Housing and Rental Assistance

Parents of children with disabilities have many concerns about how to make ends meet. One of the most important concerns a parent may have about money and economics is how to retain a safe and affordable dwelling in which they can live with their family.

If a parent or family falls into federal low income classifications, there are options for families seeking affordable housing. Mostly provided by the federal government or state governments, housing aid comes in the form of emergency housing, rental assistance, government-owned housing, and down payment assistance.

Public housing has a long and complex history in the United States. The first subsidized-housing in the United States was constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1930s, housing communities were developed in communities with dense populations, where it was believed the need was greater. Programs have evolved to include government-owned and privately-owned housing; qualifications to receive assistance have also changed.

Families that include a member with a disability are afforded some considerations during the process of seeking assistance. Also, individuals with disabilities are afforded broad rights to ensure that housing is accessible, and to protect applicants from housing discrimination.

For information on rental and housing assistance, click on one of the categories below.