Many seniors feel the pinch of a tight budget. It can be difficult to make ends meet without a steady income and with rising expenses. One of the greatest expenses that many seniors face is housing. The cost of rent and home ownership continues to rise, making finding affordable accommodations difficult and stressful. The government often offers affordable housing help, but in many areas, demand for affordable accommodations exceeds the number of available units. Fortunately, there are many ways in which seniors can get assistance and information about low-income housing units that they may be eligible for.
If you need a low-income apartment unit, keep reading to find out what assistance you may be eligible to receive and how to find a unit.
What Can You Expect to Pay?
Housing and rental prices vary across the country. You can check out the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website for the most recent year to get a sense of what you will pay for rent in various cities. Rent is often more expensive in metropolitan areas that are close to amenities such as shopping centers and medical care facilities. Rent in rural areas and small towns is often considerably less than in certain downtown areas and major cities. Comparing the cost of rent in different areas of your state or city can help you to narrow down your search and find a place that will be within your budget.
You can start your affordable senior housing search using the HUD’s low-rent apartment search tool. This can allow you to find senior housing properties in your desired area. You will also find out application information and if there are waitlists in place.
Research Your Area
The first thing that you will want to do is research what programs are available in your area. You can do a simple search on the internet to get a general idea of what housing costs are in your area. You can also look to see whether you qualify for housing assistance. You can search local housing agencies to find out more information about the types of assistance that is available in your area, if you qualify, and the steps you need to take to apply. You may want to write up a list of your questions and concerns about affordable senior housing. You may wish to call local agencies to get answers to your specific questions.
Important Things to Consider
There are many things that you need to think about when it comes to finding accommodations that will meet your needs and budget. You may want to consider living in the suburbs or a small town to find affordable housing. If you consider living in a more rural area you will want to ensure that you will have a support and social network in place. Things you may want to consider regarding social housing communities or low-income apartments include:
- Is it near a grocery store?
- Is it near medical providers or a hospital?
- Is it close to family and friends?
- Is it senior-friendly?
- Is it close to public transportation?
- Is it pet-friendly?
- Is there a community center nearby?
- Are there additional fees?
Know Your Rights
It is important to be aware of your rights when you are looking for affordable housing options. You should not be discriminated against for any reason including your gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, race or disability status. Contact agencies in your area for senior housing assistance to ensure that you will find an affordable apartment to meet your needs.
