Housing is typically the single largest expense for anyone living on disability benefits — and with the average SSDI payment at around $1,630/month and the SSI federal maximum at just $994/month, finding affordable housing can feel nearly impossible. The good news is that there are multiple federal and state programs specifically designed to help people with disabilities find and afford housing. The challenge is knowing what's out there and how to apply.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and how to apply
- Section 811 Supportive Housing for people with disabilities
- Public housing and how disability income qualifies you
- State and local housing assistance programs
- Strategies for navigating waitlists
- How your disability income affects eligibility
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, is the largest federal rental assistance program. It helps low-income individuals and families afford housing in the private market by subsidizing a portion of the rent. You choose your own apartment or house (as long as it meets program standards), and the voucher covers the difference between what you can afford and the fair market rent.
To qualify, your household income generally needs to be below 50% of the area median income, though most vouchers go to households at or below 30% of the median. If you're living solely on SSI or SSDI, you'll almost certainly meet the income requirements.
The application process starts with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Each PHA manages its own waitlist, and here's the hard truth: waitlists in many areas are long, sometimes years long. Some PHAs open their waitlists only periodically, while others maintain a continuous list. People with disabilities often qualify for a preference, which can move you higher on the list — but this varies by location.
To find your local PHA and check the status of their waitlist, visit HUD's website or call their helpline at 1-800-955-2232.
Section 811 Supportive Housing
Section 811 is a HUD program that provides affordable housing specifically for very low-income adults with disabilities. Unlike Section 8, which provides vouchers you can use in the private market, Section 811 funds the development of dedicated affordable housing units — apartments that are built or set aside specifically for people with disabilities.
Section 811 properties typically offer rental assistance built into the unit, meaning you pay approximately 30% of your adjusted income toward rent. Many also provide access to supportive services like case management, transportation, and independent living support, though participation in services is voluntary.
The challenge with Section 811 is availability. The program is much smaller than Section 8, and units are limited in most areas. Your best bet is to check with your state's housing finance agency and local disability services organizations to find out what's available near you.
Public Housing
Public housing is another option worth exploring. These are government-owned housing developments managed by local PHAs, and they're available to low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities.
Rent in public housing is typically set at 30% of your adjusted income, which makes it very affordable on a disability income. If you're receiving SSI at the federal rate of $994/month, your rent would be roughly $298/month or less.
Like Section 8, public housing has waitlists — and in many cities, the wait can be significant. However, some PHAs give preference to people with disabilities, elderly applicants, or those who are currently homeless. It's worth applying to multiple PHAs in your area to increase your chances.
Many public housing developments also offer accessible units that are designed or modified for residents with physical disabilities, including wider doorways, roll-in showers, and lowered counters. If you need an accessible unit, make sure to note this on your application.
State and Local Housing Programs
Beyond the federal programs, most states and many local governments offer additional housing assistance for people with disabilities. These programs vary widely by location, but some common options include state-funded rental assistance programs that supplement or parallel Section 8, HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding that supports affordable housing in your community, Continuum of Care programs for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, state-specific programs for people transitioning out of institutional care into community living, and local nonprofit housing programs that provide affordable or supportive housing.
Your state's Department of Housing or Department of Disability Services is the best place to start. Many states also have 211 helplines (just dial 2-1-1) that can connect you with local housing resources.
Strategies for Navigating Waitlists
Dealing with long waitlists is one of the most frustrating parts of finding housing assistance. Here are some strategies that can help. Apply everywhere you can, since you're not limited to one PHA or one program, and applying to multiple waitlists increases your odds. Ask about preferences, because many PHAs give priority to people with disabilities, veterans, or people experiencing homelessness, and if you qualify for a preference, make sure it's documented on your application. Keep your information current, as PHAs will remove you from a waitlist if they can't reach you, so update your contact information anytime it changes. Don't give up if you're denied, because eligibility rules and waitlist statuses change, and you can reapply if your situation changes. Also explore project-based vouchers, because some Section 8 vouchers are tied to specific apartment buildings, and these often have shorter waitlists than tenant-based vouchers.
How Your Disability Income Affects Eligibility
One common concern is whether your disability income will be "too high" for housing assistance. In most cases, the answer is no. Both SSI and SSDI are counted as income for purposes of determining eligibility, but the thresholds are based on area median income, and disability benefits typically fall well below the cutoff.
For SSDI recipients receiving the average payment of about $1,630/month, your annual income of roughly $19,560 will still qualify you for most housing programs in most areas. For SSI recipients at $994/month ($11,928/year), you'll almost certainly qualify.
It's worth noting that if you're receiving both SSI and SSDI, or if you have other income sources like part-time work, your combined income is what matters. But even then, most disability recipients fall within the income limits for the programs described above.
Finding affordable housing on disability income takes persistence — but you don't have to navigate it alone. Purple helps SSI and SSDI recipients manage their benefits and track their finances, so you can focus on finding the right home.