Housing is often the biggest expense for people on disability. The good news is there are programs that can significantly reduce what you pay for rent. Here's how to find housing help.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- Public housing
- Other housing assistance programs
- How to apply
- Tips while you wait
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
What is Section 8?
- Federal rental assistance program
- You pay about 30% of your income
- Voucher covers the rest (up to a limit)
- Use in private apartments that accept vouchers
How it works:
- You find an apartment that accepts Section 8
- Housing authority inspects it
- Landlord agrees to program terms
- You pay your portion, voucher covers rest
Example on $943 SSI:
- Your portion: About $280/month
- Voucher covers: Rest of rent (varies by area)
- Significant savings
Eligibility:
- Income limits (SSI/SSDI recipients usually qualify)
- US citizen or eligible immigrant
- Pass background check
- No recent evictions (usually)
Public Housing
What is public housing?
- Government-owned apartments
- Rent based on income (30% typically)
- Managed by local housing authorities
- Available in most cities and towns
Types of public housing:
- Family developments
- Senior housing (62+)
- Disabled housing
- Mixed communities
Pros:
- Affordable rent
- Stable housing
- Maintenance included
- Often have services
Cons:
- May have long wait lists
- Location limited to where housing exists
- Less choice in neighborhoods
- Rules and regulations
Other Housing Programs
HUD Section 811:
- Specifically for disabled adults
- Very low income requirement
- Supportive services often included
- Independent living focused
Project-based Section 8:
- Specific buildings have subsidies
- You don't get a voucher
- Must live in that building
- Rent still based on income
USDA Rural Housing:
- For rural areas
- Rental assistance available
- Income limits apply
- May have shorter wait lists
State and local programs:
- Many states have additional help
- City/county housing programs
- Nonprofit housing organizations
- Check local resources
Specialized Housing Options
Senior housing (62+):
- Often shorter wait lists
- Age-restricted communities
- Many accept disability recipients
- Services may be included
Supportive housing:
- For people with disabilities
- Combines housing with services
- Case management, etc.
- Various programs available
Veterans housing (if applicable):
- HUD-VASH program
- VA supportive housing
- Additional veteran resources
- Contact local VA
Group homes:
- Shared housing option
- May include services
- More affordable
- Less independence
How to Apply
Step 1: Find your housing authority
- Search "[your city] housing authority"
- Or visit hud.gov
- Note: May need to apply to multiple
Step 2: Check if list is open
- Many have closed waiting lists
- Ask when they'll open
- Sign up for notifications
- Apply when it opens
Step 3: Gather documents
- ID for all household members
- Social Security cards
- Proof of income (SSI/SSDI award letter)
- Birth certificates
Step 4: Submit application
- Online, by mail, or in person
- Keep copy of everything
- Note date submitted
- Get confirmation
Step 5: Wait
- Can be months to years
- Stay in touch with housing authority
- Update contact info if you move
- Respond promptly to any requests
The Waiting Game
Why lists are so long:
- High demand
- Limited funding
- Not enough affordable housing
- Slow turnover
Average waits:
- Varies enormously by location
- Months in some areas
- Years in others (5+ in some cities)
- Priority categories may get faster placement
Priority categories:
- Homeless
- Veterans
- Seniors
- Disabled
- Varies by housing authority
While you wait:
- Apply to multiple housing authorities
- Look for project-based housing
- Apply to nonprofit housing
- Consider moving to area with shorter waits
Tips to Reduce Rent Now
While waiting for programs:
Roommates:
- Share apartment costs
- Careful with SSI rules
- Make sure you pay your share
- Document everything
Negotiate with landlord:
- Ask about reduced rent
- Offer longer lease for discount
- Pay on time to build relationship
- Ask about any discounts
Move to cheaper area:
- Rent varies widely
- Consider suburbs
- Research before moving
- Weigh transportation costs
Look for income-restricted apartments:
- Not Section 8, but income-limited
- Often 50-80% of area median income
- SSI/SSDI recipients often qualify
- Search "affordable housing" + your area
If You're at Risk of Homelessness
Emergency resources:
- Call 211 immediately
- Emergency rental assistance
- Homeless prevention programs
- Shelter resources
Prevention programs:
- One-time rental assistance
- Help with deposits
- Back rent assistance
- Apply before you're homeless
If you become homeless:
- Connect with homeless services
- Get on "by name" list
- May qualify for rapid rehousing
- Priority for some housing programs
How Purple Helps
Purple helps you manage housing costs:
- Get benefits early to pay rent on time
- Track your housing spending
- See when rent is due
- No fees eating into rent money
- Simple bill payment
With Purple, you can stay on top of your rent and avoid late fees.