Low Income Housing for Seniors and Elderly

Throughout the U.S., the need for low-income housing for seniors and elderly continues to rise as more Baby Boomers reach the age of retirement

Senior Apartments

Although there are several types of low-income housing for senior citizens, many people in this segment of the population find it difficult to locate an affordable place to live. When applying for subsidized senior housing, applicants are faced with long waiting lists, sometimes two or three years in length. There are some senior apartment complexes have such long waiting lists that they refuse to issue rental applications.

The demand for affordable senior housing is far greater than the number of subsidized rental units available. Many affordable housing options for seniors have fallen by the wayside due to budget cuts and low-cost housing units being converted into condominiums and sold.

There are many senior citizens with low annual incomes that find it very difficult to locate an affordable place to live. Most of these seniors qualify for low-income housing, which is generally subsidized by the local, state or federal government. However, there are also low-income senior housing facilities subsidized by religious organizations and private or public charities.

The fair market rent of low-income housing units is determined by the government prior to being rented. For example, the fair market rent of a federally-subsidized housing unit is pre-determined.

Although qualification requirements may differ in certain localities and housing situations, to be eligible for low-income housing, a senior must be at least 62 years old and meet certain income limitations. The income eligibility dollar amounts vary from state to state, as well as from area to area within the state. However, the income eligibility guidelines remain the same.

To qualify, a senior citizen must earn 50 percent or less of the median income of the area. Once income eligibility is determined, the senior is then charged 30 percent of his or her monthly income for rent. The difference between the fair market rent and the amount the tenant pays is paid by the government agency providing the low-income housing.

Seniors who qualify for low income housing must:

• Verify their income each year
• Report any changes in their income
• Report any changes in the number of their dependents

Several different types of low income housing options exist for seniors and the elderly.

• Many subsidized senior housing apartment complexes or communities offer additional services and activities that may include the following:
  • Recreational activities
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Housekeeping services
• Subsidized senior housing options that do not include any additional services or activities
• Some subsidized housing for seniors and the elderly may include congregate apartments or

assisted living facilities

As part of the federal government, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, known as HUD, operates several programs that provide low-cost housing to seniors and elderly. These federally assisted housing programs include:

• Section 8
• Section 202
• Section 202 Conversion

• For more information on HUD programs for senior housing, visit HUD.
• Seniors A to Z provides a directory of affordable senior housing including HUD and other subsidized facilities
• Low Rent Apartment Search

To find information on low-cost senior housing that is funded by state or local government programs, check with the individual state or county agency for the aging or its Department of Health and Senior Services.

Additional resources include:

• Senior Living
• Senior Housing News

As the need for affordable housing for seniors and elderly continues to steadily increase, federal, state and local governments, along with religious and charitable organizations, are planning their building projects to meet the housing needs of all senior citizens.

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