Millions of older adults are burdened by high housing costs and have little money left over to pay for other needs like food and medical care. The good news is there are housing assistance programs for older adults that can help. Let us introduce and compare 2 programs that could help lessen the burden of high housing costs.

What is Section 8 housing?

HUD's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps people with low income get affordable, decent, safe private housing. The program's goal is to give you access to better living conditions and an improved quality of life. If you are approved, your local housing authority gives you a voucher to pay for part of your monthly rent from participating privately owned single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

What is Section 202 housing?

HUD's Section 202 program provides safe, comfortable, and affordable housing for older adults with low income. These housing options may cost less, but they come with more. Section 202 housing includes support services that can make it easier for you to live on your own for longer and with a better quality of life. Support services often include help with cleaning, cooking, transportation, and more.

Which housing assistance program is right for me? 

Here we compare Section 8 and Section 202 housing side by side. This can help you easily compare the 2 programs to see which housing assistance program might help you the most. 

Factor Section 8 Section 202
Who is it for? Older adults, people with disabilities, and families with low income Low-income households with at least one person age 62+
What are the basic requirements?
  • Have very low or low income
  • Have U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
  • Fit HUD's definition of a family
  • More requirements, such as completing criminal background checks, may apply
  • Have very low or low income
  • Have at least one person in the household who is age 62+
  • More requirements, such as completing criminal background checks, may apply
What is the housing assistance amount? The voucher amount depends on your income and the local rental market. You must pay 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. You pay a fixed price for rent that is equal to 30% of your adjusted gross income.
What are the income limits? Your income must be less than 50–80% of the area median income where you want to live. Your local housing authority can tell you the limit for your county. Your household income must be less than 50% of the area median income where the property is located. 
What are the key features?

Section 8 vouchers can be used to help pay for:

  • Affordable housing that is decent, safe, and sanitary
  • Different types of properties, such as new, renovated, and existing single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and multifamily properties

Section 202 offers multifamily properties that include support services, such as:

  • Adaptability features
  • Social engagement
  • Transportation services 
  • Housecleaning services
  • Health and wellness programs 
  • Central locations close to community resources
How do I apply?

Contact your local housing authority and then apply by:

  • Completing an application online
  • Mailing a completed paper application
  • Applying in person at your local housing authority
 Contact the property owner or manager directly to apply. You can find Section 202 properties with the HUD Resource Locator. Complete your application fully and turn it in exactly how the property tells you to, whether by mail or online.
How long does it take to get? It can take weeks to months to process your application. Once approved, waiting lists to get vouchers are common. Housing authorities can also move some people up the waiting list based on need, such as for people who are homeless. It can take weeks to months to process your application. Waiting lists for Section 202 properties are common. Once an apartment becomes ready for you, the property will have you come in for a final in-person interview before you can move in.

 

 

 

Where can I learn more about housing assistance?

Get more information about Section 8 and Section 202 housing—including how to apply—here with our easy-to-use online tool. BenefitsCheckUp, the site you're currently on, connects millions of older adults and people who have disabilities with benefits programs that can help them worry less and age better.


Click below to learn how our confidential tool works.