Most senior citizens live on a fixed income. And while benefits like Social Security are available for their assistance, they are usually not enough to accommodate the high inflation. Plus, unpredictable health care needs for the elderly are always possible. In fact, the latest available figures show that over 15 million Americans over 65 are economically insecure and struggle with daily expenditures.
Thankfully, there are different programs to aid financially vulnerable senior citizens. One of them is the affordable senior housing programs. These senior housing units have reasonable rents, providing the residents with enough money left over each month for other expenses. You can find these programs in almost every state of the U.S., but it can be challenging if you don’t know where to start.
In this post, we will guide you in searching for affordable senior city housing in Philadelphia. We will also discuss the senior lifestyle of the city and how you can qualify for affordable senior apartments in PHL. The topics we will cover include:
Why Philadelphia Low Cost Senior Housing Programs
Can I Get Rental Assistance In Philadelphia, PA
Types Of Philadelphia Low Income Senior Housing Programs
How to Apply for Philadelphia Public Housing?
Section 202 Senior Housing Community for Philadelphia County
How to Apply for Philadelphia Section 202 Senior Apartments?
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) for Philly Residents
How to Apply for Philadelphia LIHTC Apartments?
Philadelphia Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
How to Apply for the Section 8 Housing Voucher in Philadelphia?
Benefits of Senior Living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
How to Search For Affordable Housing for Seniors in Philadelphia
Why Philadelphia Low Cost Senior Housing Programs
Generally, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an expensive city with the cost of living 10% higher than the national average. Rentals are also greater than in other U.S. cities, and one can expect to pay around $1400 for a single-bedroom apartment with utilities.
Many seniors rely on the income they receive from social security benefits, pensions, and 401(k). Even though the government of Pennsylvania exempts all retirement income from tax obligations, the funds are usually insufficient for a comfortable lifestyle.
This is why many elders look for affordable housing options in Pennsylvania. Since housing expenses are one of the most substantial in one’s budget, qualifying for low income senior apartments in Philadelphia, PA, helps the elderly maintain their quality of life.
Can I Get Rental Assistance In Philadelphia, PA
Applicants must meet certain income criteria to qualify for housing or rental assistance. The family Area Median Income (AMI) for Philadelphia County is determined to be $105,400for a four person family. For a single person, the income limits are:
- Low Income (80% Limits): $59,050
- Very Low Income (50% Limits): $36,900
- Extremely Low Income: $22,150
But note that the income threshold will change according to the number of members in a household. If a spouse or any other adult occupant will reside in the same housing unit, their income will also be counted towards the qualifying criteria.
Apart from the income limits, each housing assistance program in Philadelphia, PA, will consider the background of the applicants. This includes thoroughly verifying the main applicant's age, U.S. citizenship status, bank records, criminal records, rental history, and credit score.
However, the criteria and application process for each program in Philadelphia differs. To ensure your eligibility, it is essential that you understand the guidelines carefully and supply all the correct information to the relevant agencies.
Read this guide for more tips on increasing your chances of acceptance: Five Sure Steps to Qualify for Low Income Senior Housing
Types Of Philadelphia Low Income Senior Housing Programs
You can find many Philadelphia-based housing programs catering to people earning a low income. Below are some of the most notable affordable housing programs to help you narrow down the most suitable option.
Philadelphia Public Housing
The public housing units are overseen by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). The program offers comfortable housing units with subsidized rents to families, seniors, and the disabled with a low income. Currently, the PHA manages over 13,400 properties that are segregated for families, families with seniors, and seniors only. The property site map for the PHA-owned properties is available here. Interested candidates can choose the unit according to their family size and preference.
How to Apply for Philadelphia Public Housing?
You can find the online application form for the public housing unit on the PHA website. You will be required to submit information regarding all members of the household. Make sure to supply accurate and complete information.
Once you submit the details, your application will be included on the waiting list. You will be contacted when a unit in your desired category becomes vacant. The payable rent for the Philadelphia Public Housing will be 30% of the household’s total income.
