| Many seniors are already renters. Some seniors sell their homes
and move into rental units because they no longer want to, or can no longer maintain their
own homes. Some seniors may need help paying the rent. Outlined below are some types of
housing and housing programs for seniors who need help paying the rent.
Senior or Elderly Housing
The term most often used for subsidized
housing or the elderly is called "senior" or "elderly housing" or
"elderly and disabled housing". There are, however several types of subsidized
housing in addition to elderly housing for which seniors may qualify.
Nearly all subsidized housing eligibility is
based upon income. Eligibility for elderly housing is usually based upon both age and
income. Many subsidized programs have rents which are roughly calculated at 30% of a
person’s income. Such housing can be subsidized in three different ways; by the
State, by the Federal Government, or privately (usually with help from the Federal
Government).
In Connecticut most town have housing set aside as
elderly housing. This type of housing usually consists of small apartments which are
either efficiency or one-bedroom units. Often there are waiting lists to get into this
type of housing. The entity most often in charge of renting and maintaining this housing
is called a Housing Authority. Many towns have Housing Authorities. To view a list of
Connecticut's Housing Authorities in an Excel spread sheet click here.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
Housing Authorities often offer other types of subsidized
housing which are also available Housing Choice Voucher (HVC) Program" (Formerly
"Section 8") provides vouchers which can be taken to private landlords, giving
program participants many types of housing options. These vouchers may also be portable to
any state after one-year of residency in the area where the voucher is obtained. Due to
the overwhelming shortage of affordable housing vouchers, however, HCV availability is
extremely limited and there are usually long waiting lists. To find out which housing
authorities have waiting lists open for applications click
here .
Private, Subsidized Housing
At one time the Federal government offered incentives to
developers to build subsidized housing for low income individuals. Many towns and cities
in Connecticut still have some of this housing available but, again, the demand is high
and there are usually waiting lists.
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