As more aging Americans find it hard to locate affordable housing, subsidized housing programs experience longer waiting lists.
In recent years, there’s been increased demand than the available housing units as elderly persons living on restricted incomes find it harder to stretch their household budgets.
Fortunately, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD offers subsidized housing for senior persons to access affordable rental rates. Nevertheless, a senior should meet these eligibility requirements.
Income Criteria
When it comes to income, HUD sets maximum qualifying limits for seniors at two levels. If your income is 80% or less of the median revenue in the county you reside, you fall into the low-income category.
On the other hand, if your income is at 50% or less of the county median, you fall into the very-low income category according to HUD. Bear in mind that you should provide documentation of family members, income, and present rental status when applying for housing as a senior citizen.
It’s important to note that HUD may schedule interviews to establish whether you and other household members are likely to disrupt other tenants in the housing.
Bear in mind that HUD may deny you housing if you seem to pose a risk of disorderly behavior or have a history of incidents at previous residences.
Citizenship
HUD’s assistance program is only accessible to U.S. citizens and non-citizens with qualified immigration status. Your entire household should be able to prove immigration status or citizenship.
In the event that a family member doesn’t have valid immigration status or citizenship, assistance payments for your household will undergo adjustment to eliminate the person from calculation. If you’re an American citizen, the Public Housing Authority will:
- Require you to sign a declaration indicating that you and all your family members are American citizens
- Verify every person’s citizen status by requesting a U.S. social security card, passport, or other documentation.
For those with a valid immigration status, you will:
- Sign a declaration indicating that you have valid immigration status
- Produce INS documents proving your immigration status
- The Public Housing Authority will authenticate your information with the INS
- Sign a form consenting to the use of the obtained information
Families that comprise individuals who aren’t American citizens or lack valid immigrant status can still access housing assistance.
However, the amount they’ll obtain will depend on the proportion of family members who qualify for housing assistance.
Proof of Age
When applying for senior housing, you’ll have to demonstrate proof of your age on a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, military identification, immigration card, or other national, local, or other international documentation.
In the event that you can’t provide a legitimate verification document, the HUD stipulates that a self-certification in an application affidavit, lease, or another document signed by an adult in your household stating that at least one occupant in your apartment is at least 55 years is acceptable.
Exclusions
Senior housing may bar families with members below 62 without breaching the discrimination provisions in the Fair Housing Act.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a senior looking for a community with other senior citizens, you should consider senior housing, which offers affordable housing for the low-income elderly.
Bear in mind however, that you must meet certain requirements to qualify. If you’re wondering whether you meet HUD standards, this guide will prove invaluable.
For more information on the eligibility for senior housing, contact us at Apartment Agents for more information.