To address the constantly rising demand for affordable housing in the country, the government offers multiple assistance programs through its Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of these, two HUD programs under sections 202 and 801 are meant for older adults and those with disabilities. That said, not all seniors and people with disabilities qualify for the benefits. To determine eligibility, it is important to understand the exact benefits and requirements for each program.
HUD housing assistance programs
The government housing programs, particularly HUD Sections 202 and 811 programs, offer affordable housing to households with elderly members and those with disabilities. The first initiative, Section 202, served both populations until 1990, after which Section 202 and Section 811 became distinct programs. Today, the HUD Section 202 program finances the development of affordable housing for seniors. On the other hand, the Section 811 program funds non-profits that offer supportive housing for those with disabilities and very- and extremely-low-income households.
Ways of providing assistance
The programs ease access to affordable housing in two ways.
Capital advances
For a long time, HUD has provided interest-free capital advances to non-profit sponsors, helping them finance the development of rental housing. This includes properties for the elderly and disabled like living projects, small group homes, and condominium units. Capital advances can finance rehabilitation, construction, or acquisition with or without rehabilitation of housing properties. The advance does not need to be repaid as long as the housing remains available for the intended program beneficiaries for at least 40 years.
Project rental assistance
HUD provides funds to certain state housing agencies to cover the difference between the tenants’ contributions toward rent and the operating costs of the project, including the cost of hiring a service coordinator and other department-approved service expenses. Here, no funds are available for construction or rehabilitation. For eligible program beneficiaries, these funds essentially subsidize their rent.
Key features of HUD Section 202
Officially known as the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, this federal government initiative is designed to provide comfortable, safe, and affordable housing to low-income older adults. It offers tenants rental assistance for living in Section 202 properties across the country. Residents in such developments are only supposed to pay 30% of their adjusted income as rent. The government covers the rest of the rental costs.
Section 202 properties come with amenities and support services to ensure the safety and well-being of older residents. The precise features could vary across properties.
Wellness properties
A few communities meant for older adults offer meal programs, on-site fitness centers, access to community resources, and other services to help seniors lead comfortable lives.
Accessibility tools
Section 202 housing is built to be secure and accessible for older residents of varying abilities. So, the properties may come with accessibility features like grab bars, wider doorways, ramps, and non-slip surfaces that reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Cleaning services
Aging-related issues can make it difficult to carry out household chores. To address this need, eligible individuals living in certain Section 202 properties might get access to cleaning services.
Transportation services
Multiple Section 202 properties provide transportation services to help residents get to grocery stores, wellness centers, and other places.
Social engagement
Government-supported housing communities for older adults are designed to reduce social isolation and offer opportunities for social interaction. Certain communities come with common spaces, organize recreational activities, and set up dining arrangements to bring residents together.
Additionally, a Section 202 housing property is typically centrally located and close to healthcare facilities, public transportation, shopping centers, parks, and social services. The ease of access to such resources may benefit seniors and help them maintain an active and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Section 202 eligibility criteria
- Applicants must ensure that at least one member of their household is 62 or older.
- Their household must earn less than 50% of the area median income (AMI).
Even if one meets these basic requirements, other factors, such as previous eviction from a HUD property or a record of prior criminal activity, could negatively affect their eligibility for low-income housing. Additionally, one should note that the Section 202 housing program prioritizes offering assistance to those who demonstrate the greatest need.
Key features of HUD Section 811
This program allows people with disabilities to live as independently as possible in a well-equipped community. Section 811, too, offers assistance by subsidizing rental housing opportunities. Officially known as the Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program, this initiative is also meant to offer affordable housing solutions to very- and extremely-low-income households.
Section 811 eligibility criteria
To access Section 811 projects, households must fulfill a few criteria.
- For properties funded by capital advances and supported by project rental assistance contracts (PRACs), applicants must be low-income, with earnings under 50% of the median income for the area. Additionally, at least one adult member of the household must have a disability.
- For properties funded with Project Rental Assistance, applicants must be extremely low-income, with earnings under 30% of the median income for the area. Here, too, at least one adult member must have a disability.
That said, each state may establish additional eligibility requirements for this program. One could find local HUD coordinators to find out more about housing options for the elderly and disabled.
