Are there any resources that can help seniors locate affordable housing on a budget?

Finding affordable senior housing options can be challenging depending on location. Senior apartments for retirees are a good option, and you will be happy to know that there are several government programs that can offer financial help. Here are some tips that can help you locate an apartment that fits your budget and living preferences.

Start with HUD

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a variety of resources that can help low-income individuals locate and pay for housing. Here are three different programs to consider.

• Privately owned subsidized apartments: HUD helps many apartment owners across the country offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To search for subsidized apartments in your area, visit hud.gov.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program allows low-income families, older adults, and disabled individuals access to decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. The housing subsidy is paid to the landlord each month. The renter would then pay the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. To learn more or apply, contact your local public housing agency. Visit gov/helping-americans/housing-choice-vouchers-tenants for more information or call 800-955-2232.
• Public housing: This low-income housing option comes in all sizes and types, from single-family houses to high-rise apartments. Your local public housing agency is the best resource for locating public housing in your area.

If you need more help or housing advice, contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you. Visit HUD4.my.site.com/housingcounseling or call 800-569-4287 for contact information.

How to Choose

If you find several apartment choices that fall within your budget, consider what factors are most important. Proximity to family, religious organizations, senior centers or frequently visited places like grocery stores, parks, or gyms can make a big difference in daily life.

For individuals with disabilities, it may be especially important to choose housing that offers convenient access to essential services such as senior transportation and health care facilities.

In your housing search, you may come across red flags that suggest a retirement community may not be the right fit. Keep an eye out for extra fees on everyday items or services that you normally would not think about like laundry service, parking or pets.

You should also make sure that the apartment is in good condition and take time to explore the neighborhood. Ask yourself if the community appears clean and well-maintained, and look for signs of neglect like debris, unkept landscaping or general disrepair. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, follow up with questions before signing a rental agreement.

Other Programs

In addition to affordable housing, there are a number of other financial assistance programs that may help cover the cost of food, medications, health care, utilities and more. To locate these programs, check your eligibility and apply, visit BenefitsCheckUp.org to learn more about available programs near you.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.