Frequently Asked Questions about Government Housing Assistance
What government housing subsidies are available for low-income elderly?
Government housing assistance is available to eligible low-income and very-low-income elderly persons 62 years of age and older through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) three major programs: Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher Program, and Section 202. Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program are managed by local public housing authorities. Section 202 housing is sponsored on a complex-by-complex basis by nonprofit companies.
It is important to know how HUD defines the terms “low income” and “very low income.” As of February 1, 2004, HUD defined “low income” as annual income not exceeding $29,100 for one person and not exceeding $33,300 for two persons. Low income limits apply to public housing. “Very low income” is defined as annual income not exceeding $18,200 for one person and not exceeding $20,800 for two persons. Very low income limits apply
to the Housing Choice Voucher Program. HUD adjusts these figures each year.
Public Housing—low-cost housing, often in high-rise buildings, is available to low and very-low-income elderly persons 62 years of age and older. The local public housing authority determines eligibility based on annual gross income, elderly status, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. Tenants typically pay no more than 30 percent of adjusted gross income for rent.
Housing Choice Voucher Program—commonly known as "Section 8," this program allows very-low-income elderly persons 62 years of age and older to choose where they want to live by providing rental subsidy to landlords in the private market. The local public housing authority determines eligibility based on annual gross income, elderly status, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. Rental units are subject to HUD's Housing Quality Standards, and landlords must be willing to participate in the program. Tenants typically pay no more than 30 percent of adjusted gross income for rent. Vouchers are “tenant based,” which means the voucher moves when the person moves. This allows a tenant to "port," or use his/her voucher anywhere in the country so long as the receiving local public housing authority is agreeable.
Section 202 Housing—provides capital advances to finance the construction and rehabilitation of structures for supportive housing, and provides rent subsidy to make them affordable to very-low-income elderly persons 62 years of age and older. Private, nonprofit organizations with prior housing or related social services experience are eligible to apply for funds.
For more information in any of the nine counties in Nine Counties. One Vision. visit http://www.hud.gov on the World Wide Web, or contact the Housing and Urban Development office at (865) 545-4370.
Where do I apply for a government housing subsidy?
Contact the local public housing authority in your city and/or county for information on how to apply for Government Assisted Housing, commonly known as public housing, or for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Contact the individual private housing complexes for information on how to apply for Assisted Rent Housing. For a list of these agencies and companies in your county, contact your local Office on Aging.
What is a Public Housing Authority (PHA)?
A PHA or LHA (Local Housing Authority) is a quasi-governmental entity established to carry out HUD policies related to housing and housing subsidies. A PHA is generally responsible for a specific geographic area, such as a city or county.
What is adjusted income?
This calculation is used to determine how much out-of-pocket rent a person in subsidized housing pays. Income, assets, income earned on assets, and the value of a home and other real estate are among the items considered. Allowances and deductions are based on elderly status, incurred medical bills, prescription medications costs, and other factors. Private and government entities calculate tenant rent according to the HUD-established calculation.
Can a resident have a pet?
Elderly tenants may own pets and live in government-assisted housing unless a waiver prohibiting pets is granted by HUD. Accordingly, most government-assisted housing agencies allow pets and have written pet policies. Pet policies are typically part of the dwelling lease, and tenants are responsible for caring for and controlling pets. Pet policies may include requirements for vaccinations, registrations, and neutering. There may be restrictions on the number, size, and type of pets allowed. Extra deposits and fees may be required.
Questions to Ask When Considering Housing Options
The following questions highlight factors for you to consider. They can also serve as a springboard for discussions with family and friends, as you choose a new place to live that will be right for you.
Amenities
- Does the residence have the style of living you desire (private apartment or room, private bath)?
- Is it attractive and in good repair?
- Does it have the level of comfort you desire (equipment, electronics, garden areas, space for entertaining or hobbies, windows)?
- What meals are provided? Are the quality and quantity of meals adequate? Does the food style suit your tastes, nutritional requirements, and cultural preferences?
- Are the social interactions and recreational programs appealing?
Location
- Is it in a safe neighborhood?
- Is it convenient for shopping, doctor's visits, religious services, and social contacts?
- Is it reasonably convenient to your adult children's homes?
- Is public or private transportation provided or easily accessible?
Quality of Care
- Do current residents appear to have their needs met, and do they seem to be content?
- Do the residents interact well with staff and owners?
- Do staff members and residents treat each other with dignity and respect?
- Do staff members take the time to listen and respond to residents' needs?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- Are residents' rights posted?
- What training does the staff receive?
- What do current residents or their relatives say about their care?
Policies
- Are there restrictions on behavior, such as smoking or drinking alcohol?
- Are pets allowed?
- Are guests welcome (including overnight guests)?
- Are there formal visiting hours?
- How much flexibility is there in meal times?
- In a shared setting, how are responsibilities determined?
- How are rate increases handled?
- What are the facility's discharge policies?
Safety
- Does the facility have requisite safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors?
- Is there an updated sprinkler system?
- Does the facility have adequate liability insurance?
- Are conditions sanitary?
- Are doors and locks secure and is there someone on duty 24 hours a day? Is there an emergency call service?
- Is a doctor available around the clock?
- Are there any obvious hazards?
- Is assistance with medications and medical care available?
- Are facilities safely accessible for those with physical disabilities?
Business Practices
- Is the facility currently licensed and operating legally?
- Has its license ever been revoked and, if so, why?
- Can you see any recent inspection reports?
- Can you see financial records?
- Can you get references?
If parent and child are considering living together,
- Will this move cause family problems?
- Can everyone living in the house get along with one another?
- Is the space adequate?
- Is the house equipped for the older adult?
- Can the adult child give the parent the attention he or she needs and expects?
- Are your lifestyles compatible?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages for both parties?
- Are you all comfortable with this serious commitment and reasonably sure it will work?
When your current housing is not quite meeting your needs and you begin to consider making a change, take some time to think about your choices. Discuss your needs and wishes with your family members and friends, and ask others who have made similar decision for their advice. Don’t rush into making a choice you may regret later. Find the option you think will suit you the best and where you will feel most comfortable and welcome.
List of questions courtesy of the AARP website http://www.aarp.org/confacts/housing/factors.html