What Section 811 and Section 202 Do

Section 811 funds housing for people with disabilities under 62, usually in small group homes or scattered individual apartments. Section 202 funds housing for people 62 and older, typically in larger apartment buildings with common areas and on-site services. Both programs subsidize the rent so residents pay roughly 30 percent of their income, with the federal government covering the rest. Neither program is a voucher you carry to any landlord — they are tied to specific buildings or properties that have received federal funding to operate as subsidized housing.

The key difference is who they serve and how the housing is structured. Section 811 serves working-age adults with disabilities and emphasizes independence and community integration. Section 202 serves seniors and emphasizes affordability with supportive services like meal programs, transportation, and activities. Both programs have long waiting lists in most areas, and neither covers the full cost of housing — you will still pay rent from your income.

Key Takeaways

  • Section 811 serves people under 62 with disabilities; Section 202 serves people 62 and older, and both tie you to a specific property rather than giving you a voucher to use anywhere.
  • You pay roughly 30 percent of your income as rent, and the program covers the rest, but you must have some income to live there — purely homeless applicants are usually not accepted.
  • Waiting lists are the main barrier: some properties have no openings, others have lists of hundreds of people, and there is no single national list to check.
  • Section 811 properties often include supportive services like case management and job training; Section 202 properties typically offer meals, transportation, and social activities.
  • You find openings by contacting individual properties directly or through your local public housing authority, disability services agency, or Area Agency on Aging.

How Section 811 Works and Who It Serves

Section 811 is run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and funds housing for people with disabilities who are not yet 62. Disabilities include physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness, and chronic health conditions. You do not need to be on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — you need a documented disability and a need for housing.

The housing itself varies. Some Section 811 properties are group homes where you share common areas with other residents and may have staff on-site. Others are individual apartments in regular buildings, sometimes called "scattered-site" housing, where you live alone or with a roommate but the property owner receives the Section 811 subsidy. Many Section 811 properties include case management, job training, life skills classes, or connections to employment services. The goal is to help you live as independently as possible in the community.

To live in Section 811 housing, you typically need some income — from work, SSDI, SSI, or other sources. You pay about 30 percent of your gross income as rent; if your income is very low, you may pay a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50 per month). The program covers the rest. You must also be able to live safely in the community with the support available — if you need 24-hour care, Section 811 is not the right fit.

How Section 202 Works and Who It Serves

Section 202 is also run by HUD and funds housing for people 62 and older. Unlike Section 811, there is no disability requirement — you only need to be a senior and have a low income. The housing is almost always in apartment buildings with multiple units, often with a community room, library, or activity space. Many Section 202 properties offer meals (usually lunch), transportation to medical appointments and shopping, social activities, and sometimes on-site health services or wellness programs.

You pay roughly 30 percent of your income as rent. If you receive Social Security, a pension, or other income, that is what the calculation is based on. If your income is very low, you pay a minimum rent. Unlike Section 811, Section 202 does not typically include job training or employment services — the focus is on aging in place with dignity and community connection.

Section 202 properties are often full or have waiting lists measured in years. Some buildings prioritize applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or who have specific needs like mobility limitations. The building management sets their own priorities within HUD guidelines, so what matters at one property may not matter at another.

Income Limits and How Rent Is Calculated

Both programs use Area Median Income (AMI) to set income limits. AMI is calculated by HUD for each county and changes yearly. For Section 811, the income limit is usually 80 percent of AMI, though it varies by location. For Section 202, the limit is also typically 80 percent of AMI. If your income exceeds the limit, you cannot move in, even if you are otherwise a good fit.

Rent is calculated the same way in both programs: you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or a minimum rent set by the property (usually $25 to $75), whichever is higher. If you earn $1,200 per month, you pay $360. If you earn $600 per month, you pay $180. The property owner receives the difference from HUD. If your income changes, your rent changes — you will need to report income changes to the property management office.

Some properties also charge a utility allowance if utilities are not included in the rent. This is deducted from your rent calculation, so you pay less to the property and more toward utilities. The property will explain this when you explore.

Finding Section 811 and Section 202 Housing

There is no single national waiting list or process for either program. Instead, you contact individual properties directly. To find them, start with your local public housing authority (PHA), which maintains a list of Section 811 and Section 202 properties in your area. You can find your PHA by searching "public housing authority" plus your city or county name.

For Section 811 specifically, contact your state's disability services agency or vocational rehabilitation office. They often know which Section 811 properties are accepting applications and can help you explore. For Section 202, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which serves seniors and knows which senior housing is available. You can find your AAA by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or searching online.

When you find a property you are interested in, call and ask if they are accepting applications. Many properties have no current openings and will put you on a waiting list. Some will ask you to submit an process even if there are no when ready openings. Be prepared to provide proof of income, documentation of your disability (for Section 811), and references. The process process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the property's pace and whether they need to verify your information.

Waiting Lists and How Long It Takes

Waiting lists are the biggest challenge with both programs. Some Section 811 and Section 202 properties have no waiting list because they have high turnover or were recently funded. Others have waiting lists of 50 to 500 people. There is no way to predict — it depends entirely on the property and your area.

When you explore, ask the property how long the current waiting list is and whether they prioritize certain applicants (for example, people who are homeless, people with specific disabilities, or people over 75). Some properties move quickly; others may take years. You can explore to multiple properties at the same time to increase your chances.

If you are on a waiting list, the property should contact you when an opening becomes available. Keep your contact information current with them — if you move or change your phone number, tell the property office. Some properties will remove you from the list if they cannot reach you after a certain period.

Services and Support Included

Section 811 properties often include case management, meaning a staff member helps you connect to services, manage your disability, and work toward goals like employment or education. Some properties offer job training, help with resume writing, or connections to employers. Others offer life skills classes like budgeting, cooking, or health management. The level of support varies widely — some properties have staff on-site daily, others have a part-time coordinator.

Section 202 properties typically offer meals (usually a daily lunch), transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping, social activities like exercise classes or card games, and sometimes health screenings or wellness programs. Some properties have a nurse or health coordinator on-site. The goal is to help you stay healthy and connected to your community as you age.

Neither program pays for medical care, mental health treatment, or personal care services — those come from other sources like Medicare, Medicaid, or community health centers. But the housing itself is designed to support your independence and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to Section 811 or Section 202 if I am currently homeless?

Yes, and in many areas homelessness is a priority factor. Tell the property that you are currently without housing. Some properties prioritize homeless applicants to move them off the waiting list faster. You will need to provide an address for mail — use a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a mail service if necessary.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You are required to report income changes to the property management office. If your income exceeds the area's income limit, you may be asked to move out, though most properties give you time to find other housing. This is rare — most residents' incomes stay stable or decrease.

Can I have a roommate in Section 811 or Section 202 housing?

It depends on the property. Some Section 811 properties are designed for roommates and will match you with another resident. Some Section 202 properties have one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Ask the property when you explore whether shared housing is an option and how roommates are selected.

Do I need to be on disability benefits to live in Section 811?

No. You need a documented disability, but you do not need to be receiving SSDI or SSI. A letter from a doctor, therapist, or disability services agency stating your disability is usually enough. You do need some income to pay rent — the program does not cover 100 percent of housing costs.

What if I want to move out of Section 811 or Section 202 housing?

You can move out at any time, usually with 30 days' notice to the property management office. You are not locked into the program. If you find employment, your income increases, or you want to live elsewhere, you are free to leave. Give written notice and make sure you return any keys or property belonging to the building.