Get Help Paying Back Rent in Delaware

Your landlord may only tolerate a certain amount of lateness. Eventually, even the most tolerant landlord will be forced to protect their business by filing for an eviction. You can halt this process though if you are able to cure the arrears, that is by coming up with the money for your back rent. These local Delaware agencies can help.

First State Community Action Agency

For help with your late rent payments, you may consider contacting First State Community Action Agency. First State is ready to help you with back rent when it is clear that you are about to be evicted. Their eviction prevention program is the first defense to homelessness.

First State Community Action Agency is a federally funded organization that provides services to low income individuals and families. While they can assist with other needs such as utility bill assistance and basic food needs, it is the eviction prevention service that has the greatest impact. Since rent is normally the biggest expense, you can get your life back in order if someone can come in and help you with rent.

To apply, you will first need to schedule an appointment to meet with one of their case managers. Call 302-856-7761 to schedule your consultation. You will need to be able to travel to their Georgetown office: 308 N. Railroad Ave, Georgetown, DE 19947.

State of Delaware Health and Social Services

The State of Delaware also provides back rent support through their Emergency Assistance Services. There are several eligibility requirements, so it is important to understand how to document your hardship for proper consideration.

First, you must be able to show how a hardship situation contributed to your current situation where you are at risk of homelessness. The hardship would need to be something outside of your control, such as a car accident or illness. Quitting your job would not be an eligible event. Additionally, you will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to make it on your own long-term if they help you get through the next couple of months with financial support.

Next, you must already meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid or other cash assistance programs, including either TANF, GA or SSI. As long as you already meet those requirements, then you should qualify for cash assistance.

You may meet with a case manager at one of 15 State Service Centers:

  • Kent County:
    • James W. Williams State Service Center, 805 River Rd, Dover, DE 19901, 302-857-5000
    • Milford State Service Center (Old Fire House), 11-13 Church Ave, Milford, DE 19963, 302-424-7200
    • Smyrna State Service Center, 200 South DuPont Blvd, Ste 101, Smyrna, DE 19977, 302-514-4500
  • New Castle County:
    • Claymont Community Center, 3301 Green St, Claymont, DE 19703, 302-798-2870
    • Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Rd, Middletown, DE 19709, 302-378-5770
    • DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, 302-577-2970
    • Floyd I. Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd, Newark, DE 19711, 302-283-7500
    • Northeast State Service Center, 1624 Jessup St, Wilmington, DE 19802, 302-577-3150
    • Belvedere State Service Center, 310 Kiamensi Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, 302-995-8545
    • Winder Laird Porter State Service Center, 509 W. 8th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, 302-777-2800
  • Sussex County:
    • Bridgeville State Service Center, N. Cannon & Mill St, Bridgeville, DE 19933, 302-337-8261
    • Edward W. Pyle State Service Center, 34314 Pyle Center Rd, Frankford, DE 19945, 302-732-9501
    • Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947, 302-856-5574
    • Laurel State Service Center, 31039 N. Poplar St, Laurel, DE 19956, 302-875-6943
    • Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave, Seaford, DE 19973, 302-628-2000

You will need to request their Emergency Assistance Service (EAS) in order to receive funds for back rent. You should expect the funds to be paid directly to your landlord from the agency. Additionally, make sure that you inquire about utility assistance and food assistance, since these are benefits that you may also qualify for. The same case manager can help you maximize your benefit. Every little bit helps when you are having trouble paying your bills.

Getting cash paid to your landlord to cover your back rent can help to delay the eviction process so that you are able to restore your income or resolve other financial emergencies. By staying in your current home, it helps you avoid having to come up with security deposits and first months rent at your next home. Get help from your local Delaware rental assistance program so that you can catch up on your back rent payments right away and avoid eviction.