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Housing and home repair

Section 202 senior housing

Section 202 apartments are buildings for people 62 and older with very low incomes, built by nonprofit groups with HUD funding. Rent is usually 30% of your adjusted income, and many buildings have a service coordinator who connects residents with help at home. You apply directly to each building you're interested in.

Checked

Rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

Who may qualify

Who may qualify for Section 202 senior housing
AgeAt least one adult in the household is 62 or older
Income limitHousehold income below 50% of the area median income where the building is

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (source 1)

What you may get

What Section 202 senior housing pays
Your rentUsually 30% of your adjusted income. The federal government covers the rest.
Help to live on your ownUsually a service coordinator who connects residents with services such as cleaning, cooking and transportation

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (source 1)

Good to know

  • To find Section 202 buildings near you, use HUD's Resource Locator and choose "Find Affordable Elderly and Special Needs Housing."
  • HUD publishes the 50% income limit for every area on its HUD User site.
  • For questions about a particular Section 202 building, you can contact your local HUD Multifamily office.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (source 1)

What people get wrong

  • MythI apply for Section 202 housing through HUD.

    Not true. HUD doesn't handle leasing. You apply directly to the owner or manager of each Section 202 building.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Descriptions of Multifamily Programs: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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