Affordable Senior Housing
Senior Retirement Communities | HUD Housing
Affordable senior housing is a special program implemented by the federal government’s Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office. Seniors who qualify for Section 202 housing – named after the section of the federal legislation authorizing it – have access to rental housing specifically for people over the age of 62 who have incomes under 50 percent of the area median income.
How To Apply for HUD Housing? - Locate your local Public Housing Agency - Click Here
Please note: If you are in need of HUD Housing and seeking availability, you must contact the property directly about obtaining an application and status availability.
Section 202 residences are built and run by private, non-profit groups who have received loan incentives from HUD. HUD is not involved in day to day operations. Rents are calculated according to income, and rental assistance funds pay whatever balance remains. Here are some frequently asked questions about affordable senior housing that you may find helpful:
Choose a topic below
HUD Senior Housing
What is affordable senior housing?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 202 Program offer subsidized housing and rental assistance for individuals over 62 who meet the requirements of the federal program. These communities often help residents access a variety of health care, transportation and other services. Other HUD programs, such as public housing communities, also serve seniors and may offer service coordination for their residents.
Back to topQualify for HUD Senior Housing
Who pays for affordable senior housing?
A variety of sources funding affordable senior housing communities. Residents pay rent based on their adjusted gross income, which is calculated by subtracting approved medical expenses from their income. Each resident pays 30 percent of the adjusted income for rent and utilities.
HUD provides interest-free capital advances to nonprofit organization to finance the development of affordable senior housing. The capital advance does not have to be repaid as long as the project serves the very low-income elderly persons for 40 years. Charitable organizations also offer funding to these communities.
There are a few privately-funded affordable housing programs. These programs are typically restricted to the members of the fraternal or religious organization that sponsors the housing.
What questions should I ask an affordable senior housing provider?
Is there a waiting list?
If so, how long a person can expect to be on a waiting list before there is an apartment available. Are there income limits for the property?
Is there a service coordinator available to assist residents that may need services?
If yes, what services can a coordinator help a resident access in the community?
Daily Living
What are the services an affordable senior housing community offer?
The 202 program does not specifically pay for services. However, many providers have service coordinators on staff who link residents with outside home and community based service providers. Some of these services include:
Meal delivery programs.
Transportation services
Wellness programs
Social activities
What value does an affordable senior housing community offer older adults and their loved one?
Affordable senior housing programs offer safe, decent housing options to those seniors with limited incomes. Often, these communities have accessible apartments available for seniors with mobility or other problems. Many also offer supportive service coordination that helps individuals receive the services they need to age in a place they call home.
Back to top