Delaware Rent Relief Program: Current Assistance and How to Apply

For Delaware residents facing housing instability, finding a reliable Delaware rent relief program is a critical first step toward security. The landscape of available assistance has shifted significantly since the end of large-scale emergency initiatives, leading to confusion about what help is currently available. While major pandemic-era programs have concluded, a network of long-term subsidized housing programs, specialized state support, and local community aid remains active. The key to accessing this help is understanding the current system, knowing the right agencies to contact, and following the correct application procedures. The primary starting point for anyone in a housing crisis is the state's central referral service, Delaware 211, which connects individuals to the appropriate resources for their specific situation. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) serves as the main administrative body for many of the state's largest housing initiatives, overseeing federal and state-funded programs designed to provide stable, affordable housing opportunities.

The Status of Major Delaware Rent Relief Programs

The structure of rental assistance in Delaware has evolved from large, temporary emergency funds to a more permanent, multi-faceted system. This has created a common point of confusion for residents seeking help.

Many official state resources, particularly the DSHA website, state that the agency "does not provide rental assistance". This statement can be misleading for individuals in crisis. The distinction is a bureaucratic one: DSHA does not typically provide immediate, direct cash payments for emergency situations in the way that local non-profits might.

Instead, its primary role is to administer the state's largest, long-term subsidized housing programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. For immediate crisis intervention or emergency funds, DSHA and other state agencies refer residents to Delaware 211 and its network of community partners. Understanding this distinction is crucial; while DSHA is not an emergency fund, it is the gateway to the most significant and stable rental support available in the state.

Concluded Emergency Programs: The Housing Stability Program (HSP) & DEHAP

Two major programs that provided significant relief in recent years are no longer accepting new applications due to the exhaustion of federal funding. Awareness of their status is important to prevent residents from spending time seeking aid from closed sources.

• Housing Stability Program (HSP): Launched in August 2024, the HSP was a temporary program designed to provide emergency assistance for eviction diversion and security deposits. It was funded through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program, which the U.S. Department of the Treasury distributed to Delaware in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program successfully dispersed over $7.1 million to more than 1,400 households. However, with the federal funding expiring, the HSP ended and its application portal closed in May 2025.
• Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DEHAP): DEHAP was the state's primary and most comprehensive rental assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in March 2020, it provided financial support for rent arrears, future rent, and utilities to thousands of Delawareans impacted by the health crisis. The program was funded by a total of $352 million from two federal ERA allocations. Due to overwhelming demand and the depletion of these funds, DSHA closed the DEHAP portal to new applications on January 2, 2023.

Ongoing Subsidized Housing: The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

The primary source of long-term, ongoing rental assistance in Delaware is the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. This program is designed to help very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Unlike the temporary emergency programs, the HCV program is a permanent, federally funded initiative administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). A significant recent development is that the statewide waiting list for this program, which had been closed for some time, is now open to new applicants through a new, centralized online portal.

Specialized Support: The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)

The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a distinct, state-funded initiative created to serve specific, highly vulnerable populations who require both affordable housing and supportive services to live independently in the community. This program is not a general rent relief fund but a targeted intervention tool. It is a partnership between DSHA, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). A critical feature of SRAP is that it is by referral only; applications from the general public are not accepted. This is because the program is specifically designed as a cost-effective alternative to state-funded institutional care, such as nursing homes or long-term psychiatric facilities, and to provide stability for youth aging out of foster care.

Applying for Long-Term Rental Assistance: The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

The Housing Choice Voucher program represents the most substantial and stable form of rental assistance available to Delawareans. Accessing it requires understanding its mechanics, meeting strict eligibility criteria, and successfully navigating the application process for the statewide waiting list.

Program Overview: How Section 8 Vouchers Work

The HCV program provides a rental subsidy, or voucher, that allows participants to choose their own housing in the private market, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, as long as the housing meets program requirements.

The Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays the housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Typically, participating families pay between 30% and 35% of their monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities.

