More than 10 million American households headed by someone age 65+ are considered "cost burdened." That means they spend more than a third of their income on housing.
If you are cost burdened, you have less money to spend on other needs. Too often, you are forced to choose between paying rent and getting medical care or buying groceries.
The good news is there are government-subsidized housing options for older adults that can help. One of these is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8 housing.
What is Section 8 housing?
Section 8 housing helps older adults, people with disabilities, and families with low income find affordable, decent private housing. The program's goal is to provide you with better living conditions and an improved quality of life.
If you are approved for Section 8 housing, you get a voucher that pays for part of your monthly rent. A voucher is like a coupon—it is a document that can be used in place of money to pay for something. Housing choice vouchers are given and managed by local public housing authorities.
With Section 8 housing, you get choices in where you live. You may choose from privately owned single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The property owner or landlord must agree to rent you a unit under the Section 8 program.
The government department that funds Section 8 also requires full inspections of Section 8 homes to make sure they meet safety standards.
What is the Section 8 voucher amount?
The voucher amount your household gets to help pay your rent is based on your income and the local rental market. You must pay 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. Adjusted gross income is the amount of income you get before any deductions are taken out.
If your monthly rent is more than that amount, you must pay the difference. However, you cannot apply more than 40% of your adjusted gross income to rent.
Where can I learn more about housing assistance?
Get additional details about Section 8 housing—including how to apply—with our easy-to-use online tool. Just visit BenefitsCheckUp.org and enter your ZIP code. While you are there, browse for other money-saving programs that can help you pay for medications, food, transportation, and more.
