What Are Affordable Housing Options for Low-Income Seniors?
As the cost of living continues to increase, it can be harder for seniors with a fixed income to afford housing. This makes it more important than ever to find the right community where you can enjoy life comfortably. Whether it be government initiatives, subsidies, or cheaper alternatives to traditional housing, low-income seniors have several options for housing. You can find affordable senior housing by searching online.
There might be different criteria for low-income seniors depending on the housing program. Search online to learn more and find out whether you qualify for low-income housing.
Here are six types of low-income housing seniors can consider.
1. Co-op Housing
Co-op housing is a form of housing that’s becoming more popular among seniors. Property owners are looking to enhance the lives of seniors living in these establishments. The Senior Cooperative Foundation Board reports there are currently over 125 senior co-ops providing 7,700 units to over 10,500 residents.
Buying into a co-op home can be cost-effective for seniors. By purchasing shares in the corporation that owns the building, residents can lease a specific unit and gain access to common areas. Your share could end up growing one to two percent annually and potentially lead to a small return later on.
An additional perk to living in co-op housing is being able to apply for a membership that gives senior residents voting rights into how the building is managed. Plus, you’ll be able to save money by utilizing shared amenities instead of buying your own.
2. Virtual Retirement Communities
If you want to remain living in your current home but need to save money, consider looking into virtual retirement communities. This digital platform allows you to affordably access senior living services in your area.
Pay an annual membership to gain access to services such as:
- Home repairs;
- Transportation;
- Pet care;
- Assemblies and lectures with senior service providers, and;
- Housekeeping.
While this isn’t a direct way to score lower housing costs, it’s a way for you to reap the rewards of traditional retirement homes without having to pay the hefty costs that come with them.
An annual membership can cost as little as $450 for individuals and $600 for couples.
3. Public Housing
Seniors who qualify as low-income individuals are eligible to apply for public housing. With over 1.2 million households living in public housing units, these homes can come in the form of many different residences, from single-family houses to high-rise apartments. As long as you comply with the lease, you can stay in public housing for as long as you want.
Being in public housing allows seniors to remain living in their home communities. Around 31 percent of public housing units are occupied by seniors. It’s more budget-friendly compared to retirement communities, as costs are determined by your annual income.
To learn more about public housing, contact your local Public Housing Agency. These workers are responsible for the management and operation of these local housing programs.
4. Housing Choice Voucher
An alternative to public housing is the Housing Choice voucher. This federal program is designed for low-income families and seniors to receive assistance in paying their monthly rent. This program is not limited to public housing and lets you choose where you want to live.
To qualify, your income must not exceed 50 percent of the median income in the area you reside in. The voucher you’re given will vary from senior-to-senior. Your local Public Housing Agency will determine the maximum amount of housing assistance available. Landlords will have to agree for seniors to rent under this program.
5. Section 202 Supportive Housing
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program works to expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. Unlike the Housing Choice Voucher, this program is specifically designed for seniors.
It has two main functions. They are:
- Providing funds and operating assistance to nonprofits that work to construct, rehabilitate, or acquire supportive housing for very low-income elderly, and;
- Providing rental assistance (known as Project Rental Assistance Contracts), which makes up the difference between the reduced rents that eligible seniors are required to pay and the operating expenses of a particular development.
The communities that come from this funding will vary. They can help seniors to live independently while providing support related to cleaning, cooking, transportation, and other lifestyle needs.
To qualify, your household must have at least one person 62 years of age or older.
6. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is a federally funded program that ensures there is enough low-income housing to meet demand. So far, more than 107,000 units were placed in service from 1995 to 2017.
Building owners set aside units for low-income residents and accept the rent amount specified by the government to participate in the program and qualify for federal tax credits. Seniors can take advantage of this initiative by applying for a LIHTC in their community. So, look at affordable housing websites that feature the LIHTC program to find a unit.
Search Online to Find Affordable Housing
You have options when it comes to housing. As a low-income senior, there are programs that put it in place for you to live comfortably. Start an online search to find out if you fit the criteria and learn how to apply for affordable housing.
