The only federal housing program built exclusively for seniors. Residents pay 30% of their adjusted income in rent — HUD covers the rest through a Project Rental Assistance Contract paid directly to the property. Many buildings include service coordinators, congregate dining, transportation coordination, grab bars, ramps, and wellness programming. The average Section 202 resident is 79 years old; 90% are single women. HUD does not manage the waitlists — you apply directly to each property.

Eligibility: At least one household member age 62+. Household income ≤50% of Area Median Income (very low income). No upper age limit. Apply directly to each property. Use HUD Resource Locator to find properties near you (resources.hud.gov → “Find Affordable Elderly Housing”).

The largest federal rental assistance program in the U.S. You receive a voucher to rent any private apartment or home that meets HUD quality standards — you find the unit, the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) pays the difference between 30% of your income and the approved rent ceiling directly to your landlord. Seniors age 62+ are a priority category at more than 60% of PHAs, which can substantially reduce wait times. National average wait: 2.5 years (CBPP/HUD 2024). Congress approved a $1.2 billion increase in HCV funding for FY2025. Apply to multiple PHAs simultaneously — you do not need to be a resident of a PHA’s jurisdiction to apply.

Eligibility: Income ≤50% AMI (most assistance goes to those at or below 30% AMI). U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Age 62+ triggers priority preference at most PHAs. Find and apply at your local PHA: hud.gov/PHA or call 1-800-569-4287.

Government-owned apartment communities where residents pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income. Many PHAs operate senior-designated public housing (age 62+ buildings) separate from general family housing. Unlike Section 8 where you choose your unit, public housing assigns you to a specific unit. Waitlists for senior public housing are often shorter than Section 8 voucher waitlists because the supply of units is fixed and more predictable. HUD deducts $400/month from annual income calculation for elderly families, which can lower your 30% payment further.

Eligibility: Income ≤80% AMI; most units go to households at or below 30% AMI. U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Ask your PHA specifically for senior-designated buildings — these often have separate, shorter waitlists.

The largest source of affordable rental housing in the U.S. LIHTC properties simply charge below-market rents — no voucher required. Rents are capped at 30% of 50% or 60% of Area Median Income, which is far below private market rates in most cities. HUD’s database now contains 3.7 million units at 54,000+ LIHTC developments. Many LIHTC buildings are senior-designated. Waitlists tend to be shorter than Section 8 because new developments open fresh lists and existing lists move faster. Apply directly to the property — no PHA involvement required.

Eligibility: Generally income ≤60% AMI (some units up to 80% AMI). No age requirement unless the building is senior-designated. Income verification only — no voucher application process.

For seniors in small towns and rural communities, USDA Section 515 is the rural equivalent of Section 202. Subsidized apartments with rent capped at 30% of adjusted income in communities under 35,000 population. Over 14,000 active developments with 410,000+ units; more than 60% of residents are elderly or disabled. Section 521 Rental Assistance is available on top of Section 515 for residents whose income is too low to afford even subsidized rent — ask the property manager if you qualify for RA payments.

Eligibility: Very low or low income. Must live or plan to live in a rural area (under 35,000 population). Contact your local USDA Rural Development office or use their online property locator at rd.usda.gov.

HUD-VASH combines a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless or at-risk veterans. VA case managers actively assist with finding housing, navigating applications, and accessing supportive services. For senior veterans on Social Security facing housing instability, this is typically the fastest path to stable, subsidized housing. The VA Homeless Hotline operates 24/7 and can begin the VASH referral process immediately.

Eligibility: Veteran with honorable or general discharge. Currently homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. Enrolled or eligible for VA health care. Contact your nearest VA Medical Center or call the Homeless Hotline to begin the referral process.

Low-income rural homeowners can receive grants up to $10,000 (age 62+, no repayment required if you stay 3+ years) and loans up to $40,000 at just 1% interest for 20 years. Covers critical repairs: leaking roofs, broken heating or cooling, unsafe electrical wiring, plumbing failures, accessibility upgrades (grab bars, wheelchair ramps, wider doorways). Loans and grants can be combined up to $50,000. For many seniors, this grant is the difference between safely aging at home and being forced into institutional care.

Eligibility for grants: Age 62+, income ≤50% AMI, rural area (under 35,000 population), own and occupy the property. Loans: any age, income ≤50% AMI, rural area. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office to apply.

HUD funds a national network of nonprofit housing counseling agencies providing free one-on-one advice for seniors on: navigating program applications, preventing eviction, understanding leases and rights, reverse mortgage counseling, foreclosure prevention, and identifying local affordable housing openings — including LIHTC vacancies and Section 202 properties with open waitlists that are not visible in national searches. Housing counselors know local programs that do not appear in any national database. Completely free to you.

Eligibility: Anyone. No income limit. Free. Call the HOPE Hotline or 1-800-569-4287 to find a HUD-approved housing counselor in your area.

Every U.S. state offers at least one form of property tax relief for older homeowners on fixed incomes. The main types: Homestead Exemption (reduces assessed value); Tax Freeze (locks your bill at current level even as home values rise); Circuit Breaker Credit (refund when taxes exceed a set percentage of your income); Deferral Program (delay payment until home is sold). Even seniors who own their home outright face cost burdens from property taxes, insurance, and utilities — Harvard JCHS data shows 19% of mortgage-free senior homeowners are still cost-burdened.

How to access: Call your county assessor’s office or county tax office. Ask: “What senior property tax exemption, circuit breaker, or freeze programs exist for seniors in this county?” Also call Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) for a full list of your state’s programs.

A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting seniors to county-specific housing programs, emergency rental assistance funds, and property-specific openings that are invisible in national searches. Your local Area Agency on Aging knows about recently opened Section 202 and LIHTC waitlists, seasonal rental assistance funds, and state programs that change faster than any national website. Say: “I am a senior on Social Security and I need help affording housing. What programs are available in my county?”

Eligibility: Anyone age 60+. Free service. No sign-up. Mon–Fri 9am–8pm ET.

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, free, in all 50 states. 211 operators map active emergency rental assistance programs, eviction prevention funds, utility shutoff prevention, and local affordable housing openings in real time — including county and state programs that change faster than any website. For seniors facing imminent eviction or a housing crisis, 211 is the fastest first call. Available 24/7 in most states. Say: “I am a senior on Social Security facing a housing crisis. What help is available in my county right now?”

Eligibility: Anyone. Free. From any landline or cell phone, just dial 2-1-1.

PACE is not a housing program — but it often stabilizes housing indirectly. PACE covers all healthcare, prescriptions, dental, transportation, and adult day care for seniors who need nursing home-level care but want to stay in the community. By eliminating all other major monthly costs, PACE effectively frees your entire Social Security income for housing. About 90% of PACE participants are dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid) and pay $0 for all PACE services.

Eligibility: Age 55+, live in a PACE service area, require nursing home-level care, and be able to safely live in the community. Call Medicare to find the nearest program.