Finding affordable housing when you're living on disability benefits is one of the most difficult challenges people face. With SSI paying $994 per month and the average SSDI payment around $1,630, the math simply doesn't work in most rental markets without some form of assistance. The good news is that multiple federal, state, and local programs exist to help people on disability afford a place to live.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and how to apply on disability
- Public housing options for people receiving SSI or SSDI
- HUD Section 811 housing specifically for people with disabilities
- State and local rental assistance programs
- How much of your disability check can go toward rent under these programs
- Tips for navigating long waitlists
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, is the largest federal rental assistance program. It's administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market.
With a Section 8 voucher, you typically pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a certain limit. So if your only income is SSI at $994 per month, your out-of-pocket rent would be roughly $298 per month — with the voucher covering the remaining amount directly to your landlord.
People who receive SSI or SSDI are often eligible for Section 8 based on income alone. To apply, contact your local PHA. Unfortunately, demand far exceeds supply, and most areas have long waitlists — sometimes years long. Some PHAs give priority to people with disabilities, the elderly, or those who are currently homeless, so it's worth asking about preferences when you apply.
Public Housing
Public housing developments are owned and managed by local PHAs and offer below-market-rate apartments to qualified tenants. Like Section 8, rent is generally set at 30% of your adjusted income. Many public housing complexes have units specifically designated for people with disabilities, including accessible units with modified layouts.
To apply for public housing, contact your local PHA. You'll need to provide documentation of your income (such as your SSI or SSDI award letter) and information about your household. Waitlists are common here as well, but applying to both Section 8 and public housing simultaneously can improve your chances of getting assistance sooner.
HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing
The Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program is specifically designed for very low-income adults with disabilities. Unlike traditional Section 8 or public housing, Section 811 combines affordable housing with access to supportive services like case management, transportation assistance, and help with daily living tasks.
Section 811 projects are often operated by nonprofit organizations in partnership with state housing agencies. Eligibility requires that you be between 18 and 61 years old, have a disability as defined by HUD, and have a very low income (generally below 30% of your area's median income). If you receive SSI, you almost certainly qualify.
This program isn't available everywhere, and units are limited. But if you're looking for housing that comes with built-in support services, Section 811 is worth exploring. Contact your state's housing finance agency to learn about available projects in your area.
How Much of My Disability Check Can Go Toward Rent?
There's no official rule about how much of your SSI or SSDI you "should" spend on rent — but the widely recommended guideline is no more than 30% of your gross income. For an SSI recipient earning $994 per month, that's about $298. For someone receiving the average SSDI payment of $1,630, that's roughly $489.
In practice, many people on disability spend far more than 30% on rent, especially in higher-cost areas. This is exactly why housing assistance programs are so important. Without a voucher or subsidized housing, finding a place for under $300 or $500 per month is simply not realistic in most of the country.
It's also worth knowing that if you receive SSI and share housing expenses, the Social Security Administration may reduce your SSI payment through something called in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). If someone else pays your rent or lets you live rent-free, SSA may consider that a form of income and reduce your benefit by up to one-third. Understanding this rule is important when making housing decisions on SSI.
State and Local Rental Assistance
Beyond federal programs, many states and localities offer their own rental assistance for people with disabilities. These programs go by different names and have varying eligibility requirements, but they can be a lifeline, especially while you're waiting for Section 8.
Emergency rental assistance programs can help if you're facing eviction or a sudden loss of housing. Many states also have Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs that can help cover housing-related costs for people with disabilities, including assistance with rent in some cases. In 2026, the income threshold for many Medicaid waiver programs is approximately $2,982 per month (300% of the SSI federal benefit rate).
Contact your local 211 helpline, visit benefits.gov, or reach out to a local independent living center for help identifying rental assistance programs in your area.
Managing your housing costs on disability benefits requires knowing exactly where your money is going. Purple's checking account helps SSI and SSDI recipients track spending, monitor their resource limits, and stay compliant with Social Security rules — so you can focus on finding stable housing.