- Section 8 housing is available for those in need of assistance with housing costs, including seniors.
- Housing vouchers assist seniors with rent after 30% of adjusted gross income is applied.
- There is a difference between Section 8 and Section 202, both programs for seniors.
Getting older can come with both blessings and curses, sweet moments made precious with time, and challenges unique to those above a certain age. Your twilight years shouldn’t be tinged with worry and strife, though, marring days that should be special. These obstacles are especially prevalent when it comes to housing.
Having a clean and safe home is a basic tenet for life; as we age, this becomes even more pertinent. Health concerns, easy access to healthcare and family, and housing that considers ambulatory needs are all of the utmost importance for seniors. Retirement and other income sources aren’t always sufficient to cover necessary housing. When that happens, there are government-funded programs, such as Section 8, to assist with the cost of rent.
The limitations, especially in relation to seniors, can seem overwhelming and dense at times, so below we will break down how the program works, how seniors can utilize the funds, and what other programs are available.
Who does Section 8 assist?
Run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—also known as HUD—the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) assists those who need a hand with housing costs. Section 8 serves low-income families, those with disabilities, or the elderly who are low-income. HUD defines the elderly as anyone 62 years of age or older.
There are certain limitations in place to qualify for Section 8:
- Meet the income requirements, which we will discuss further below
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as defined by HUD
- The head of household must have a valid Social Security Number
- Qualify as disabled or elderly
What are the income limitations for Section 8?
Low-income is determined by your family’s adjusted gross income—or your sole income if you are single—and it typically must be 50% less than the median income for your local county. The public housing agencies (PSA) in your area determine this amount, so reach out to your city’s housing authority to determine if you qualify. Your public housing authority is also how you will apply for Section 8 housing, and who will handle your place on the waitlist.
Once you are approved by your local housing agency, the PSA will distribute Section 8 vouchers to be applied toward your housing cost. As a household, you will apply 30% of your adjusted gross income towards rent, and the voucher will cover the remaining amount.
Most seniors receive social security benefits, and your adjusted gross income accounts for that amount.
Can Section 8 be applied to senior housing?
A senior residence can be a blessing for those above a certain age. These housing communities can either provide around-the-clock care or supervised independence, depending on needs. They also create a sense of community for those in their later years. Luckily, some senior residences accept Section 8 housing vouchers as a payment form.
As you search Section 8 housing, filter options for senior-specific housing to find these communities that accept vouchers as payment.
What are the differences between Section 8 and Section 202?
In addition to Section 8, HUD also runs a program referred to as Section 202. While the former is open to the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income families, the latter is open only to those 62 or above with less than 50% of their area’s median income.
Section 202 is unique and serves a dual purpose; the program funded the building of exclusive senior housing that includes cleaning, cooking, and transportation services. However, it also works like Section 8 in that once 30% of the participant’s income is applied towards rent, the government-funded voucher covers the remaining amount.
Conclusion
There are options and safeguards built into place to ensure you will be housed and taken care of as a senior citizen. Take advantage of those programs to find the proper housing situation for you and your needs, whether it’s a private home, apartment, or senior residence community with around-the-clock care.
Don’t let the logistics of finding affordable housing become intimidating to the point of ruining this time in your life. The Section 8 voucher program can support seniors with affordable options and make sure your golden years are just that.
