Living on a fixed income in Florida can make rent hard to cover. Subsidized housing can lower that cost. This guide is for seniors, and for the family members who help them, who want to know which programs exist, who qualifies and how to apply. It covers rental housing only. For help with other costs, see our guides to Florida senior assistance programs and senior citizen benefits.
What is subsidized senior housing?
Subsidized senior housing is government-supported rental housing that lowers costs for older adults with limited income, usually age 62 and older. Programs such as HUD Section 202, Section 8 vouchers, and public housing typically limit rent to about 30 percent of a resident's adjusted income.
Types of Subsidized Senior Housing in Florida
HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
Section 202 provides apartments for very low-income people age 62 or older. At least one household member must be 62 or older, and income is generally at or below 50 percent of the area median. Tenants generally pay 30 percent of adjusted income toward rent. Some properties offer service coordination, which can include help finding transportation, meals and benefits. There is no single national waiting list. You apply directly to each property's management office. (Sources: HUD and HUD multifamily program descriptions.)
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
A voucher helps you pay rent to a private landlord. Your share is usually 30 percent of your adjusted monthly income, though it can reach 40 percent in some cases. The housing agency pays the rest of the approved rent directly to the landlord. Vouchers are not only for seniors, so there is no age rule, and families must have a low enough income. You can use a voucher in another community, but if you did not live in the agency's area when you applied, you must stay there for the first twelve months. (Source: HUD.)
Public Housing for Seniors
Public housing is rental housing owned and run by a local housing authority. To qualify, you must be low income, be a family, an elderly person or a person with disabilities, and be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Rent is based on 30 percent of your monthly adjusted income or a higher amount that applies in some cases. Demand often exceeds supply, so there can be long waits, and agencies may close their lists. (Source: HUD.)
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Senior Communities
Some senior apartment communities are built with tax credits that keep rents affordable. These rents are capped. They are not usually set at 30 percent of your income the way HUD-assisted rent is. Each community sets its own age rule and income limit, so ask the property directly. You can search for them on the state's free affordable rental locator, FloridaHousingSearch.org, or call its toll-free line at 1-877-428-8844. (Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation.)
USDA Rural Development Rental Housing
In rural areas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture finances apartments for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities. Many of these properties also get rental assistance, which limits what a tenant pays to about 30 percent of adjusted income. (Source: Congressional Research Service.) Check whether your Florida town counts as rural by contacting USDA Rural Development.
Who Qualifies?
- Age: usually 62 or older for senior-only programs like Section 202. Vouchers and public housing also serve other groups.
- Income: HUD sets "lower income" at 80 percent of the area median income and "very low income" at 50 percent. Limits depend on where you live and how many people are in your household. Look up current numbers on HUD's income limits page instead of relying on a number printed here.
- Immigration status: U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- Background checks: housing agencies check references, and certain crimes can disqualify an applicant. (Sources: HUD public housing and HUD vouchers.)
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Find your local housing agency. Search HUD's public housing agency directory, or call 211 and ask for the housing authority in your county.
- Gather your papers. Expect to need photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income such as a Social Security award letter, bank statements and landlord references.
- Apply and ask about waiting lists. Ask which lists are open, and how to apply. For Section 202 and other senior communities, contact each property's office directly.
- Search more places. Use FloridaHousingSearch.org or our Florida senior resource directory to find more properties.
- Keep your contact details current. If the agency cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may lose your spot. Tell them when you move or change your phone number.
Why Waiting Lists Are Long and How to Cope
HUD says demand for public housing often exceeds availability, and for vouchers placement depends on how many are available, when you applied and any preferences, such as disability or veteran status. (Sources: HUD and HUD.) To improve your chances:
- Get on several lists, since each program and property keeps its own.
- Ask each agency what preferences it uses and whether you qualify for any.
- Check often for lists that are open, since agencies close lists when they are full.
- Ask for a call if your situation changes, for example if you become homeless or have a medical need.
Costs: What Will You Pay?
In HUD-assisted housing such as Section 202, vouchers and public housing, your rent is generally about 30 percent of your adjusted monthly income. Adjustments can lower your countable income, including a deduction for elderly or disabled household members. Public housing has a minimum rent, and voucher households may pay up to 40 percent in some cases. Tax credit apartments use capped rents, so costs differ. Utilities may or may not be included, so ask. (Sources: HUD and HUD.)
Subsidized Housing vs. Assisted Living
Subsidized senior housing is generally independent living. You rent an apartment, but the program does not provide personal care or nursing. Some Section 202 properties have service coordinators who connect residents to outside help, but that is not the same as care in the building. If you need help with bathing, dressing or medicines, compare it with assisted living and ask about Medicaid options for long-term care. Read our guides to the cost of assisted living in Florida and planning for assisted living, or call the Elder Helpline to ask about Medicaid waiver programs.
Where to Get Help
You do not have to figure this out alone. Many of these services are free.