Section 202 Senior Housing Community for Philadelphia County
Section 202 affordable senior housing in Philadelphia, PA, is an exclusive program for the elderly. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports Section 202 housing programs nationwide. They provide capital to non-profit and private organizations to construct the Section 202 units. The requirement is to build 1 or 2-bedroom apartments with senior-friendly amenities such as wheelchair ramps, arm grabs, and non-slip surfaces.
Additionally, an on-site service coordinator is present at most units to assist the residents in all their concerns. Activities to promote the social, physical, and mental well-being of Philadelphia seniors are also organized regularly for Section 202 residents.
How to Apply for Philadelphia Section 202 Senior Apartments?
To apply for the Philadelphia subsidized senior housing programs, the applicant must be at least 62 years of age with a very low household income - typically 50% of the Area’s Median Income (AMI). The rent will be approximately 30% of the household’s income.
You can conduct a Google search on affordable senior apartments near me to find Section 202 properties. Or use the Senioridy property search directory for available units in Philadelphia. Once you shortlist the preferred housing apartments, contact the management committee directly to submit the application with all the required documents and information. Similar to other programs, your application will be thoroughly verified before moving toward the final phase.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) for Philly Residents
Through the LIHTC program, investors and builders were provided tax credits to construct affordable apartment units. The program is open to all Philadelphia residents earning an income lower than the 80% AMI. However, portions are dedicated to the senior members of society.
Compared to other affordable housing programs, funding for LIHTC is more abundant, with a better probability of getting vacant apartments.
How to Apply for Philadelphia LIHTC Apartments?
To find suitable Philadelphia low income apartments, senior citizens can use the LIHTC database by HUD. You can contact the apartment management authorities directly to submit the application.
If you qualify for the LIHTC program, your rent will be established according to the income bracket assigned to the apartment unit. Here is a quick example to help you understand the method for Philadelphia residents:
- Selected unit’s set income bracket: 50%
- The maximum annual income a Philadelphia applicant can earn to qualify for the unit: $36,900
- Annual income / 12 months: 36,900/12 = $3,075
- Base Rent (30% of a monthly rent): $922
Philadelphia Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program is funded by HUD and managed by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The program is open to all residents with a low income. If you qualify, you will receive a voucher that will pay approximately 70% of the rent. You can also choose any apartment in Philadelphia, PA, according to your needs and household size. However, the PHA will assess the housing unit to ensure its suitability.
How to Apply for the Section 8 Housing Voucher in Philadelphia?
Visit the PHA website to check if registrations for the housing voucher program are open. Due to high demand, the waiting lists are open periodically. Information regarding the openings is notified on their website, TV, and print advertising.
If application forms are available, fill in all the required details correctly. If any changes in your information occur during the waiting period, make sure to update the data to avoid any discrepancies.
Benefits of Senior Living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Now that you know about affordable housing for senior citizens in Philadelphia, let’s explore the other benefits of the city.
- Moderate weather with warm summers and tolerable winters.
- Proximity to major cities, including Washington, New York City, and New Jersey.
- Access to high-quality medical care from Jefferson Health and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
- Plenty of historical and cultural venues.
- Home to many vineyards and wineries.
- Several lifelong learning programs for adults.
- Ease of transportation with the public transit system SEPTA’s train, bus, trolley, and subway. Discounted fares for seniors are also available.
Conclusion
Our adult population spends most of their life working hard. Unfortunately, many find themselves in a financial hurdle during their golden years. The senior affordable housing programs help them achieve a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle without compromising their budget.
The most convenient way to search for affordable housing for seniors in Philadelphia is by using the Senioridy database We make the process seamless by listing all the vacant units with their details. You can view photos of the housing units to get an idea about the accommodation. You can also compare different options and contact shortlisted senior housing units directly by filling out a form. Explore the options with us and discover your new home! Good luck!