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How do I find a house that accepts my section 8 voucher? I am a disabled senior citizen.
I’m trying to find a house at least three for seniors and low income
I’m homeless 55 would i be eligible for senior low income housing
I’m looking for a little house / cottage or however you say it that will allow me to have my dog. He is a big sweet as pie hog but he is my child. I will not give him up. I currently own my house and a acre of land that I’m willing to sell to move. But like I said I must find a place for my me and my dog.
The State I’m looking into is Colorado or Wyoming or Dakotas just someplace pretty and peaceful. I would love to live there forever and it be to where if I need medical help it’s there for me and Zeus both. If I needed assistance well it would be there too. I’m sure you have others like myself. We don’t want to be moving around just find us a good place with loving people SND live out our life. Thank you for your time.
I’m looking to relocate to Florida with my husband who is 71. But how do I go about the affordable apt?
Looking for a affordable one bedroom one bath w/d connections
I am on SSI Disability and my Boyfriend works for UPS, 25-30 hours a week. We lived here before a Judge Declared me Disabled and we really love living here and don’t want to move. We have lived here since May 2016, almost 5 yrs and don’t want to move. We would definitely qualify for Low-income. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I’m a low income senior citizen 64 years of age on SSI disability I need to find me a place to stay I would appreciate all the help you can give me in San Diego
I’m married,we both get SSI,the place we live in is not worth $725 a month,our income is$2100 a month , with car payments and utilities,we are barely getting by,,I’ll lease will be up in March,,we need low income housing,we are Indianapolis Indiana,,I’m a Vietnam veteran,,
I’m 55 and looking for something low income for myself and my cat.
I am 72yrs old my husband is 58 and disabled need low income housing e lease is up July 1st need laundrer y in unit can’t do stairs need dishwasher cannot stand to long need low tub please help
IAM homeless trying to get on disability disability wood like a place to live and maybe buy I have 1 dog 1 cat help please thank you 5413002422
I’ve been in this apt since 2015 and looking for an economical priced one . I’m 70 and trying to find one with walk in shower.im still working a few days a week making clear $1000 plus my social security of $1000. But I like to keep it at budget level I do save but too many crazy things happening I need to be prepared. I reside in KC Missouri. I do have a cat.
I am 65 and totally disabled but I care for my-self (shop, laundry + cleaning etc) I’m in need of housing and live in the Kitsap area . I am retired and work part time when needed. I’m low income. Can anybody help me out.
Are you with a better business have you been checked out
I am 63an looking for a low I come home with my foster daughter don’t get any money for her but I have a job but it’s hard not having enough money for for food or clothing can you help me
It look Bery Nice.I like it.😎👌
I’m a 77 yr old who just lost my partner of 30yrs to Covid January 2. I live in his house and he had no will so I will have to leave here soon and will be homeless. I don’t get much social security not enough to live on. I could use some help finding affordable housing. Thank you!
