Rental Assistance for Pensioners

Pensioners receive rental assistance from federal government programs.

Senior citizens who rely on a pension as their sole source of income may qualify for rental assistance through the federal government. Available programs include housing choice vouchers and public housing, and both depend on the amount of expected income each month.

Housing Choice Vouchers

Senior citizens can apply for housing choice vouchers, also referred to as Section 8, through the federal program that provides financial rental assistance to low-income families, the disabled and elderly. The voucher application is through Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through this program, tenants pay 30 percent of their income for rent and the rest is covered by the federal government.

Public Housing

Public housing (properties owned by the federal government) is a viable option for qualified pensioners. Through the public housing program, HUD provides federal aid to local housing authorities that manage low-income housing with rent set at a level that renters can easily afford. Income limits vary, depending on the area.

Application and Questions

To apply for a rental assistance program, visit HUD.gov. For questions about your specific situation, you should contact your local HUD-approved housing counselor.

References

• HUD.gov: Information for Senior Citizens
• HUD.gov: Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet
• HUD.gov: Public Housing

Resources

• HUD.gov: HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies