Section 8 eligibility is managed on the federal level by HUD, and administered on the local level by six Delaware housing authority agencies located throughout the state. The guidelines established for Section 8 eligibility on the federal level are typically adjusted to include additional criteria on the state and local levels. So what are the qualifications for low income housing in Delaware? Individuals or families making only half of what others are making in their county or area are likely to qualify, as long as they also meet the other requirements. Thus, Section 8 eligibility can vary from one county to the next in Delaware, because the median salary range may differ from one place to another. To determine, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” a complete listing of median salary ranges is available online.

What Are the Section 8 Requirements in Delaware?

HUD estimates suggest that for every 1,000 households in Delaware, Section 8 eligibility applies to two hundred of those that are federally subsidized. Many first-time DE Section 8 eligibility applicants wonder if they might be allowed to stay in their own home if they qualify for housing assistance. Homes that are submitted for consideration into Section 8 eligibility will be inspected by an HUD official to see if it meets certain criteria. If it does, then the housing authority will work directly with the landlord, mortgage company, or other involved party to reach an agreement. If the owner or landlord agrees to accept Section 8 vouchers, then Section 8 eligibility will be bestowed and the family may remain in their current home. Those who apply for Section 8 eligibility should realize that being accepted into the program does not mean that Section 8 vouchers are immediately forthcoming.

Delaware Section 8 eligibility requirements may address issues put forth by the actual owner or landlord, who may have rules concerning pets, smoking, how many people can live in the residence, and other property-specific stipulations. Section 8 eligibility guidelines stipulate that if the tenant does not follow the guidelines set forth by the housing authority and the landlord, they can be evicted from the property and possibly from the Section 8 program. Section 8 eligibility disqualifications in DE can also occur if the guidelines for the area shift and the income levels now make someone ineligible. When this happens, the Section 8 participant will be notified and given time to find alternate adequate housing.

What are the qualifications for low income housing in Delaware?

“Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Delaware?” is one of the more common questions made to the local housing authority. Since each Section 8 eligibility application is considered on its own merit, the following factors are always considered but do not solely guarantee eligibility:

• Income of combined family members
• Criminal history
• Rental history (must be no defaults)
• Citizenship and residency

Section 8 eligibility in DE is dependent not only on income levels, but the household’s personal background, including criminal history is also taken into consideration. While those with felony convictions are still entitled to apply for assistance, the nature and severity of the crime, as well as when it was committed, will be considered. Though credit history is not necessary to establish Section 8 eligibility in DE, once a rental vacancy becomes available, it is up to the landlord whether to consider an applicant’s credit history.

What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Delaware?

The DE Section 8 eligibility process requires a great deal of information be provided. The information required on the Section 8 eligibility forms are not only for the individual applying, but also for each member of the household. Documentation that is required for Section 8 eligibility in DE, include the following:

• Birth certificates for each person in the household
• Social Security cards
• Proof of residency in the county
• Pay stubs, tax returns, employment information
• Proof of disability if not working
• Military service papers
• Transcripts (if applicant is currently a full time student)

When submitting the Section 8 eligibility application, the applicant must make certain to fully complete each section, leaving no sections blank. Most Section 8 eligibility rejections are due to applications that were submitted incorrectly, did not have the correct documents attached, or included information that could not be verified. Most public housing authorities offer their assistance to educate potential applicants about Section 8 eligibility requirements, and will help the applicant fill out his or her application. Section 8 applications, once accepted, place most applicants on a countywide waiting list. Once an applicant’s name is at the top of the list and the waiting list opens, documents are verified, the housing vouchers are issued, and the Section 8 eligible applicant can select a home.