Due to overwhelming response, Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is temporarily pausing application submissions for the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP). Pausing the program will allow DSHA to explore how resources from the federal government and others may be used in the coming weeks to continue the program and respond to the ongoing high demand for assistance. It will also allow DSHA staff and community partners to process the more than 5,000 applications that have been received since the program launched on March 26.
DE HAP provides emergency rental assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours or unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Eligible households can receive up to $1,500 in assistance, with payments made directly to the property owner or utility company. Applications are received and processed by DSHA and then sent to participating community partners for eligibility verification and final approval for payment.
While the program is paused, DSHA will be monitoring federal resources coming directly to Delaware, including funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and assess how those resources and others could be used to assist tenants in the state who are struggling to pay their rent.
Eligible applications will be processed first-come first-served based on receipt of completed verification package. DSHA will attempt to assist as many applicants as possible, but funding for the program is limited. Once DE HAP funding has been exhausted, applications will be added to a wait list and be notified if additional funding becomes available.
Effective March 25, Governor John Carney issued a Sixth Modification to his State of Emergency Declaration, placing a moratorium on evictions, late fees and utility shutoffs until the State of Emergency is lifted. However, the moratorium does not relieve tenants of their obligation to pay rent, and any tenants who know they will not be able to pay their rent need to be in contact with their landlord as soon as possible to discuss their options.
