When it comes to housing for seniors, two things usually come to mind. First, the housing should be affordable, since many seniors are no longer employed and are living on a fixed and sometimes limited income. Second, the housing should be senior-friendly to accommodate any special needs and make living as safe and convenient as possible.
The Section 202 program prioritizes those two necessities. In doing so, it’s helped develop hundreds of thousands of apartments that have made affordable and safe living a reality for many seniors.
Section 8 has stolen the spotlight when it comes to affordable housing for those trying to make the most out of a meager income. Section 202, on the other hand, specifies the need for similar housing for seniors, but with a twist that comes via several unique features that can be found in its units, such as:
While those features are enough to attract any senior, Section 202 also emphasizes services that offer necessities as well as luxuries.
For example, some Section 202 developments may have social spaces where residents can mingle with others, enjoy events, and dine. Others may have care coordinators to help with day-to-day activities like bathing, meals, and administering medication.
Since some seniors are not mobile and can no longer drive, transportation services from a Section 202 community can help. And to ensure they remain active and in good spirits, some offer daily activities.
Having access to so many features and services may make you worry about a high price tag. With Section 202, though, there’s no need to worry.
If you qualify for this program, you will only have to pay rent equal to 30 percent of your income. The program will handle the rest, so you won’t have to stress over a limited budget.
Approval for Section 202 benefits does not require that you provide documentation that you are a citizen, noncitizen, etc. Someone in the household will have to be at least 62 years old, however, and income cannot pass 50 percent of the median income for the area where you want to live.
Criminal convictions can make approval more difficult, especially if you’ve been convicted of a felony for a violent or drug-related offense. Adverse history with housing authorities, such as eviction, debt, termination of assistance, etc. can also make it harder to qualify.
If you’ve been thinking of finding affordable housing for seniors, do not waste time applying for Section 202. Demand for the program’s resources is sky-high, and waiting lists can be long in some locations.
You’ll have to apply directly to a Section 202 landlord or management company. To start, though, it’s best to contact your local Public Housing Agency, as they can point you in the right direction and help with other forms of assistance.
Natalia crafts informative articles on many subjects that affect seniors' lives. With an eye on her own aging loved ones, her writing engages and resonates with younger and older adults alike. Her background includes a bachelor's degree in journalism and more than six years as a writer and researcher covering topics like retirement, senior care, and products for the elderly. She also writes about college, vocational training, and career planning.
