The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against disabled persons wanting to rent or buy a home.
The federal government has established several housing assistance programs to help individuals with disabilities. Acceptance into some programs is based on income, and other programs are designed to help military servicemen and veterans. Some nonprofit organizations also provide housing assistance to eligible disabled households. Assistance includes help with rent, help for the homeless and assisting veterans with home ownership and home modifications.
Public Housing
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers the Public Housing program to eligible low income, disabled households. Program eligibility is based on your household income and disability. To qualify for assistance, you must have U.S. citizenship or eligible immigrant status. You must meet HUD income guidelines. Income limits are determined by geographical location, meaning you may qualify for assistance in one county but not in another at your income level. You can apply for pubic assistance with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). As a disabled person, you are able to deduct $400 from you annual income, which is used to determine eligibility. If you qualify, you are responsible for finding suitable public housing that meets HUD requirements. The rent you are required to pay is based on your annual income, but is no less than $25 per month.
Housing Vouchers
The designated housing vouchers provide rental assistance to eligible non-elderly, disabled persons. To qualify for the voucher, you must not receive any other form of housing assistance and live in a certain development where the owner has preferences for elderly occupants. The voucher is for families already on the waiting list of a covered development housing unit. Only certain real estate developments fall under the category of Section 8 new construction projects and housing under Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959. Your household income cannot exceed the income guidelines established by HUD for your area. You are responsible for finding a unit that meets program requirements. If your rent exceeds what your PHA will pay, you are responsible for paying the difference to the owner.
Military and Veterans
The United States Department of Veteran Affairs offers several housing grants for servicemen who've suffered a disability in the line of duty. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant program is used for the construction of new homes and the modification of existing homes. Eligible veterans can receive funds up to $50,000. To qualify for the SAH grant, veterans must have a disability that is permanent and total. The Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant is available to eligible veterans to modify existing homes to meet their adaptive needs. The SHA grant is available up to $10,000 for veterans who have suffered blindness in both eyes or the loss of use in both hands or arms below the elbow. The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant is available to disabled veterans living with family members. Eligible veterans can receive funds up to $14,000 to modify a family member's home.
Homelessness
The federal government offers the Shelter Plus Care program to provide long-term rental assistance to disabled homeless individuals. Priority for assistance is given to disabled persons suffering with mental disorders, chronic problems with drugs and alcohol, and individuals diagnosed with AIDS. The Shelter Plus Care program offers a variety of housing options to eligible individuals, including housing with rehabilitation programs and tenant-based rental assistance.
Tags: disabled persons, grant available, housing assistance, Public Housing, rental assistance, Adaptation grant
