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About Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), located in Dover, Kent County, Delaware (PHA Code DE901), manages approximately 1,295 assisted housing units. These primarily include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) that provide rental assistance.

DSHA currently has several programs open for application. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Mainstream vouchers, other general programs, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Senior Housing, and Senior Housing Units.

Applicants should be aware of income limits for eligibility. For a family of four in the Dover, DE MSA area, the Very Low Income limit is currently set at $49,000 per year.

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Mainstream Voucher Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Feb 3, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

This program provides rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Feb 3, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This waitlist is open indefinitely for specific properties including Liberty Court, McLane Gardens, and Peach Circle.

Senior Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Feb 3, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Waiting lists are open for Holly Square and Huling Cove; elderly (62 or over) receive preference.

Senior Housing Units Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Feb 3, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Waiting lists are open for Holly Square and Huling Cove Senior Housing properties.

Other Programs

9 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

Applicants for the Public Housing (PH) and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers programs are placed on a combined waiting list for assistance. Working families, elderly (62 or over) and the disabled receive preference. Applicants who reside in Kent or Sussex County have priority on the waiting list.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

Accepting applications by referral only for the Project Rental Assistance Program.

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

Accepting applications by referral only. All referrals are submitted by a DHSS representative on your behalf, please contact your Case Manager.

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

Applicants for the Public Housing (PH) and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers programs are placed on a combined waiting list for assistance. Working families, elderly (62 or over) and the disabled receive preference. Applicants who reside in Kent or Sussex County have priority on the waiting list.

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

Accepting applications by referral only for the State Rental Assistance Program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
Closed

The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is by referral only from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) or the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF); DSHA does not accept direct applications from the general public.

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

The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) assists individuals exiting long-term care, those at risk of institutionalization, young people exiting foster care, and families for whom lack of affordable housing is a barrier to reunification.

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

No current waitlist information found.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

PBV Closed 4 days ago
Public Housing Closed May 1, 2026
HCV Closed May 1, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Apr 8, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 31, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 24, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 15, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 23, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 23, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 22, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 20, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 20, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 18, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 18, 2026

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

Address 18 The Grn
City Dover, DE 19901
PHA Code DE901
Section 8 Units 1,295

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 Delaware State Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Delaware State Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (Mainstream, Other, Senior Housing, Senior Housing Units). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Delaware State Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

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 1,295 assisted housing units (1,295 Section 8), 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

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 open

The Other 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.

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.

Senior Housing Units open

The Senior Housing Units 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.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

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. This program serves approximately 1,295 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

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.

PRA closed

The PRA 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.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

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. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

SRAP closed

The SRAP 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.

State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) closed

The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) 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.

other closed

The other 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.

Family Reentry Program closed

The Family Reentry Program 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Delaware State Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Dover maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Delaware State Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Delaware State Housing Authority administers 13 programs (Mainstream, Other, Senior Housing, Senior Housing Units, HCV, PBV, PRA, Public Housing, SRAP, State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), other, Family Reentry Program, RAD) — 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's official portal or in person at their office at 18 The Grn, Dover, DE.
How long is the wait at Delaware State Housing Authority?
Wait times at Delaware State Housing Authority depend on demand in Dover, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,295 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on May 28, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Delaware State 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 Delaware State Housing Authority, including Delaware State Housing Authority, Dover Housing Authority (2 mi), Bridgeton Housing Authority (24 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 Delaware State Housing Authority?
You can reach Delaware State Housing Authority by phone at (302) 739-4263. Their office is located at 18 The Grn, Dover, DE 19901. You can also email them at matthew.heckles@delaware.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Delaware State Housing Authority?
Income limits for Delaware State Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Dover, DE MSA (currently $99,400). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $49,000. 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.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $99,400 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.