Core Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the HCV program is determined by the local PHA based on federal guidelines. While specific income limits vary by county and household size, the core qualifications are consistent across the state.

• Income Limits: A household's total annual gross income must not exceed the limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Generally, eligibility is limited to households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
• Citizenship Status: The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• Financial History: Applicants must not owe money to the housing authority they are applying to or any other housing authority.
• Background Check: All adult members of the household will be subject to a background check upon being selected from the waiting list.

The Statewide Waiting List: How to Apply

A major improvement to accessing housing assistance in Delaware is the creation of a centralized waiting list. As of February 3, 2025, Delaware's five PHAs partnered to launch a single, statewide waiting list for both the HCV program and other affordable housing properties. This streamlines the process, allowing applicants to use one common application for multiple housing authorities.

Application Steps

1. Access the Portal: The primary method for applying is online through the official Delaware Affordable Housing Hub at Delaware.AffordableHousing.com.
2. Create an Account: Applicants must sign up for a free account to submit a pre-application.
3. Submit Pre-Application: Complete the online form with information for all household members, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and total household income. Once submitted, an email confirmation will be sent.
4. Paper Applications: For those without internet access, a paper-based application can be requested by calling 855-301-5920 or emailing delaware@affordablehousing.com.
5. Maintain Your Application: It is crucial for applicants to keep their information current. Any changes to address, phone number, income, or family composition must be updated through the online portal. Failure to respond to requests for information from a PHA can result in removal from the waiting list.

Due to extremely high demand, placement on the waiting list does not guarantee immediate assistance. Wait times can be several years long.

The Role of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)

While the application portal is centralized, the HCV program is administered locally by five distinct PHAs. Each PHA covers a specific geographic area. When applying, it is important to select the waiting lists for the PHAs in the areas where the applicant wishes to live, as they will need to reside within that PHA's jurisdiction if selected.

Targeted Support Through the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)

The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a unique, state-funded voucher program designed to bridge a critical gap for Delaware's most vulnerable residents. It is not a general rent relief program but a strategic initiative that combines housing subsidies with essential supportive services to promote independent living and prevent costly institutionalization.

Purpose and Target Populations

SRAP was created to provide a housing solution for low-income individuals who are already engaged with state social service systems. The program specifically targets populations for whom a lack of stable, affordable housing is a primary barrier to community living or family reunification.

These groups include:

• Individuals exiting long-term care facilities and nursing homes.
• Individuals at risk of being admitted to a state-supported institution, such as a psychiatric center.
• Young adults aging out of the foster care system.
• Families involved with the child welfare system for whom housing is a barrier to reunification.

The program's design is rooted in a clear policy goal: reducing the state's financial burden. The cost of providing a rental subsidy through SRAP (approximately $8,000 to $10,000 per household per year) is significantly lower than the cost of institutional care, which can range from $70,000 per year for a nursing home to $270,000 per year at the Delaware Psychiatric Center. This makes SRAP a fiscally responsible tool for promoting community-based care.

The Referral-Only Application Process

The most important aspect of SRAP for the public to understand is that it operates on a closed-referral basis. The Delaware State Housing Authority does not accept applications directly from individuals. Instead, potential participants must be identified and referred to DSHA by a case manager from one of two partner agencies:

1. The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
2. The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF)

Individuals who believe they may fit one of the target population profiles should not contact DSHA directly. The correct procedure is to speak with their existing DHSS or DSCYF case manager. For those who are not currently assigned a case manager but may be eligible for DHSS services, the starting point is to call the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-800-223-9074 for an assessment. 

Eligibility and Contribution Requirements

To be accepted into SRAP following a referral, an applicant must meet several criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant and a resident of Delaware.
• Be at least 18 years of age (or within 60 days of their 18th birthday).
• Have a household income at or below 50% of the State Median Income.
• Be eligible for and actively receiving supportive services as a client of DHSS or DSCYF.

Once in the program, participants contribute 28% of their monthly income toward their rent, with the SRAP voucher subsidizing the remainder. All rental units must be inspected by DSHA to ensure they meet federal Housing Quality Standards.

