Housing Assistance Programs

Chronically-ill people who are no longer able to work and must rely on a Social Security program or long-term disability (LTD) may at some point find they are no longer able to meet their housing costs. They often find that their monthly check is simply inadequate to pay their rent or mortgage, as well as their other basic costs of living.

Home-owner programs

For those individuals who have difficulty meeting their mortgage payments, help is available. The Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General maintains a website, Mortgage Lending and Foreclosures, which provides information on preventing foreclosure and loan modification. Mass211 can also provide information and resources.

Subsidized rental housing

Many disabled individuals on Social Security or long-term disability insurance find they must seek federally or state subsidized rental housing. Subsidized apartments are provided under a variety of state and federal programs—however, most operate by paying, or subsidizing, a substantial portion of the tenant’s monthly rental payment. Under most of the programs, an income-eligible tenant will pay 30%-40% of their monthly income toward their rental payment, and the state or federal government will pay the remainder to the owner. Most of the programs set a limit on the monthly cost of apartments for which subsidies can be provided.

There are three general forms of subsidized rental housing:

1. Housing developments owned and managed by local Public Housing Authorities. These developments contain apartments for families, the elderly, and the disabled who are income-eligible. The state and federal programs may have different eligibility requirements and preferences.
2. Privately-owned developments containing subsidized apartment units. These developments are owned by private companies and contain a certain number of subsidized rental units. An income-eligible individual seeking a subsidized rental unit will apply directly to the specific development.
3. Rental vouchers or certificates. Rental vouchers are “mobile,” meaning the individual is not limited to finding an apartment in a specific development, but may seek an apartment on the private rental market that meets certain specifications and standards. There will be a ceiling on the amount of monthly rent for the size and locale of the apartment, the apartment must meet the state sanitary code, and the landlord must be willing to accept the voucher. There are separate voucher programs funded by the federal and Massachusetts state governments. Certain voucher programs give priorities to individuals in particular categories, including the disabled, and also the homeless or people in danger of becoming homeless. Vouchers are available in Massachusetts from eight Regional Non-Profit housing agencies and 112 Local Housing Authorities.

Emergency housing and homelessness

For those in danger of homelessness or who are homeless and need Emergency Shelter or Housing, the following resources are available:

• Help for the Homeless (Mass.gov)
• Emergency Housing Assistance (Mass.gov)
• Homelessness Prevention (Metro Housing Boston)
• Emergency Housing Assistance in Western Mass. (Center for Human Development)
• Housing Hotline (City Life/Vida Urbana)

Also call your local Housing Authority for Emergency Housing information.

Resources

Housing Navigator Massachusetts is a non-profit resource that aggregates information on affordable housing all over Massachusetts.

Housing Resources for People with Disabilities collects information and links from various Massachusetts state programs.

Metro Housing Boston is the regional housing agency for the Boston area. The agency also assists people with eviction and homelessness.

Housing Consumer Education Centers of Massachusetts can help with a range of housing issues and problems.

The City of Boston Metrolist is a clearinghouse for income-restricted and affordable housing opportunities in Boston and neighboring communities.