Affordable Housing Options for SSI & SSDI Recipients
Introduction: How to Afford Rent While on Disability Benefits
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may struggle with high rent costs and wonder:
🏠 Can I get rent assistance while on disability?
🏠 Does Section 8 help people on SSI or SSDI?
🏠 What housing programs are available for people with disabilities?
The good news is:
✔ There are federal, state, and nonprofit programs that can help lower your rent.
✔ SSI & SSDI recipients may qualify for Section 8 and other rental assistance programs.
✔ Some housing programs offer low-cost or even free housing for people with disabilities.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Affordable housing programs for disability recipients
✅ Can you get Section 8 while on SSI or SSDI?
✅ Other rent assistance programs for disabled individuals
✅ How to apply for rental assistance and get approved
✅ How Purple helps track rent payments and housing benefits
Let’s break it all down!
Can You Get Section 8 Housing While on SSI or SSDI?
Yes! The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) provides rent assistance for low-income individuals, including those on SSI or SSDI.
How Section 8 Works
✔ You pay only 30% of your income toward rent, and the government covers the rest.
✔ You can rent from private landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers.
✔ The program is available in all 50 states, but waitlists can be long.
Who Qualifies for Section 8?
✔ Low-income households (SSI recipients usually qualify automatically).
✔ SSDI recipients may qualify if their income is low enough.
✔ You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
💡 Check your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to see if you qualify.
How to Apply for Section 8
📲 Find your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) at HUD.gov
📞 Call your PHA office and request a Section 8 application
📑 Submit your application with proof of income (SSI/SSDI award letter, bank statements, rental history)
📅 Wait for approval (can take months or even years in some areas)
💡 Some states have shorter waitlists—consider applying in multiple locations.
Other Rent Assistance Programs for People With Disabilities
If you can’t wait for Section 8, there are other programs that help with rent and housing costs.
1. Public Housing (Government-Owned Affordable Apartments)
✔ Low-cost housing managed by local housing authorities.
✔ Rent is based on 30% of your monthly income.
✔ Available in most cities and counties.
💡 How to apply: Contact your local Public Housing Authority (Find Here).
2. HUD Housing for People With Disabilities (Section 811 Program)
✔ Provides subsidized rental housing for disabled adults.
✔ You must have low income and a qualifying disability.
✔ Some units are fully accessible (wheelchair ramps, modified kitchens, etc.).
💡 How to apply: Search for Section 811 housing providers in your state at HUD.gov.
3. State Rental Assistance Programs
✔ Many states offer additional rent assistance for people with disabilities.
✔ Helps cover security deposits, moving costs, and rental subsidies.
✔ Programs vary by state—check your local housing agency for options.
💡 How to apply: Visit Benefits.gov and search for housing assistance in your state.
4. Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
✔ Short-term help for past-due rent or eviction prevention.
✔ Funded through local governments and nonprofits.
✔ Helps cover utilities, moving expenses, and security deposits.
What to Do If You’re Facing Eviction While on Disability
If you’re at risk of losing your home, act quickly to get rental assistance:
✔ Apply for emergency rental assistance – Many cities offer eviction-prevention programs.
✔ Request a reasonable accommodation – If you have a disability, landlords must provide flexibility under the Fair Housing Act.
✔ Contact legal aid services – Many organizations provide free eviction defense for low-income tenants.
💡 Visit LawHelp.org to find free legal assistance in your state.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Rental Assistance
✔ Apply for multiple programs – Don’t rely on just Section 8—try public housing, state assistance, and nonprofits.
✔ Have all documents ready – SSI/SSDI award letters, rent statements, ID, and proof of disability.
✔ Check for priority status – Some programs give faster approvals to disabled individuals or seniors.
✔ Follow up regularly – Many waitlists move faster if you check in with housing agencies.
💡 Persistence is key—rental assistance programs often have high demand.
How Purple Helps Manage Rent & Housing Benefits
💜 Track Your Disability Deposits – Know exactly when your SSI or SSDI check arrives.
💜 Monitor Rent Payments – Stay on top of housing expenses & avoid late fees.
💜 Find Housing Assistance Programs – Get matched with low-income rental aid options.
💜 Receive Alerts for Benefit Updates – Stay informed on Section 8 waitlist updates.
💡 With Purple, you can manage your disability benefits and housing expenses easily!
FAQs About Rent Assistance for Disability Recipients
Can I Get Section 8 Housing If I’m on SSDI?
Yes! SSDI recipients can qualify if their income is low enough.
Does SSI Count as Income for Section 8?
Yes, but SSI recipients usually qualify because their income is low.
What If I Can’t Afford Rent While on SSI?
✔ Apply for Section 8, public housing, or state rental assistance.
✔ Contact nonprofits or charities for emergency help.
✔ Negotiate lower rent with your landlord based on your disability status.
Can My Landlord Evict Me If I’m on Disability?
❌ Landlords cannot evict you solely for being on disability.
✔ However, you must pay rent—if you’re struggling, apply for rental assistance ASAP.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Get Help Paying Rent While on Disability!
✅ SSI & SSDI recipients can qualify for rent assistance programs.
✅ Section 8 helps people on disability pay only 30% of their income toward rent.
✅ Public housing, HUD Section 811, and state programs provide additional help.
✅ Emergency rental assistance is available for eviction prevention.
✅ Use Purple to track your benefits and find housing assistance easily!
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Manage Your Disability Benefits & Housing Costs!