HUD Housing Programs for the Disabled: A Complete Guide

Are you or a loved one living with a disability and looking for affordable housing options? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers several programs specifically designed to help people with disabilities find safe, accessible, and affordable housing. This comprehensive guide explains these programs in simple terms and provides clear steps on how to apply.

What Housing Programs Does HUD Offer for People with Disabilities?

HUD provides two main types of housing assistance programs:

Project-based programs – These are tied to specific housing developments
Tenant-based programs – These allow you to choose your own housing in the private market

Several of these programs are specifically designed for or give preference to people with disabilities. Let’s explore each option to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Section 811 Supportive Housing Program

The Section 811 program is specifically created to help very low-income adults with disabilities live independently. This program:

Provides funding for developing and subsidizing rental housing with supportive services
Offers units in apartments, group homes, and other housing facilities
Includes access to support services such as case management, employment assistance, and help with daily living activities

To qualify for Section 811 housing:

At least one member of your household must have a disability
Your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income
You must be at least 18 years old

Learn more about Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

While the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) serves all eligible low-income individuals, it includes special provisions for people with disabilities:

Allows you to choose your own housing in the private market
Pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord
May provide higher payment standards for accessible units
Can help with accessibility modifications in some cases

Find out more about Section 8 and how to apply

Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers

NED vouchers are a specialized type of Housing Choice Voucher specifically for disabled individuals under 62 years old. These vouchers were created because many housing programs favor elderly applicants, which can make it difficult for younger disabled individuals to receive assistance.

Who Qualifies for NED Vouchers?

To be eligible for a NED voucher:

The disabled person must be the head of household, co-head, or spouse (if the disabled household member is a child, you won’t qualify under this specific program)
Your household income must fall within HUD’s low-income limits for your area
You must meet citizenship or eligible immigration status requirements
You must pass background screening requirements

NED vouchers come in two main categories:

Category 1 NED Vouchers

These vouchers help non-elderly disabled families on the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. They give Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) additional resources to help disabled individuals who might otherwise wait years for assistance.

Category 2 NED Vouchers

These vouchers help non-elderly disabled individuals transitioning from nursing homes or other institutional settings back into the community. They’re part of HUD’s effort to support independent living for people with disabilities.

Learn about income eligibility for housing assistance programs

Certain Development Vouchers

Many housing developments give preference to elderly families, which can make finding housing more challenging for non-elderly disabled individuals. Certain Development Vouchers were created to address this specific issue.

These vouchers are designed for:

Non-elderly disabled families who live in certain housing developments that prioritize elderly families
People who are on waiting lists for housing developments under Sections 8, 202, 221, or 236
Individuals who would qualify for housing but haven’t been able to secure it due to elderly preferences

To qualify:

A non-elderly person with a disability must be the head of household, co-head, or spouse
Your household income must not exceed HUD’s established low-income limit for your area
You must meet other eligibility requirements including citizenship status and background checks

Once approved, you’ll need to find a suitable rental unit that:

Charges reasonable rent
Meets housing quality standards
Is willing to participate in the voucher program

The PHA will then pay a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, typically the difference between 30% of your family’s income and the approved payment standard.

Find out how to confirm your housing application status

Mainstream Voucher Program

The Mainstream Voucher Program provides Housing Choice Vouchers specifically for households that include a non-elderly person with disabilities (aged 18-61). This program:

Helps disabled individuals live independently in the community
Provides rental assistance similar to regular Housing Choice Vouchers
May include support services coordination with healthcare providers

Learn about the differences between public housing and Section 8

Public Housing

HUD’s Public Housing program includes accessible units for people with disabilities. These units are:

Owned and managed by local Public Housing Agencies
Available at reduced rents based on your income
Modified for accessibility needs

Public Housing Agencies are required to make reasonable accommodations and modifications for residents with disabilities.

Find out how to apply for public housing assistance

How to Find and Apply for HUD Housing for People with Disabilities

Step 1: Contact Your Local Public Housing Agency (PHA)

The first step is to contact your local PHA to learn about available programs in your area. You can find your local PHA by:

Visiting HUD’s PHA contact information page
Selecting your state and finding the PHA nearest to your zip code
Calling or visiting their website to learn about application procedures

When contacting the PHA, specifically ask about:

NED vouchers
Certain Development Vouchers
Section 811 housing
Accessibility-modified units in public housing
Any local preferences or programs for people with disabilities

Learn about housing grants that might help with accessibility modifications

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

Before applying, gather these important documents:

Proof of disability (medical documentation, SSI or SSDI award letters)
Photo identification for all adult household members
Birth certificates or other proof of age for all household members
Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
Income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns)
Banking and asset information
Current housing information (lease, rent receipts)
References from previous landlords

Find out about the differences between SSDI and SSI

Step 3: Complete and Submit Applications

Fill out applications for all programs you’re eligible for
Submit all required documentation
Keep copies of everything you submit
Get confirmation of receipt of your application

Step 4: Follow Up Regularly on Your Application Status

Housing assistance waiting lists can be long. It’s important to:

Keep your contact information updated with the PHA
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Check in regularly about your waiting list status
Ask about reasonable accommodation requests if you need priority due to your disability

Learn how to check your Section 8 waiting list status

Step 5: Finding Suitable Housing with Your Voucher

If you receive a tenant-based voucher:

Request a list of accessible units from your PHA
Search online housing platforms for accessible rentals
Contact local disability advocacy organizations for housing leads
Ask the PHA about landlord incentive programs

Learn about landlord and tenant housing rights

Additional Resources for People with Disabilities

Beyond HUD programs, these resources may help:

Centers for Independent Living provide information about local accessible housing options
Area Agencies on Aging can help older adults with disabilities find housing
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers may help with home modifications
State housing finance agencies often have additional housing programs

Find out about assisted living waiver programs

Frequently Asked Questions About HUD Housing for People with Disabilities

Q: Can I get immediate housing assistance if I have a disability? A: Most housing programs have waiting lists, but some PHAs give preference to people with disabilities. In emergency situations, ask about emergency housing vouchers or rapid rehousing programs.

Learn about emergency housing options

Q: Can I use my housing voucher if I move to another state? A: Yes, Housing Choice Vouchers are portable. You’ll need to coordinate with your current PHA and the PHA in your new location.

Learn about transferring your Section 8 voucher to another state

Q: Can my service animal or emotional support animal live with me in HUD housing? A: Yes, reasonable accommodations for assistance animals must be made by housing providers, even in properties with “no pets” policies.

Learn about the differences between service animals and emotional support animals

Q: Will receiving housing assistance affect my disability benefits? A: Housing assistance is not counted as income for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid eligibility in most cases. However, it’s always good to check with your benefits counselor.

Conclusion

HUD offers several programs to help people with disabilities find safe, accessible, and affordable housing. By understanding your options and following the application steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of receiving the housing assistance you need.

Remember that persistence is key when applying for housing assistance. Keep all your documentation organized, stay in touch with your local PHA, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local disability advocacy organizations for additional help with your housing search.

If you have questions about HUD housing programs for people with disabilities, leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to provide helpful information based on our experience.