Median Income) and disabilities for which they require long-term services. Only in designated Section 811 properties. All referrals are submitted by a DHSS representative on your behalf, please contact your Case Manager.
This program is for individuals with extremely low incomes (less than 30% AMI) and disabilities, accepting applications by referral only.
Accepting applications by referral only. SRAP vouchers administered by DSHA for households referred by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). Applications must be referred to DSHA by DHSS or DSCYF. Referrals are submitted by a DHSS representative on your behalf, please contact your Case Manager.
Accepting applications by referral only.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Delaware State Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Delaware State Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Delaware State Housing Authority currently has 7 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Delaware State 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 $49,000/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Delaware State Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Delaware State Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Delaware State Housing Authority manages approximately 290 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Dover. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Delaware State Housing Authority
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Delaware State 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 Dover. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open
Mainstream Vouchers at Delaware State Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Delaware State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Dover. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Delaware State Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Dover. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Delaware State Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Delaware State Housing Authority manages approximately 290 Public Housing units in Dover. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Delaware State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Dover. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Delaware State Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Delaware State Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Delaware State Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Delaware State Housing Authority?
Delaware State Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Delaware State Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Dover, DE MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,000. 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 | $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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Delaware State Housing Authority — including across state lines.