I’m on ssi and my husband is my caregiver. I need an affordable housing for me ,my husband, cat and dog. Our income combined is about $1400 monthly. My husband is 55, and I will turn 55 April 18,2021
I need affordable housing…
I’m a senior 69 years young. I still work part time and receive Social Security. I just moved here 1 year ago now my landlord tell me that she needs this apartment for her sister to live in. I had a hard time finding this affordable apartment. I need help finding an affordable housing. Please help me…
debbi vitti and I was kicked out and locks were changed. By my boy friend. His mother owns the cabin she text me I’m not allowed to go there anymore. But I left everything in that cabin they gave me a total of one day im now sleeping in my car the boy friend moved to Idaho. He told me was moving 2days before they kicked me out. I’m 63 almost 64 and I’m so confused and hurt right now I dont know what to do or where to go for help. My car is not very comfortable and I’m scared to park it anywhere I really didn’t deserve what happened to me. I thought I was ok there . Can anybody out there tell me where there’s help for somebody like me. I’m in California in the SanBernardino county. Looking to stay around here. Ive called 211 already they have nothing to offer me. Thanks for listening
My name is Leo Steven I mean home is 56 year old man I need some assistant. On somewhere to stay my # is 770-873-6468
I am 61 years old I live in a veterans home I’m a quadriplegic And I would like to find me a Home Single family With a Front porch I received SSI disability Writing $1,000 a month Also I would like A small dog Dealing with a lot of depression And sadness I’ve been away from home since 2013Nursing homes It’s not for me I’m blessed to have Hey ruffle my head And food to eat But I’m not getting any younger And I’ll be love her come on home We’re my grandkids gonna come and Visit
Im currently in senior disabled housing and very grateful, but Its in a high rise per say 7floors with a service pet aka: only n best friend.Hes 13 yrs old and trained TO WELL I HAVE TO TAKE HIM OUT 2-3 Times through out the night..which means to dress completely no housecoats even if you’re fully clothed underneath.I have always been with my son he has been my caregiver for 20 plus yrs.I had my purse stolen not long after moving in on a trial bases.my son was given false information about the purse, and it caused to much problems and having no caregiver( no strangers) has taken a toll on everything, my health, don’t cook because I had a brain abscess that causes forgetting along with the other things, that are to stressful.The manger the public housing refuses to allow my son on the property with a chance of being jailed.Several other people along with the gentlemen who was included in the false allegations went to our manager and told them it was a situation he too WOULDNT want his mother to be alone in a place unknown to her either and wasn’t interested in making any type police report and I.really needed his help.to no avail.now my son has lost his apartment, job and truck and is homeless..I cry myself sick and only want to be in a apartment that my small service pet can see outside and prayerfully my son can atleast visit and walk baby my dog. please im grateful for a roof over our heads.baby and I but I had a home yard etc..and my husband past away and lost our home and his income was very well.I have had situations that I made complaints about his way of making himself very dictoral.every complaint comes right back to him.The lady that gets the complaints, there friends and I don’t feel that she should share all my issues that he doesn’t have any right to know who the complaints come from and now feel more uneasy as ever.drugs everywhere, just blanton power used as scare tactics.I just wanted to know if you know what I should do. I don’t want cause any trouble just get my needs met.in Knoxville Tennessee pleading for a different place where my pet isnt depressed just as I have been for almost 3 years.
I’m Dan I am a 69 year old widower in good health, CANCER SURVIVOR from a rare form of APL LEUKEMIA with side effects from it. I live in Anaheim, CA I live on SS of $1,353.00 per month deposited on the 3rd. I rent a room from a lady. I am in need of finding another place asap by end of Jan.2021 esp by Feb Does anyone have a room to rent? I have a queen size bed and a metal rack for my TV. I need kitchen privileges and laundry. I don’t mind helping out cleaning doing dishes cooking even your laundry. Are you in need of a house sitter or helping your school age kids so you can work? Please let me know. If a fellow senior citizen male or female needs the income to keep that roof over your head. I do not drink, smoke or do drugs. I enjoy life i volunteer at my sons old High School in Placentia the Valencia High School Tiger Regimental Marching Band and Colorguard. I would like to stay in that area. North Orange County. Please call me at 562-490-3850 i am in very desperate need of housing. I am very easy going. I go to Emanuel Lutheran Church in La Habra. I am negative on Covid 19. Does anyone know a place? Thank you for you help. May God Bless America all over again. Pray America.
