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Things to Know about Housing Assistance Programs for Seniors

With increasing housing prices, it has become difficult to find affordable housing, resulting in seniors feeling more cost-burdened than ever. To offset some of these costs, the government offers subsidized housing options for eligible seniors. Among these, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD ) is considered the most popular.

Things to Know about Housing Assistance Programs for Seniors
Other affordable housing schemes include LIHEAP, public housing, and home equity conversion mortgages (HECM).

Section 8 housing voucher program
The federal government funds the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program, which offers rental assistance to qualifying citizens so that they can find decent and affordable private housing. This voucher program has been formulated to help seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

Unlike many other subsidized housing programs run by the government, this voucher system takes a tenant-based approach, wherein eligible individuals are expected to choose their housing within reasonable limitations set by the HUD.

Upon finding the right accommodation, one must discuss with the property owner and get them to agree to rent under this program. Then, a legal contract has to be established and approved by the local public housing agency (PHA). After this, the PHA pays the landlord directly, and the difference in rent is taken care of by the renters themselves.

Section 8 housing choice voucher amount
Today, most financial experts suggest living by the 30% rule, according to which no more than 30 percent of one’s monthly income should be spent on rent and utilities. Emphasizing the importance of this principle, HUD’s Section 8 voucher program provides payment vouchers to help seniors cover the cost of rent (over 30%) and make housing more affordable. Thus, the total voucher amount each individual receives can vary based on their income level and rental agreement.

Income limitations and eligibility
As with any other government assistance program, several criteria help determine one’s eligibility for housing vouchers as well, such as income, citizenship status, and household makeup.

  • Financial need
    To qualify for these vouchers, seniors must have an overall household income that falls within the income limit set by their local PHA. Please note that this can differ significantly from one city to another based on the median income and cost of living in the area.
  • Citizenship
    Only those with U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status may apply for these vouchers.
  • Age
    In most areas, this program is open to individuals over the age of 62. It is advisable to visit the PHA office for more insights.
  • Background check
    Individuals applying for this program must pass a criminal background check that determines their suitability.

In addition to the above, the household must also fit within the HUD’s definition of a family. This includes single-member households as well.

Filing an application for the Section 8 housing voucher program
It costs nothing to apply for a Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. Depending on one’s location, the application form to kickstart this process can be completed online or at one’s local PHA office. This form asks for information such as one’s name, date of birth, Social Security Number, proof of citizenship or immigration status, proof of current residence, proof of income from all sources, and landlord references.

Other government resources and assistance for senior housing
Apart from the Section 8 voucher program, the government also runs other assistance programs to ensure the availability of affordable housing for seniors.

  • Section 202
    This supportive housing for the elderly program offers rental assistance in pre-approved properties so they can continue to live independently. Some of these units also offer additional help with daily living, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. While Section 8 encompasses all low-income families, this assistance program is limited to seniors aged 62+.
  • Section 504 home repair program
    In most cases, seniors prefer to age in their own house. To turn this into a reality, HUD runs the Section 504 Home Repair Program, which covers the cost of home upgrades, repairs, and renovations in very low-income households. This may be done in two forms–loans and grants. While the grants have to be used to remove safety hazards, the loan amounts may be used to improve or modernize one’s home and make it more comfortable to live in.
  • Low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP)
    The cost of running the HVAC system can be significantly high, especially during the winter months. To assist families with energy costs, HUD runs the LIHEAP, which can help reduce expenditures on home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.

Apart from these programs, senior veterans may also qualify for certain initiatives run by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). While boarding and lodging will have to be covered by the individuals, the VA may cover the cost of many services and amenities that can be availed at assisted living and other senior residential facilities.

For a complete list of government-assisted housing, home health services, and other approved homes and assisted living facilities under each program, one can start by perusing the directory maintained by the National Resource Center on Native Americans Aging. Seniors can also reach out to nonprofit or charitable organizations that offer financial assistance or rent-controlled comfortable housing to seniors nationwide.

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