How do I apply for low-income senior housing?

Low-income seniors often face challenges when it comes to finding affordable housing options in the United States. With so many senior citizens retiring on a fixed retirement income, it becomes difficult to afford the rising housing costs. Luckily, the United States provides various housing options to help seniors afford rent in approved senior housing.

Low-income seniors can apply for affordable senior housing through their local Public Housing Agency or local HUD office. Depending on the senior housing program you are applying for, you may be required to complete an application either online, via phone, or at the respective property office. Some housing options may have an open enrollment when you can start your application and book an appointment for an interview. If you are eligible, you will be allocated an apartment, condo, or other housing option.

What is low-income senior housing?

Low-income senior housing refers to housing options that low-income seniors can afford, and that are made available to seniors. These housing options often comprise government-subsidized rental units, and the rental costs may be made more affordable for seniors through credits, vouchers, and government subsidies.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers various programs to help low-income seniors afford housing. Generally, the government may offer a subsidized payment equal to 30% of your monthly income for housing. For example, if your income is $1,800, you would pay about $600 for senior housing.

What senior housing programs are available?

The main low-income senior housing programs include the following:

Section 202 Affordable Senior Housing

Private non-profit organizations run the Section 202 housing program, specifically targeting low-income seniors. It provides affordable rental housing options to help older adults age in place. While these housing units are designed for independent living, seniors can also benefit from additional services like cleaning, bathing, transport, and cooking.

To qualify for the Section 202 housing program, your household income must be less than 50% of the median income in the area. Also, one older adult in the household must be age 62 or older. When you move into this senior housing property, the government will subsidize your rent, and you will only pay 30% of your adjusted income.

Section 8 Housing voucher program

The Section 8 Housing program is a federal program that assists low-income families, older adults, and the disabled to help them afford safe housing options. This program gives the voucher directly to the resident, which they can use to rent a residence that suits their needs. The Section 8 housing program does not require the tenant to live in a specific property; they can move with the voucher when they relocate to another residence. However, the property owner must be willing to accept the voucher.

Low-income seniors who qualify for this housing program must apply through their Public Housing Agency (PHA). The PHA is responsible for distributing payment vouchers, and it will pay landlords directly. The qualifying individual is required to pay the landlord the difference. The housing applicants go through an enrollment process and are placed on a waiting list to attend a qualification interview. However, older adults who are homeless or without a safe place to live may be eligible for immediate housing.

Low-income housing tax credit program (LIHTC)

This tax credit is given to private investors as an incentive to encourage them to build more affordable housing communities. These tax credits are in the form of tax breaks, and they are given to developers who build housing units for tenants whose incomes are less than 50% of the median income of the area.

The rent paid is determined by the builder, and it is based on the area’s median income, and not the tenant’s income. However, potential tenants must meet the income eligibility requirements to apply for this type of housing. Additionally, this tax credit program can work with the Section 8 housing voucher program, allowing seniors to use vouchers to pay for the LIHTC rental house.

How to apply for low-income senior housing

Once you have determined that you qualify for low-income senior housing, you can begin the application process. Here is the application process for each type of low-income senior housing:

Applying for the Section 8 housing

Applications for the Section 8 housing choice vouchers must be done through the local Public Housing Authority. Each state or county has its enrollment period when you can book an appointment. When the enrollment period is open, you can apply either online, by mail, or by visiting the local housing authority's office.

When filling out the application for Section 8 housing, you will be required to provide certain information, including your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, income, employment information, previous housing information, etc. Once you submit your application, you will be put on a waiting list and informed once you are eligible to receive the voucher.

Applying for Section 202 housing

Start by contacting a local HUD office to find property managers participating in the Section 202 housing program in your area. You will be required to apply for housing with the property manager, either online, via phone, or physically at the property. Some property managers may require potential tenants to pay a fee.

Some of the information you will be required to provide includes your name, age, date of birth, household income, previous housing history, and any criminal records. Applications can take several weeks or months to be processed. Once approved, you will be given an appointment for an interview to determine if you meet the requirements. If you are eligible, you will be allocated a house on a space availability basis.

Applying to live in a LIHTC property

If you want to live in a LIHTC property, you can check participating properties on the HUD LIHTC database. Find properties with an open enrollment, and start your application online or by visiting the property office. Once you apply, it can take a week or more to be processed. Some property managers may charge an application fee as part of the application process. If you are eligible, and there are available apartments, you will be allocated a unit.

Conclusion

With the number of seniors age 65 expected to reach 72 million by 2030, many federal and state housing agencies are shifting focus to improving the lives of low-income seniors. If you or your seniors are struggling to find an affordable senior housing unit, you can apply for government-supported housing programs. These programs include Section 8 housing, Section 202 housing, and LIHTC property.