County-Specific Housing Resources and Local Aid

While statewide programs provide the foundation for rental assistance in Delaware, a robust network of county and non-profit organizations offers more immediate, localized support. Residents facing a housing crisis should explore these resources in their specific county, often by starting with a call to Delaware 211 for a direct referral.

New Castle County

New Castle County has the most extensive network of housing support services in the state. The New Castle County Housing Authority (NCCHA) is a primary administrator of the Housing Choice Voucher program and also participates in several targeted voucher programs.

These targeted programs include:

• Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): For individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence. Referrals come through the state's Coordinated Entry System operated by Housing Alliance Delaware.
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH): A partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide vouchers and clinical services to homeless veterans. Referrals must originate through the VA.

In addition to the PHA, numerous community organizations offer financial assistance and support services.

Kent County

In Kent County, rental assistance programs are administered by both the Dover Housing Authority for city residents and the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) for the rest of the county. Residents can apply to these PHAs through the centralized statewide waiting list. For more immediate or emergency needs, several community organizations are key points of contact, including Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army (Dover Corps), and First State Community Action Agency. The City of Dover also provides a brochure of local charitable agencies that may offer financial support for rent and utilities.

Sussex County

DSHA serves as the primary Public Housing Authority for all of Sussex County, managing both public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers. Residents seeking long-term assistance should apply to DSHA's waiting list via the statewide portal.

A unique initiative in the county is the Sussex County Rental Program (SCRP). This program incentivizes developers to include affordable rental units in new housing projects, particularly in the Coastal Area. The rental rates are designed to be affordable for the local workforce, such as teachers and emergency responders.

Current SCRP projects include Coastal Tide Apartments and Chapel Branch Apartments in Lewes. Interested parties should contact these properties directly to inquire about applications and waiting lists. For emergency assistance, residents can turn to local organizations like the Christian Storehouse in Millsboro, First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown, and Catholic Charities.

Immediate Help for Tenants in Crisis

For individuals or families facing an immediate threat of eviction or homelessness, knowing the right steps to take can provide a crucial lifeline. The system of support is designed to intervene at critical moments, but it requires prompt action from the tenant.

Your First Call for Help: Delaware 211

The most important first step for anyone in a housing crisis is to contact Delaware 211. This free, confidential, statewide service acts as a central hub, connecting people to the health and human services they need.

Highly trained specialists will assess the caller's situation and provide referrals to the most appropriate local organizations for rent payment assistance, emergency shelter, utility aid, or legal help. This service saves valuable time by directing people to the agencies best equipped to handle their specific emergency.

Delaware 211 can be reached in multiple ways:

• Dial: 2-1-1
• Call Toll-Free: 1-800-560-3372
• Text: Your ZIP code to 898-211
• Online Chat: Via the Delaware 211 website

Eviction Prevention and Free Legal Services

Tenants who have received a late rent notice or a summary possession (eviction) filing from their landlord have legal rights. In 2023, Delaware's General Assembly passed a law creating the Right to Representation program, which gives eligible low-income tenants access to free legal representation in eviction cases.

This service is provided by Delaware's three non-profit civil legal aid organizations:

• Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)
• Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS)
• Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (LSCD)

To see if you qualify for free legal help, you should act immediately. The intake process is managed through the Delaware Legal Help Link. Tenants can fill out an online intake form directly or call Delaware 211 for assistance in completing the form. Legal aid can help tenants stop an eviction, negotiate more time to move, or avoid an eviction judgment on their record.

Finding Available Affordable Rentals

For those who have secured a voucher or are looking for a more affordable place to live, the search itself can be a challenge. The State of Delaware provides a free, official resource to simplify this process: DelawareHousingSearch.org. This website offers real-time listings for market-rate, subsidized, and affordable housing options across the state. It allows users to search by location, price, number of bedrooms, and other features. For assistance with using the search tool, individuals can call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-428-8844.

 Frequently Asked Questions