Share This
Print
E-mail
Government Housing Options and Long Term Senior Care
| Definition |
Qualifications |
Costs |
| Pros & Cons |
Benefit Types & Limits |
How to Apply |
| Overview of Government Housing for Seniors | ||
Government housing assistance applies to a number of programs designed to help financially stressed seniors (and families) by providing them with low rent housing or by providing partial rent payment directly to their landlords. There are several programs, such as Public Housing and Section 8 rental certificates but Section 202 Housing is designed specifically for older persons. This program offers support services such as meals and transportation and units designed for the disabled or frail.
Government housing assistance, specifically the Section 202 program, is helpful for financially impoverished but healthy seniors or those that require some assistance with the activities of daily living. While open to seniors older than 62, the average resident is 79 years old and their annual incomes average less than $10,000. 90% of residents are single women.
The major drawback of these units is the extensive waiting lists. Multiple year waits are the norm, making this a non-option for elderly individuals requiring immediate care. Preference for admission goes to those whose rent exceeds 50% of their income, those being involuntarily displaced and those living in sub-standard housing currently.
Some Section 202 residencies offer care services on par with assisted living communities. Units are typically one bedroom; include grab bars and ramps to help seniors remain safe and independent. Meals and transportation can be provided, but this is not a good option for those requiring 24 hr supervision, skilled nursing or adult day care.
Be Aware That:
Government assisted housing for seniors can have multi-year wait lists.
Government Housing is Also Known As:
-Public housing
-HUD housing
-Section 202 housing
-Section 8 rental certificates
-Government assisted housing
-HUD housing
-Section 202 housing
-Section 8 rental certificates
-Government assisted housing
Applications for Section 202 housing are mostly handled at the facility level and each facility has its own eligibility requirements.
Age Requirements
The minimum age for government assisted housing Section 202 is 62 years old.
Disabilities / Health Requirements
There are no disability requirements for government assisted housing Section 202 housing.
Family Status
Marital status is typically not a requirement for government assisted housing Section 202, although over 90%, of residents are single women.
Financial Status Requirements
Incomes levels for government assisted housing are typically below 50% of their area’s median income. Average income of a resident is approximately $10,000 / year.
Veteran Status Requirements
Veteran status does not typically play a role in eligibility for civilian government assisted housing programs.
Geographic Requirements
One’s geographic location only plays a role in government assisted housing eligibility because applications are mostly handled at the facility level and facilities tend to favor applicants from their own communities.
Types of Benefit Payout
Section 202 housing benefits come in the form of inexpensive monthly rent of homes or apartments in group residential settings.
Restrictions on How Payout Can be Used
Seniors do not receive cash benefits for assistance, rather their rents are reduced, and therefore assisted housing benefits can only be applied towards housing costs.
Benefits Amounts & Limits
Section 202 housing attempts to reduce a senior rental expenses to less than 50% of their monthly income. That said, benefit decisions are made at the facility level and each one differs.
Time to Receive Benefits
The wait time to receive government assisted housing benefits is a significant problem. Waiting lists that are several years long are not uncommon. At least one report has found an average waiting time of 9 months.
This Source Can Help For
Some government assisted housing helps seniors who require assisted living level care, but for the most part this is an option for independent, healthy seniors.
Typically there are no costs associated with applying for or being on the wait list for government assisted housing. However, decisions are made at the facility level so there may be exceptions.
Search for government assisted housing by getting a list of the facilities in your area.
