Finding affordable housing can be a priority for seniors and individuals with disabilities who are on fixed pay or have very low incomes. In such situations, the money received via Social Security benefits might not be enough to cover all living expenses, including housing. This is when low-income housing can be a viable option to consider. These options are available through several government programs as well as through the private market.
How to find low-income housing
1. Look for affordable apartments and condos
There are many apartment and condo complexes that have been exclusively developed for seniors and people with disabilities who have low or fixed incomes. With these options, it is possible to have a private living space at affordable prices. Usually, these apartments and condos cost less than 30 percent of a person’s adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if a person’s AGI is around $1,000 per month, they have to pay about $300 for rent. The cost is generally subsidized by different nonprofits, government programs, and other groups. Along with the affordable cost, such low-income apartments also have other benefits. These include accessibility features such as shower bars, elevators, wheelchair ramps, etc.
2. Consider cooperative housing options
While these are not the most affordable housing options, they cost less than staying alone. In co-op housing, a company owns the building(s) and the land on which the building is built. To get a housing unit in such a co-op, a person has to buy shares in the company. Since most co-ops fall under the affordable housing category, the purchase price is typically lower. The reason for the low cost can be attributed to the goal of a co-op, which is not to make money but to improve the members’ quality of life. So, along with the housing unit, a co-op housing setup offers access to common areas such as community kitchens, laundry facilities, outdoor spaces, and so on.
3. Explore HUD programs
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers several federal programs to seniors and people with disabilities seeking low-income housing options.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Those with low income may be eligible for housing choice vouchers. With these, they can afford to pay rent for an apartment, condo, townhouse, or single-family home. That said, these housing units must be available for rent under the program. The vouchers are distributed by local public housing agencies, and they make payments directly to the landlord. Any difference in the rent has to be paid to the landlord by the person renting the housing unit. While there is a long waiting list for housing through HUD, immediate priority is given to older adults and disabled persons who are homeless or do not have access to safe and sanitary housing.
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Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811) program
This program has been specially developed to provide affordable housing options to low-income adults with disabilities. It provides funds for building subsidized rental housing and developing supportive services. These supportive services are geared towards giving those with disabilities easy access to housing options. Besides this, the program provides assistance through referrals to other housing and essential services that individuals with disabilities may require.
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Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
HUD programs also provide funds for developing and rehabilitating multifamily housing units for low-income seniors aged 62 years and above. One such program is Section 202, which provides affordable housing options. These options are designed as independent living units and offer support services such as transportation, cooking, and cleaning. The rent here is subsidized, and one only has to pay about 30 percent of their adjusted gross income. But to qualify for this, the household must have an income less than 50 percent of the area median income in the specific locality.
4. Consider adult family homes or foster care
An adult family home or foster care is a group living arrangement. In this, a maximum of six adults live together in a home environment. A room is available for each resident, and common spaces are shared by everyone. These common spaces usually include the living room, kitchen, and laundry room. Generally, such residential homes are monitored, licensed, and approved by the Department of Family Services. Paid supervisors, along with teams of social workers, counselors, and nurses, manage the housing unit. The residents are provided the necessary assistance for meals, housing, social activities, and other daily needs within the home. This type of affordable housing is suitable for those who only need low-level care and not specialized medical assistance.
