Practical steps to find help, apply, and keep a roof over your head
If you’re a veteran, an adult with a disability, or a senior on a tight income, federal and local programs can help with rent, case management, and rapid rehousing. This friendly, step-by-step guide shows where to look, who to call, what documents to gather, and how to apply — plus clickable official resources you can use right now to Get rental assistance for veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors.
Quick overview — who this helps and how
Programs described below target different groups and needs: emergency rent and case management for veterans, voucher programs for people with disabilities, and supportive housing for older adults. Which program fits you depends on your status, income, and local availability. Start with the phone numbers and links in the Resources section. (USAGov)
1) Veterans: SSVF and HUD-VASH — which to use and how to apply
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) offers case management and time-limited financial assistance to help veterans avoid eviction, move into more suitable housing, or quickly rehouse if homeless. To apply or find your local SSVF provider, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) or use the VA SSVF page online. SSVF focuses on immediate stabilization and short-term subsidy. (Veterans Affairs)
HUD-VASH pairs Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case management and health services for veterans experiencing homelessness. HUD-VASH vouchers are issued through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in coordination with VA medical centers and are a strong path to stable housing for eligible veterans. Ask your VA homeless program case manager about HUD-VASH or contact your local PHA. (HUD, HUD Exchange)
Quick steps:
- Call 1-877-4AID-VET to request SSVF help or a VA homeless services appointment.
- Tell the VA you’re seeking housing help and ask to be screened for HUD-VASH.
- Gather proof of veteran status (DD-214 or VA ID), income, and current address.
2) People under 62 with disabilities: Mainstream / NED vouchers
Mainstream vouchers (sometimes called Non-Elderly Disabled or NED vouchers) are HUD vouchers targeted to non-elderly people with disabilities. These vouchers work like other Housing Choice Vouchers, helping recipients rent private market housing while paying an income-adjusted share. Local PHAs administer these vouchers and set waiting lists. (HUD, HUD Exchange)
How to apply:
- Contact your local PHA and ask about Mainstream or NED voucher availability. Many PHAs have separate application processes or referral systems for disability-targeted vouchers.
- Collect documentation: proof of disability (medical documentation or SSA decision), ID, Social Security numbers, and income records.
- If you work with a case manager from behavioral health, developmental services, or a disabilities non-profit, request a formal referral — some PHAs give priority based on referrals and risk factors.
3) Seniors: Section 202 and other elder housing programs
Section 202 Supportive Housing provides affordable, service-enriched housing for very low-income seniors (62+). These properties offer long-term affordable rents and access to supportive services. Availability varies locally and many Section 202 properties operate their own application lists. (HUD Exchange)
Where to start:
- Search HUD’s database of senior housing or call local HUD partners to find Section 202 properties near you.
- If you need immediate help, call 211 or your local Area Agency on Aging for referrals to senior housing options and short-term assistance.
4) Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) — a central tool for many groups
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is the federal government’s major rental assistance program; vouchers are tenant-based so you can choose a rented unit in the private market that meets program rules. Many PHAs reserve or target vouchers for veterans, seniors, or persons with disabilities, and some communities run preference systems for people who are homeless or leaving institutions. (HUD)
Action items:
- Find your PHA (contact list below) and ask if the voucher waiting list is open and whether any priority categories apply.
- Apply to multiple PHAs if allowed; each agency manages separate waiting lists and policies.
5) Emergency and local rental assistance — stop eviction fast
If you’re behind on rent, emergency programs (state/local ERA funds, nonprofit grants, or SSVF for veterans) can pay arrears directly to landlords and stop an eviction action. Call 211 right away to find local emergency rental help, and check your state’s rental assistance portal. The Treasury’s ERA resources and local housing portals are useful for finding open programs. (U.S. Department of the Treasury, USAGov)
Tip: When you apply, ask programs to pay landlords directly and to provide proof of payment so courts honor the assistance in eviction hearings.
6) Paperwork & proof — be ready to move fast
Most programs ask for similar documents. Keep these ready (scan photos to phone/cloud):
- Photo ID for adults and birth certificates for children
- Social Security numbers or immigration documents for household members
- Recent pay stubs, benefit letters (SSA/SSI/SSDI), or unemployment statements
- Proof of veteran status (DD-214) for veterans programs
- Proof of homelessness or eviction notice (if applicable)
Having documents ready speeds intake and increases chances of approval.
7) If you need help applying — use free local assistance
- Call 211 for immediate local referrals.
- Contact VA homeless services if you’re a veteran (1-877-4AID-VET).
- Reach out to your PHA for vouchers and to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for free, non-legal help with applications and landlord negotiations.
- If you’re at risk of institutionalization or aging out of care, ask your caseworker about Mainstream voucher referrals.
Sample script — what to say when you call (copy/paste)
“Hi — my name is [First Last]. I’m calling because I need rental assistance. I am a [veteran / person with a disability / senior], my ZIP code is [XXXXX], and my household size is [#]. I am [experiencing homelessness / behind on rent / at risk of eviction]. Can you tell me which programs are available in my area and how to start an application today?”
Quick checklist — what to do first
- Call 211 to find immediate local help and emergency rent programs.
- If you’re a veteran, call 1-877-4AID-VET to get screened for SSVF and HUD-VASH. (Veterans Affairs, HUD)
- Contact your local PHA to ask about Mainstream/NED vouchers or Section 8 waiting lists. (HUD)
- Gather ID, benefit letters, and proof of hardship so you can apply quickly.
- Ask for case management — many programs pair financial help with services that stabilize housing.
Official resources you can click right now
- Find rental assistance for veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors (USA.gov): https://www.usa.gov/rent-help-groups. (USAGov)
- VA — Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp. (Veterans Affairs)
- HUD — HUD-VASH and VA partnership info: https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/housing-choice-vouchers-homeless-veterans and https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hud-vash/. (HUD, HUD Exchange)
- HUD — Mainstream vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/public-housing/mainstream-vouchers/. (HUD Exchange)
- HUD Exchange — Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/section-202/. (HUD Exchange)
- 211 — local help and emergency rent referrals: https://www.211.org/ (or dial 211).
Disclaimer: This post is informational and not legal advice. Program availability and eligibility change over time and vary by location. Always confirm requirements and application steps on the official program pages and with local agencies listed above. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.