Housing Resources for People with Disabilities

<p>A variety of federal, state, and local housing programs can help you:</p><ul><li><p>Find and afford a place to live</p></li><li><p>Modify an existing home for disabilities, or</p></li><li><p>Help you develop skills to live independently</p></li></ul><p>Each program has its own eligibility rules and application process.</p><h3>Rental Housing</h3><p>People with disabilities are eligible for all:</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph">Public housing programs</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance">Rental assistance or subsidized housing</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/finding-home#item-37237">Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher programs</a></p></li></ul><p>Learn about <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/finding-home#item-214442">eligibility, how to apply, and more for each of these programs.</a></p><ul><li><p>You may also be eligible for a <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/ned">Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher. </a> NED vouchers help people who are not seniors and have a disability get housing in a development set aside for seniors.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories">Your state</a> and your local <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/local-governments">city or county governments</a> can explain any housing aid and programs for people with disabilities in your area.</p></li></ul><h3>Homeownership</h3><ul><li><p>If you’re buying a home, <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/homeownership">Homeownership Vouchers</a> can help pay mortgage and homeownership expenses.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program">The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program</a> offers loans and grants to homeowners in rural areas who:</p><ul><li><p>Remove health hazards</p></li><li><p>Make home modifications to accommodate a household member with a physical disability.</p></li><li><p>If you are a veteran with a service-connected or age-related disability, you may be eligible for a <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/disability-veterans-benefits#item-214070">housing grant to build or modify a home</a> for your needs.</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Independent Living Skills</h3><ul><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://acl.gov/programs/centers-independent-living/list-cils-and-spils">State and local independent living centers</a> can help you develop skills to live on your own with a disability.</p></li></ul><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories">Contact your state</a> to find out how its department of human services or disability office may be able to assist with:</p><ul><li><p>Modifications</p></li><li><p>Housing counseling</p></li><li><p>Locating rental housing</p></li><li><p>Independent living skills</p></li></ul><h3>How do I complain?</h3><p>You may need things like ramps, grab bars, or service animals. Housing providers cannot deny someone housing because of a disability. And they cannot refuse to make reasonable accommodations for a tenant with a disability. <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/disability_main">Learn more about disability rights in housing</a> and <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint">how to file a complaint</a> if you feel that you’ve been a victim of housing discrimination.</p>

<p>If you are a senior or a person with a disability, find out what housing resources are available for you: </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8">Housing Choice Voucher Program</a> - This program helps very low income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202">Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program</a> - This program subsidizes independent living-type apartments for seniors that offer services like cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Use the <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://resources.hud.gov/">HUD Resource Locator</a> and choose "Find Affordable Elderly and Special Needs Housing."</p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx">Eldercare Locator</a> - This site offers information and resources on housing options for older adults.</p></li></ul><h3>Age Discrimination Complaints</h3><p>If you believe you were a victim of age discrimination, you may <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint">file an online housing discrimination complaint</a>. </p><h3>Other Resources</h3><p>The following resources may also help:</p><ul><li><p>Contact a HUD-approved <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/s/?language=en_US">housing counselor</a> if you have questions about your situation.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/topic/Adult_Day_Programs.aspx">Adult day care</a> provides care and companionship for seniors who need help or supervision during the day.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://medlineplus.gov/homecareservices.html">Home care programs</a> provide services to those who need some help but do not require constant care.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://acl.gov/ltc/housing">LongTermCare.gov</a> provides information on the type of care support to look for and general advice on how to find and pay for it. </p></li><li><p>The<a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=HomeHealth&redirect=true"> Home Health Compare section</a> on Medicare.gov supplies information on local home health agencies, including how well they care for their patients.</p></li></ul><p>The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides tips for <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home">staying in your own home and safely aging in place</a>.</p>