I’m Dan I am a 69 year old widower in good health, CANCER SURVIVOR from a rare form of APL LEUKEMIA with side effects from it. I live in Anaheim, CA I live on SS of $1,353.00 per month deposited on the 3rd. I rent a room from a lady. I am in need of finding another place asap by end of Jan.2021 esp by Feb Does anyone have a room to rent? I have a queen size bed and a metal rack for my TV. I need kitchen privileges and laundry. I don’t mind helping out cleaning doing dishes cooking even your laundry. Are you in need of a house sitter or helping your school age kids so you can work? Please let me know. If a fellow senior citizen male or female needs the income to keep that roof over your head. I do not drink, smoke or do drugs. I enjoy life I volunteer at my sons old High School in Placentia the Valencia High School Tiger Regimental Marching Band and Colorguard. I would like to stay in that area. North Orange County. Please call me at 562-490-3850 i am in very desperate need of housing. I am very easy going. I go to Emanuel Lutheran Church in La Habra. I am negative on Covid 19. Does anyone know a place? Or even someone who would like to split the rent on a 2 bedroom apt or house my half $700.00 a month.Thank you for your help. May God Bless America all over again. Please I need a NON SMOKERS.
I am desperate to find me and my kids are home. I can race them up in I’m definitely looking for a home that I don’t have to pay so much for for rent my credit has not been strong enough it’s been that way since high school basically all my life and I would do anything just for us to have that special home
I would love to have a place to call Home
I just can’t afford to, I receive a Disability check, that’s all the income I have, I’m 63 years old I have been staying with an old friend for the past few years, I’m very uncomfortable here, I don’t feel welcome I do appreciate all. I have no other option my health is declining under the anxiety and stress, but I don’t have any other options
Once I was married for 40 years to the same man We owed our own business we had a great home one daughter, in 2012 she was murdered at 37 years old, I thought I was going to lose my mind it was a very difficult time,
around the same time, I filled for a divorce my husband through the years was very abusive throughout the years I stayed because of my child When he received his papers my life as I knew it was over he Took everything we owed, sold the company took the home, Yes I did have an attorney that took $$$$ did nothing for me
I lost all. My name was on everything joined with him, I still to this very day DON’T Know he did that, true )
In my town, I have been to every place asking for help ( With no answers ) no help
If there Anyone out there that knows how to please inform me,
I just want a place to call home )
Tried of being locked out, living under very unreasonable orders, I’m grown I’m not hard to get along with,
If everyone knows of someplace that can Help contact me, life is short I just need some peace and normal life,
With a disability check of $ 900. Monthly
It seems impossible to afford to live on my own, sending prayers to all that are in need
I am 69 years old and my husbund is 70 years old he has medical condition 2 times have open heart surgery he cannot work we received sss but it’s not enough for our house rent and for our expences. Its a big help to us if u can give to us house a cheap rent. We are living in San Francisco 94134 we are not working thank you.
I will be 60 in February. I am currently homeless but lucky enough to stay in hotels for few weeks. I left my last home because it was making me and my little dog sick. It was FULL of black mold that the landlord would not help with. His reasoning was that “that’s why your rent is so cheap. ” Over 3 years there and it was getting worse and worse because it would take him months, if ever, to repair any leaks. Finally, the hot water heater started leaking. He was angry because, “I complained…” So he just cut the hot water off. My last 44 days there, I had no hot water. At my age I don’t think I deserve to live that way just because my income is low, and I am a ‘helpless’ (they think) woman. Help!
my house has been condemned My house has been condemned and I need one as soon as possible I have two little dogs well trained a go outside one is blind he follows the other one outside I am a male I live by myself with my two dogs I need a house or something that I can move into it snowing come I am on SSI now I am disabled I am also a senior citizen I do not visit with people I stay to myself if you could help me please let me know I’ll be watching thank you anonymous
I’m on SSI in Fargo ND and I’m looking for a one bedroom apartment at a cost of 500.00 dollars or less
I am a 76 yr old woman who was married forv45 yrs but hubby passed away in Sept, 2020. We moved back to Vegas in Dec, 2019 bu I now hate it here with my spouse. I want to moved back to Hemet, Ca (Riverside County). My only income is my monthly social security of $1403 per month. I would love to get a place with 2 bdrms and 2 baths. I need assistance to help with the rent. I can’t see sharing a bathroom with everyone who comes to see me and I need the extra bedroom when my grandkids and great grandkids visit. Can you please help me. My husband and I started saving moving to move back to Calif on and I would use it to do that. I just dont have enough monthly income to qualify for any place in Hemet under $700 monthly rent. I would take a small house or used mobile home. Please help me.
