Delaware residents who wish to register for Section 8 housing programs can accomplish this in a number of ways. Explaining how to apply for Section 8 housing to interested parties is the responsibility of the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). Individuals can apply via the HUD Section 8 application, which can be found at any local housing authority office. The online application for low income housing is another option for applicants who prefer to apply online through the DSHA’s website. To register for Section 8 housing programs in Delaware, no application fee is required. Applicants are urged to be cautious about working with anyone requesting or requiring an application fee. Agents who mention a fee when explaining how to sign up for Section 8 should be reported to the area’s housing authority.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Delaware

Learning how to sign up for Section 8 begins with understanding that Delaware also requires enrollment in their Moving to Work (MTW) program dependent on in which county the applicant resides. The HUD Section 8 application will be only the start of the registration process as the MTW program has its own guidelines. Thorough comprehension of the HUD Section 8 application, or the online application for low income housing, and the Moving to Work tenet qualifications will help the applicant be clear on their eligibility. Some of the factors of which to be aware include which counties subscribe to the MTW program, the different qualifying income and rent assistance amounts, acceptance of the Contract of Mutual Participation (including the “three strikes out” clause) and how the contract applies to changes in the family’s structure.

In Delaware, to register for Section 8 housing programs means also being aware of the Housing Voucher. When determining how to apply for Section 8 housing, applicants must familiarize themselves with the MTW program. The HUD Section 8 application is required, which means the rental property in which the applicant wants to live must meet HUD regulations, whether the applicant already lives in the property or wants to move to the property. Information to help register for Section 8 housing program, whether MTW or the Delaware Housing Choice Voucher program, can be found by contacting any of Delaware’s Public Housing Authorities. Participants in the Housing Choice Voucher program are required to pay up to 35 percent of their income for rent and utilities. But their income is limited to 80 percent of the area median income. The online application for low income housing will explain that lower income families have a higher possibility of being approved. The HUD Section 8 application also notes preference given to residents of Kent and Sussex counties.

To register for Section 8 housing programs, the applicant will be required to provide personal information. This information includes, but is not limited to the family’s total annual gross income and demonstration of all family assets, the family’s total household size and demonstration of U.S. citizenship or approved eligible immigration status.

When learning how to apply for Section 8 housing in Delaware, be aware that each Public Housing Authority may issue priority to some over others, depending on the housing units available. Some of those priorities may include those who are homeless, those living in substandard housing, and the involuntarily displaced. The HUD Section 8 application also shows preference to working families, the elderly (those 62 or older) and the disabled.

Learn How to Register for Section 8 Housing Programs in Delaware

Routinely, applicants are advised to ask a local Public Housing Authority representative how to sign up for Section 8 in Delaware, and the information provided will indicate what documentation is needed. The HUD Section 8 application, as well as Delaware’s MTW application, will require documents such as:

• Personal identification such as birth certificates for all family members.
• Social Security cards for all family members.
• Different forms of proof of family income (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns).
• Rental history reports and/or statements from previous landlords.
• Criminal background report if needed.

Learn How to Check Status for Section 8 Applications in Delaware

To check status for Section 8 applications in Delaware, the applicant will need to keep in contact with the applicable Public Housing Authority. All needed follow-up information can be found online. Once the initial information and application is verified and accepted, the complete MTW application or Housing Choice Voucher application will be submitted. HUD Section 8 application information is available from each PHA.