Housing Assistance for Disabled Individuals

Posted January 10, 2020 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®

A variety of federal, state, and local housing programs can help you find and afford a place to live, modify an existing home for disabilities, or help you develop skills to live independently. Each program has its own eligibility rules and application process.

Rental Housing

• People with disabilities are eligible for all public housing programs, rental assistance or subsidized housing, and Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher programs. Learn about eligibility, how to apply, and more for each of these programs.
• You may also be eligible for a Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher, which helps people who are not seniors and have a disability get housing in a development traditionally set aside for seniors.
• Your state and your local city or county governments can explain any housing aid and programs for people with disabilities in your area.
• Certain Developments Vouchers can help non-elderly families that include a person with a disability find affordable rentals in housing developments limited to elderly residents.

Homeownership

• If you’re buying a home, Homeownership Vouchers can help pay mortgage and homeownership expenses.
• The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program offers loans and grants for homeowners in rural areas for removing health hazards and making home modifications to accommodate a household member with a physical disability.
• If you are a veteran with a service-connected or age-related disability, you may be eligible for a housing grant to build or modify a home for your needs.

Independent Living Skills

• State and local independent living centers can help you develop skills to live on your own with a disability.
• Contact your state to find out how its department of human services or disability office may be able to assist with modifications, housing counseling, locating rental housing, and independent living skills.

How do I complain?

You may require things like ramps, grab bars, or service animals. It is illegal for housing providers to deny someone housing because of a disability or refuse to make reasonable accommodations for a tenant with a disability. Learn more about disability rights in housing and how to file a complaint if you feel that you’ve been a victim of housing discrimination.

If You’re About to Become Homeless

• Make sure your state ID or driver’s license is current and available. Shelters and assistance programs may have strict ID requirements.
• If possible, store your belongings. Shelters have limits on how much you may bring.
• 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 free P.O. box or receive general delivery service.
• Pack a bag for yourself and each member of your family.
• Keep important documents and needed medications with you.

Find Housing

• Check for shelter and housing through your state. You can also check your state’s human or social services programs for housing assistance or use the map on the Homeless Shelter Directory to find a shelter near you. The types of facilities vary. Research the best options for:
  • 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.
  • Length of stay – This can vary from a couple of weeks to several months.
  • 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.

• Apply for more permanent public or subsidized housing. Typically, there are long waiting lists for public and subsidized housing. Apply as soon as possible.

Homeless Resources for Special Groups

These resources are geared toward specific audiences:

Veterans

• Homeless Veteran Resources from the VA – Explore opportunities to return to employment and find safe housing, health care, and mental health services.
• 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.

Youth

• Call the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).
• Housing programs and street outreach – Find stable, safe housing, education help, survival aid, counseling, crisis intervention, and follow-up support.

People with Mental Illness

• Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) – Get help if you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness.

Other Types of Help if You’re Homeless

Visit Benefits.gov 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.

If you don’t have medical insurance, you can use HRSA health centers. They give checkups, treatment when you’re sick, pregnancy care, and immunizations for your children.

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

See more here: https://www.usa.gov/housing-help-audiences

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®