I am Looking for a Small House for Myself, Rent to own would be nice, 2 bedrooms i have Grand children, is there Someone i can talk to. I am on a. Fixed income.
I
I am 62 yrs old. I’m looking for an apartment/ house with everything on the same floor. No stairs. I am on disability.
My name os Patty.
I like to know how I can
Be able to rente one bedrom aforable apartment for me and my husban. We are 63 and 60 years old..
I’m 72, make $900 from SSI….only income. Had to choose between paying for auto/ins. and renting/eating. Renting in Plano but lousy landlords…almost 3 mo. now,
6 mo.lease over end of April. Need a place I would want to call home. I’d love to be able to have a cat to cuddle with. Currently not allowed.
I am a mom, grandmom and a very nice, caring, animal loving , quiet but sociable woman. I don’t have a big head, but I have been complimented on not looking my age….but, I do feel it at times…therefore, I can not climb more than 2 to 4 stairs(steps). Does anyone have a place within the Collin or Denton Counties I could rent a studio, 1 bedroom/bath appt or a private one bedroom/bath to live in and actually enjoy living and being a happy lady again.
Thank you for the consideration and, may God Bless You!!!!!🌞
Hello my name Bernestine L I am looking for an apartment that goes according to my income. SS income which means I’m on a strict budget. I’m in Clinton And Camp Spring Maryland Area Please help to find apartment that is under HUD.
Please HELP
I will like some information about low income or the boucher please I live in Florida and need a place of my own a 1 bathroom apt.thank you .
I am a 59 year old woman who is in of a senior community, I feel it is safe for me. I want a place that is clean and with exercise room so I keep Mobile. I want a place that the owners would love to live there too, a place I can call 🏠 home. I am disabled I only make $ 793.00month. I know there is a place for home me. I am on the Section 8 waiting list. I am living with a family member for now, but I want my own place, I do pay rent, it is nothing like your own place and peace. If you can help me, no false callers or tricks, please!!!!!
I am 70 years old. Living in my car since September 2019. Northern New York State. 29 miles from Canada. Trying to find a place in a southern state. Live on social security. All I find on line is $1000+ a month. I have my dog with me. Medium size. Loves people. Can you help?
Are these properties in phila.
Hi. I am a disabled senior, female, 63 yrs old and homeless. I am desparate to find a room to rent, a roommate, an efficiency or 1 be apt. I am currently in Logan Elm Healthcare however I am ready to be discharged and looking forward to moving onto living my regular life again. I am on a fixed SSD income however I make enough to pay a healthy monthly rental. I am a quiet person who enjoys doing crafts, adult coloring and taking walks.i have home healthcare where an aide can come in or you my landlord can get paid for the aid hours. I get 14 meals delivered each week and free transportation to all my appointments. PEASE contact me as soon as possible if you’re looking for a little company and some extra change in your pocket. 740 474 3121 or debchloey58@gmail.com or send me a message through Facebook. Thanks so much. Debbie Crompton.
Where can I find a place in Chula Vista Eastlake, for low Income, on sec 8 an disable,an a senior citizen.
Joseph Austin I am homeless and I work and I’m looking for affordable housing I make 27000 a year I am 61
Joseph Austin I am homeless and I work and I’m looking for affordable housing I make 27000 a year I am 61 I am also a veteran
Looking for low cost housing for coupled 68/69 years old ,retired n pensioner of sss but my husband still working for additional income .we need a comfortable housing as long as there is a good restroom and good ventilation inside the house ! We can afford to pay $ 350 to $400.per monthly amortization if we can purchased it through loan ,my husband has a good credit score and good standing payer. Your site is so useful and helpful for the needy ! Thanks
How much are these and where are these located and what does it go for a one-bedroom I get Social Security disability I need something low income housing that goes by my income January 2020 at 11 p.m. you can look me up on Facebook I am on Facebook I don’t like put my information out there for someone else to see