---
title: "Low Income Senior Housing: HUD 202 and Other Options"
description: "Low income senior housing explained: HUD Section 202, vouchers, income-restricted senior apartments, who qualifies, and how to apply near Kansas City."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/low-income-senior-housing/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

Senior apartments

# Low income senior housing: how it works and how to apply

Affordable senior housing exists, but it takes some knowing where to look and some patience with waiting lists. Here's how the main programs work.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

Low income senior housing includes HUD Section 202 buildings for very low-income households with someone 62 or older, public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers through local housing authorities, and income-restricted senior apartments. Eligibility depends on income limits for your area. Expect waiting lists, so apply to several places. Your Area Agency on Aging (Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116) can point you to local options.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ The main programs](#g-the-main-programs)
2. [Who qualifies](#g-who-qualifies)
3. [How to apply](#g-how-to-apply)
4. [If care is needed too](#g-if-care-is-needed-too)
5. [Questions](#g-faq)

## The main programs

| Program | Who it serves | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| HUD Section 202 | Very low-income households (income at or below 50% of area median) with at least one member 62 or older | Rent is subsidized; some buildings offer supportive services |
| Public housing | Low-income households; some buildings are senior-designated | Run by the local housing authority |
| Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) | Low-income households | Voucher helps pay rent in a private apartment |
| Income-restricted senior apartments | Older adults under set income limits | Lower set rents in privately owned buildings |

## Who qualifies

Each program sets its own rules. Section 202 requires at least one household member to be 62 or older at move-in and household income no more than 50% of the area median (HUD's "very low income" limit). Income limits differ by county and household size; HUD publishes them each year.

## How to apply

1. Call your Area Agency on Aging for a list of senior housing: Johnson County Aging and Human Services (Kansas side) or MARC Aging and Adult Services (Missouri side).
2. Contact the local housing authority for public housing and vouchers.
3. Apply directly to each Section 202 or income-restricted building.
4. Keep copies of everything, and check in on your place on each waiting list.
5. Have ID, income statements, bank statements and Medicare or Social Security cards ready.

## If care is needed too

Low income housing usually doesn't include personal care. Your parent may qualify for help at home through Medicaid waivers: KanCare in Kansas, MO HealthNet in Missouri. See [paying for care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/).

### Need help sorting out affordable options?

We'll point you to the right local agencies and programs. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### What is the income limit for senior housing?

It depends on the program, county and household size. For Section 202, household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income.

### How long is the waiting list?

It varies widely by building. Apply to several and keep your information current.

### Is HUD senior housing only for people 62 and older?

Section 202 requires at least one household member to be 62 or older. Other programs may use 55 or have no age limit.

### Can I get help with rent in assisted living?

Housing programs usually don't apply to assisted living. Medicaid waivers may help with care costs for people who qualify.

## Sources

- [24 CFR Part 891, Subpart B: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-B/chapter-VIII/part-891/subpart-B)
- [HUD User: Income limits](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html)
- [Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living), 1-800-677-1116](https://eldercare.acl.gov/)
- [Mid-America Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (Kansas City, Missouri side)](https://www.marc.org/aging)
- [Johnson County Aging and Human Services](https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services)

## Related guides

- [Senior apartments](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/)
- [Paying for it](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/)
- [Area Agency on Aging](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/area-agency-on-aging/)

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