Low Income Senior Housing

Low income senior housing is often misunderstood - my father only paid 30% of his income (and he had Social Security alone) for a really nice senior apartment that we both loved.

Lower housing costs gave him more freedom to do what he wanted to do!

Let's explore this option more...

As we age, we're finding out it's often not fun. We lose friends, don't have the money we thought we'd have, find it harder to get around and do - even the ordinary things like cook dinner. Bills increase, and incomes do not. Driving becomes a hassle, so many of us get out less, becoming more and more like the crazy cat lady we all swore we would not be.

But here's what you may not realize: where you live as a senior is the key to solving all those problems. Rent, mortgage, bills, transportation, companionship, even entertainment can once again become stress-free parts of your life when you live in just the right place. That's why low income housing for seniors is something every single one of us should take a look at.

What Is Low Income Housing for Seniors?

Low income housing for seniors is a range of housing options from completely independent living arrangements to progressively more assisted living. The highest level of low income senior housing is the Section 202, a type of section 8 housing designed specifically for seniors. If you go with Section 202 housing, you'll find yourself in small but comfortable apartments you select yourself, at a price figured against your income so you can afford it.

You don't just find these places anywhere. Call or visit the website of your local HUD office to get a list of places in your area that qualify for a Section 202. Read the application package carefully: you'll need a variety of paperwork, from your birth certificate to proof of your income level to a certification from your doctor that you don't need more assistive living. Income level requirements vary from place to place, but if you find or anticipate trouble meeting your basic expenses (housing, food, drugs, utilities, and other necessities), it's a good idea to look into Section 202 as soon as possible.

Perhaps the most important housing rule you can follow, besides have all your paperwork in order, is to always plan ahead. Section 202 housing fills up fast, and there can be as much as a two-year waiting list for the most desirable homes. If you think you're going to need them in the future, don't hesitate to start shopping around today.

Back to my father, he lived in low income senior apartments for a few years. Some of the important points that I'd like to share with you were:

Finances were tight with only Social Security for income, but he lived quite well as he only paid approximately 30% of his income (around $330/mo of $900/month income). That left plenty for food, doctor appointments and medications (he had HAP Senior Plan so was lucky there too), and even his visits to the local watering hole (his favorite pub!)

Dads low income apartment covered most utiltiies. The only bills he had over and above his rent payment -- Telephone and Cable TV! (and car insurance as he still drove).

The low income apartment building (subsidized by the government) paid for his water, electricity, air conditioning, heat, etc!

It was quiet... no children screaming (as there were in his mobile home park), only quiet seniors.

There was a bus service for those who wanted a ride to the nearby grocery stores, etc. Very convenenient.

There were parties - plenty of them with potluck bring-a-dish dinners.

There were activities - movie night, blood pressure screenings, craft nights, birthday parties each month, visiting nurses.. just a variety of activities, if you wished to join in, without leaving the building.

When I went to visit, there was always lots of seniors hanging out daily. Some in the TV room, others in the library, and others in the entry room that functioned like anyone's living room. Chairs and couches and they were filled with chatting seniors daily.... just wanting to get out of the apartment for some chit chat!

Now, I will admit -- my father did NONE of this.. grin! He stayed in his apartment, went out when he wanted to, and was safe and secure in my mind. He didn't participate in anything, never went down to chit chat, and lived his solitary life much like he did before he moved to a seniorapartment. He enjoyed the apartment as he had is privacy still...

If you need more assistance with daily living than a Section 202 can give you, talk to HUD and your physician to determine what options are available to you and what you actually need. The low-income options for more assisted senior housing aren't always as nice as the ones you'd find if you could choose them yourself, but you'll still find a higher level of living comfort.

While your options in your golden years are limited by your health and your wallet, no one should wind up living on the street. There are options for everyone in America if you only look around... we really loved dads low income apartment, and you might find one just as comfortable for you!