How to find affordable senior housing near you

Greetings, Savvy Senior

Do you know of any options that seniors can use to find inexpensive housing? Despite having very little money, my 65-year-old sister needs to locate a new place to live. Could you tell me something?

Looking for Sister

Greetings, Searching

Depending on where your sister lives, it may be difficult to find reasonably priced senior living options. For some retirees, senior apartments are a good alternative, and you’ll be pleased to hear that there are a number of government programs that can provide financial assistance. Your sister might use these pointers to find an apartment that suits her living needs and budget.

Start with HUD

Your sister and others with lower incomes can find and pay for housing with the assistance of a number of services provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These three programs are worth investigating.

• 
  Privately owned subsidized apartments:
  
  HUD helps many apartment owners across the country offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To search for subsidized apartments in your area, visit Resources.hud.gov.
• 
  Housing choice voucher program:
  
  This program allows low-income families, elderly, and disabled people afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. The housing subsidy would be paid to the landlord each month. Your sister would then pay the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. To learn more or apply, contact your local public housing agency (see

  HUD.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts

  for contact information), or call

  (800) 955-2232

  .

• 
  Public housing:
  
  This low-income housing option comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to high rise apartments for elderly families. Your local public housing agency is again the resource for locating public housing in your area.

Speak with a local HUD-approved housing counseling organization if you require additional assistance or housing guidance. Contact details can be found at HUD4.my.site.com/housingcounseling or by calling (800) 569-4287.

How to choose

She should think about her priorities if you or your sister find other apartment options that fit her budget. She might prefer housing near her relatives, places of worship, senior centers, or other locations she frequently attends, such as supermarkets, parks, or fitness centers.

Finding a place to live that is conveniently close to vital services like senior transportation and medical facilities may be especially crucial for her if she has a disability.

You might also find some red flags in your house search that suggest your sister wouldn’t fit in at a retirement community. Watch out for additional costs that can be incurred for regular services or benefits you wouldn’t typically consider, such as parking, laundry, or pets.

Before exploring the neighborhood, you should confirm that the unit is in good condition. Consider whether the neighborhood is tidy and well-kept, and whether there is any trash or unkempt landscaping. Before your sister signs a rental agreement, ask follow-up questions if you see anything unusual.

Other programs

There are also different financial aid programs that can help your sister pay for food, medicine, medical care, utilities, and other expenses in addition to affordable housing. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org to find these programs, verify her eligibility, and submit an application.

Questions and comments can be sent to Savvy Senior at P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or to [email protected].