im a low income senior in NC on SS...go to the commission on aging or HUD.gov. I'm with HUD and over 65 and for us that is on limited income, you may want to check into what is called "subsidized housing" which will put you in a comfortable living space and only takes approx. 1/3 of income. It also takes in consideration any medical expenses which will lower your rent.
The original questioner asks, essentially, "I have no funds. But I want to live in a nice place with a pool". ?? So she wants something for nothing? Isn't there an obvious disconnect in that request? To address the irrationality of that request, it's a good idea to "widen the lens" for a broader understanding of how it is not sustainable to be giving away nice free housing with swimming pools. Very bad idea to put out too many bird feeders--because then you spend all day refilling them, all your money buying birdseed.
I really feel like this discussion is straying far from the zone of being helpful to the individual who originally asked the question. We are here to help one another, not talk politics on either side of the fence. If you don't believe in government funded assistance for those who need it, or you think Section 8 is the best thing since sliced bread, either way it's irrelevant to the people here who are looking for ideas about how to house themselves affordably.
Sustainable. Are all the social programs we currently have, sustainable? No. If you have spare time, check out the book "Dead Men Ruling" which is written by a Liberal (surprise)--it carefully goes thru all the spending, increases, and un-sustainability of the US budget which has grown beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Unfunded liabilities in the neighborhood of 100 trillion dollars--it's no wonder China, Italy, France, Germany and many other major world players are getting OUT of the US dollar. Where will all the poor people go, when the dollar is worthless? I am not trying to scare anyone. I am just pointing out the simple math problem, with too many poor people wanting So Much, and not enough rich people.
I'm still talking about Section 42 housing, not Section 8. And I'm not talking about whatever CA is calling it's program. I personally may disagree with your political point of view, but medical problems may lead to an increasing number of people being unable to have affordable housing. I am all for social programs that help provide affordable housing for the poor, disabled, and elderly....and children. Many social ideals are promoted by the tax code....a deduction for interest on home purchases, a break for teachers who buy their own supplies for schoolkids, tax credits for businesses that provide low to moderate housing for seniors (Section 42), etc. And yes, there are many people looking for such housing. Financial problems are significant issues for caregivers and their families whether it's the cost of nursing home care or where a community spouse can afford to live.
I did google TELACU and in a nutshell, it is Section 8 housing in a couple cities in CA (only). You can only have 50% of the HUD income. There are also openings. I checked for Section 8 housing in my city and there are also no openings. So there are a lot of people looking for this housing, and with all of us being on the hook for 18 trillion dollars of debt (and only getting worse), what are the chances that incurring more debt is sustainable. The government is you and me--I can't afford more social needs expenses, can you?
Mallory, these apartments are for independent living, and nothing to do with LTC. The incentive to build housing for low to moderate income seniors comes from the federal government. The builders/owners get a tax break under Section 42 of some law relating to Housing and Urban Development. It's a great idea, there should be more places like this. They are nor welfare funded, they are generally for profit businesses responding to a need and government incentives to meet social needs. I'm looking for a place for myself.
LTC insurance is wonderful, and I'm very glad my parents were able to invest in it for themselves, but it's not affordable (or accessible) to everyone. People work and save for LTC insurance if they can, for sure, and doing so can allow for a very nice lifestyle for seniors in need of assisted living. (LTC insurance does not pay for independent senior living, no matter what age you are -- at least I've never heard of a policy that does.) Unfortunately it's expensive, and not everyone has $200-$300 extra income a month to spare for the premiums. It's also exclusive -- if, for instance, someone had cancer, even if they've been cancer free for years, they can be turned down for LTC insurance. Low-income housing options make it possible for seniors who don't have a high income from social security, couldn't put a lot away in savings during their working lives, and couldn't get LTC insurance, to avoid homelessness. That seems like a sensible idea to me.
Who funds these places? Are they private non-profits, or welfare? Why would anyone work and save, and buy LTC insurance, if you can get it all for free? Is this system "sustainable" now, or in future? Lots of alarm bells going off in my head.
Hi Linda, I'm in the same boat as you, I only receive SS, but after some digging around the internet and phone calls I found a program called TELACU. It is specifically for low income seniors who are at least 62. I don't know what state you live in but I think this is nationwide. You only pay 30% of your total income as rent, the rest is paid through this program. There is a cap of what the maximum amount you can earn in a year in order to qualify. I applied to be put on 9 different waiting lists and this week I've heard from two of them that I'm on their lists. These places are well kept, secure, well groomed grounds, have built-in-appliances, heat and air condition. Some will allow pets, they're in very good parts of the cities, in other words: they're excellent. Also, they're for independent living. I hope this helps. If you need/want more information, just ask me! I'm like you, I need low-income, independent living, but most of all I want to feel safe! Good Luck!
Hi Linda! I'm guessing from your username that you're in Arizona. This website lists all the resources your state offers regarding long term care: https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=8&id=62 Best of luck!
There may be housing available for you. Check for senior apartments. Many of these have a MAXIMUM income level and that also impacts the amount of rent you would have to pay. I have seen some great facilities in my area and don't be surprised if there is a waiting list. These apartments are specifically for low to moderate income folks and lots of nice amenities. There is a pool, activities planned, transportation to stores on a regular basis, etc. Just look for senior housing thru apartment rental magazines, or the internet.
I would like to live in a senior community but I can't afford to buy a home, I have no funds. I would like a place that is nice, clean, and has a few things available, like a pool.
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