Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities

Section 811 is a federal HUD program that provides affordable, accessible rental housing for very low-income adults with disabilities. Section 811 properties offer below-market rents and are designed to be accessible. Many properties also provide access to supportive services.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a disability, and have income at or below 50% of area median income. Waiting lists are common. Find Section 811 housing through HUD's apartment search tool.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

People with disabilities can use Section 8 vouchers to rent accessible housing in the private market. Many PHAs give priority to people with disabilities on their waiting lists. Some PHAs also have dedicated non-elderly disabled (NED) vouchers specifically for non-elderly adults with disabilities.

If you have a voucher and need an accessible unit, you can request a reasonable accommodation from your PHA to search for housing that meets your accessibility needs.

Medicaid Housing Supports

Medicaid HCBS waiver programs can fund housing-related supports that help people with disabilities live in the community rather than in institutions. These supports may include:

• Home modifications for accessibility (grab bars, ramps, widened doorways)
• Assistive technology for independent living
• Supported living services — staff support in a person's own home
• Housing transition services — help moving from an institution to the community
• Housing tenancy supports — help maintaining housing stability

Olmstead and Community Integration

The Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead decision established that unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. States are required to provide community-based services to people with disabilities who can benefit from them and want them.

This means states must have plans to move people from institutions to community settings and must fund the housing and support services needed for community living. If you or a family member is in an institution and wants to move to the community, contact your state's Medicaid agency or a disability rights organization.

Fair Housing Rights

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations in rules and policies and allow reasonable modifications to the physical structure of a unit. If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, contact HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or a local fair housing organization.

Other Resources

Additional housing resources for people with disabilities:

• State developmental disability agencies — often fund housing supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Centers for Independent Living — provide housing assistance and advocacy for people with disabilities
• Vocational rehabilitation — may fund home modifications needed for employment
• Veterans programs — HUD-VASH and VA supportive housing for veterans with disabilities