Delaware 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Delaware. You can also call 800 560 3372.
Official page: delaware211.org/faq
Find Help Near You in Delaware
Private help lines for Delaware, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Delaware who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local social services office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Wilmington, the City of Wilmington Department of Real Estate and Housing at 302 576 3000 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: delaware211.org, wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/department-of-real-estate-and-housing
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) at 302 575 0660 helps residents across Delaware.
Official page: declasi.org/contact-us
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211, call 302 255 9875, or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: dhss.delaware.gov/dss/division-of-social-services/utility-assistance
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Delaware Department of Labor Office of Anti-Discrimination takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: labor.delaware.gov/divisions/industrial-affairs/discrimination
What does Delaware State Housing Authority offer renters?
Delaware State Housing Authority shares housing resources across Delaware, with tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Official page: destatehousing.com
How do I find my local social services office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the Delaware Health and Social Services website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Delaware
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Delaware Division of Social Services
Social services offices serve New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. They can tell you about emergency housing programs, cash help, food assistance and other local services. The client services line is 866 843 7212.
Official page: dhss.delaware.gov/dss/division-of-social-services/about-the-division-of-social-services
Delaware LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying winter home heating bills for households who qualify, through local community partner agencies.
Official page: dhss.delaware.gov/dss/division-of-social-services/utility-assistance
Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI)
Civil legal help across Delaware for people who qualify, with problems like housing, eviction, family and benefits. The Dover office is 302 674 8500.
Official page: declasi.org/contact-us
Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Anti-Discrimination
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: labor.delaware.gov/divisions/industrial-affairs/discrimination
Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
Information for renters and homeowners in Delaware, including affordable rental homes. It is also the public housing authority for Kent and Sussex counties.
Official page: destatehousing.com/contact
Delaware community action agencies
Local community action agencies across Delaware help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and community services. Find your local agency on the website.
Official page: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss
Wilmington Housing Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Wilmington.
Official page: whadelaware.org/contact
City of Wilmington Department of Real Estate and Housing
City programs for Wilmington residents, including housing assistance, community development and neighborhood support.
Official page: wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/department-of-real-estate-and-housing
Williams State Service Center (Dover)
A state service center for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance and other help in Kent County.
Official page: dhss.delaware.gov/dss/locations/williams-state-service-center
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Dover
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Dover. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local social services office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact Community Legal Aid Society if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Delaware
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop