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If you’re a senior on a fixed income who can’t afford a lot of rent, the Section 202 program may be just what the doctor ordered.

What’s one of the biggest obstacles seniors must overcome? Figuring out how to live on a fixed income.

If you’re no longer working, you may not have the financial flexibility you once had. Your budget may be tighter. You may have to watch your expenses. And one of those most significant expenses is housing.

Worrying about how you’ll pay the rent each month is not how you want to live out years that should be relaxing. Thankfully, there’s a government program that addresses this issue, and it’s called Section 202 or the Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program.

How Section 202 Housing Benefits Seniors

The fact that Section 202 offers manageable monthly rent is attractive, but these features that accompany such housing may be even more appealing for seniors:

• Accessibility features for wheelchairs, such as ramps
• Grab rails
• Transportation
• Help with medication, meals, and bathing
• Daily activities and communal spaces for social events and eating
• Care coordinators

As for how manageable rent can be with a Section 202 apartment, the answer is very. Seniors who qualify will only have to fork over 30 percent of their income towards rent. This allows for significant savings and the ability to build an emergency fund or have money for other expenses.

What Section 202 Looks for in an Applicant

To qualify for this housing assistance program for seniors, there are basic requirements. Since applications are handled by the owners or management companies in charge of each Section 202 property, they may differ according to location. Here’s what you can expect:

• Having one household member over the age of 62.
• Making less than 50 percent of the area’s median income (the area where you intend to live).
• Already receiving some other type of assistance (this may not be required in all cases).

You won’t have to document your citizenship status when applying for Section 202 housing. To get an idea of what the income limits are, click here. Remember that the more people are living in your home, the higher income you can earn and still qualify for assistance.

Beyond those basic requirements above, your housing and criminal history will be taken into consideration. Ideally, you don’t want any of the following:

• Owing money to a housing authority.
• Losing housing assistance in the past.
• Recent eviction from HUD housing (within the last five years).
• Felony convictions for drugs or violence.

How to Begin Your Section 202 Application

If it seems like Section 202 may offer the affordable senior housing you need, it’s time to apply. Demand for such assistance is incredibly high, while the supply of housing is limited.

If you haven’t applied for Section 202 housing before, it’s best to contact the HUD-approved housing counseling agency nearest you. Find yours here.