Homeless Services and Resources

<p>If you’re facing homelessness, these tips can help you get ready for and work through the situation.</p><h3>Prepare Yourself and Your Family</h3><ul><li>Make sure your state ID or <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services">driver’s license</a> is current and available. Shelters and assistance programs may have strict ID requirements.</li><li>If possible, store your belongings. Shelters have limits on how much you may bring.</li><li>Arrange for your mail to be delivered somewhere or talk to your local post office. Many have special services for people who are homeless. You may be able to get a <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Is-there-mail-service-for-the-homeless">free PO box or receive general delivery service</a>.</li><li>Pack a bag for yourself and each member of your family.</li><li>Keep important documents and needed medications with you.</li></ul><h3>Find Housing</h3><ol><li>Dial 211. In most areas of the U.S., this will connect you with local social services and referrals for emergency housing.</li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/topics/homelessness/localassist">Check for shelter and housing through your state</a>. You can also check your <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/local-governments">local government</a> or state's <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/state-social-services">human or social services</a> programs for housing assistance. Or use <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/">the map on the Homeless Shelter Directory to find a shelter near you</a>. The types of facilities vary. Research the best options for:<ul><li>Cost - Most shelters are free, but some may charge a small fee. Most facilities that provide residential drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs charge a fee. Many, however, are low-cost, accept Medicaid, or operate on a sliding scale based on your income.</li><li>Length of stay - This can vary from a couple of days to weeks or months.</li><li>Types of services - Some facilities just provide safe shelter for the night, while others are transitional. They provide both housing and support services. They may help you with substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, or job training.</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.usa.gov/finding-home">Apply for more permanent public or subsidized housing</a>. Typically, there are long waiting lists for public and subsidized housing. Apply as soon as possible.</li></ol><h3>Homeless Resources for Special Groups</h3><p>These resources are geared toward specific audiences:</p><h4>Veterans</h4><ul><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/for_homeless_veterans.asp">Homeless Veteran Resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)</a> - Use these resources to find safe housing. Or explore opportunities to return to employment, find health care, or get mental health services.</li><li>Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838). You can find help 24 hours a day.</li></ul><h4>Youth</h4><ul><li>Call the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).</li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/619">Housing programs and street outreach</a> - Find stable, safe housing. You can also get education help, survival aid, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up support.</li></ul><h4>People With Mental Illness</h4><ul><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/728">Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)</a> - Find help if you have a serious mental illness. The PATH program can assist you if you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness.</li></ul><h3>Other Types of Help if You’re Homeless</h3><p>Visit <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.benefits.gov/">Benefits.gov</a> to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for other types of help. This may include financial assistance, transportation, food, counseling, and more.</p><p>If you don’t have medical insurance, you can use <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/">HRSA health centers</a>. They give checkups, treatment when you’re sick, pregnancy care, and immunizations for your children.</p>

Housing Resources for Native Americans

<p>For housing help, contact the following offices:</p><ul><li>To live on private land, contact the <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing">Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH)</a>.</li><li>To live on a reservation, contact a local <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/codetalk/tribalhousing">Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE)</a>.</li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://hudgov-answers.force.com/housingcounseling/s/">Find your state housing counseling agency</a> online or call 1-800-569-4287.</li></ul><h3>Native American Housing Programs</h3><ul><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/codetalk/aboutonap">Indian Housing's Office of Native American Programs (ONAP)</a> - offers housing and community development programs to ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing for Native American families</li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/grants">Indian Housing Grant Programs</a> - provide financial help for Indian tribes to develop affordable housing and housing activities on a reservation or Indian area </li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/798">Housing Improvement Program (HIP)</a> - provides home repairs, renovations, replacements, and new housing grants</li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes/funding-opportunities-tribal-green-building">Tribal Green Building</a> - funding resources from federal, tribal, and state agencies for tribal green building </li></ul>

VA Loans to Buy, Refinance, or Improve a Home

<p>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/">home loans and grants</a>. These programs help service members, veterans, and surviving spouses to buy, refinance, or modify their homes. The VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Doing this allows lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, to offer you more favorable terms.</p><h3>Learn if You Are Eligible and How to Apply for a VA Loan</h3><ul><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_eligibility.asp">Find out if you qualify for a VA home loan.</a><ul><li>You must meet the credit and income requirements and get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You must log on to <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage">eBenefits</a> for the COE feature to work.</li><li>Reviewing the <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-limits/">VA home loan limits</a> will help you understand the amount of the entitlement on your COE.</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/?from=explore.va.gov">Apply for a VA home loan or housing-related assistance</a>. You can apply online, through your lender, or by mail.</li></ul><h3>VA Loans and Grants for Home Improvements</h3><ul><li>If you have a service-connected or age-related disability, you may be eligible for a <a href="/veteran-housing#item-214070">veteran housing grant</a>. These grants help you modify your home for disabilities related to military service or aging.</li><li>You can get a VA <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/cash-out-loan/">cash-out refinance loan</a> to access money from your home equity. This money can help you pay for home improvements, college costs, and more.</li></ul><h3>VA Loans for Home Buying and Refinancing</h3><ul><li>If you're planning to buy a home, check into <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/">the variety of home loans offered by the VA</a>. The most common are VA purchase loans. This type requires <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/purchase-loan/">no down payment and no private mortgage insurance</a>.</li><li>If you have an existing VA home loan, you can apply for an <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/interest-rate-reduction-loan/">Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)</a> to save money with a better interest rate.</li></ul>

Housing Help for Older Veterans

<p>Find programs to help older veterans with a wide range of housing needs. This includes in-home care, assisted living, and retirement homes for veterans.</p><ul><li>Get help finding housing and care in a variety of <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Nursing_Home_and_Residential_Services.asp">residential settings</a>. This includes nursing homes, assisted living, and <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Medical_Foster_Homes.asp">medical foster homes</a>.</li><li>If you need in-home care so you can remain at home, the VA may be able to help. Call the VA Health Care Benefits number at 1-877-222-8387. Or, contact the <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.va.gov/find-locations/">VA medical center nearest you</a>.</li></ul><p>Another option for some military retirees and other veterans is the <a href="https://webharvest.gov/congress117th/20221219211957/https://www.afrh.gov/">Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH)</a>. The AFRH has two locations: Washington, DC, and Gulfport, MS. Both offer recreation and wellness services including assisted living and skilled care.</p>