Housing Assistance for Seniors in Ohio

Last updated: January 08, 2026

Key takeaways

• For emergencies, call 2-1-1 to find same-day shelter, rent help, or utility assistance near you, and contact your local legal aid if you receive an eviction notice.
• For affordable rentals, start with the Ohio Housing Locator and your local Public Housing Agency for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing.
• For home energy bills, apply for HEAP, Winter/Summer Crisis, and PIPP Plus through the Ohio Department of Development; for home energy upgrades, use the Weatherization Assistance Program.
• For home repairs or accessibility modifications, look at local CHIP-funded programs (via city/county), Community Action Agencies, Habitat for Humanity, and USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grants for low-income homeowners age 62+ in rural areas.
• For in-home care and assisted living support, Ohio Medicaid offers PASSPORT (in-home care) and the Assisted Living Waiver; apply at Ohio Benefits or through your Area Agency on Aging.
• Use official sources for applications—never pay a fee to “skip the waitlist.”

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If you need emergency help (right now)

• Call 2-1-1 to speak to a specialist who can connect you to nearby shelters, rent assistance, food, and transportation. You can also search by ZIP at Find local help at 211.org.
• Eviction or 3-day notice: Visit Ohio Legal Help – Eviction and Tenant Rights for step-by-step guidance and forms. If you have a hearing, go to court—missing it can lead to eviction.
• Housing discrimination: File a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or HUD Fair Housing.
• Veteran in crisis or unhoused: Call the 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, press 1) and ask about local VA homeless services and HUD-VASH.
• Elder abuse/neglect: Contact Adult Protective Services – Ohio Department of Job & Family Services or call your county APS office.

Table: Fast contacts (save these)

• Dial 2-1-1 — Community resource navigation (rent, shelter, utilities)
• 988 (then press 1) — Veterans Crisis Line
• 800-282-9181 — Ohio Attorney General – Consumer Protection (report scams)
• PUCO consumer help — Contact PUCO about utility issues
• Find legal aid — Ohio Legal Help – Find Legal Help

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How housing help works in Ohio (plain-language overview)

• There isn’t one “senior housing office.” Different programs are run by different agencies (federal, state, county, city, and nonprofits).
• Most rental help for very low-income seniors comes through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) that run Section 8 vouchers and public housing. Waitlists can open and close.
• Ohio’s Department of Development runs energy assistance (HEAP and PIPP Plus) and Weatherization through local Community Action Agencies.
• Home repairs are typically offered by local governments using Ohio’s CHIP funds and by nonprofits like Community Action Agencies and Habitat for Humanity.
• Long-term care help (like in-home aides or assisted living) is handled by Ohio Medicaid programs such as PASSPORT and the Assisted Living Waiver. Area Agencies on Aging help you apply.

Reality check: Waitlists are common, rules change, and scammers target seniors. Use only official websites linked in this guide and never pay for applications.

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Affordable rentals and vouchers

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and Public Housing

• What it is: Monthly rent assistance you can use with a private landlord (voucher), or a subsidized apartment managed by a PHA (public housing).
• Who qualifies: Generally low-income seniors and people with disabilities; income limits vary by county and household size.
• Where to apply: Through your local Public Housing Agency. Use HUD’s tool to find PHAs in your county: Find your local PHA (HUD).
• Find units: Ohio Housing Locator (OHFA) and HUD’s Affordable Apartment Search.

Tips:

• Join multiple waitlists if you can (PHAs are local).
• Keep your contact info up to date with every PHA.
• If you get a voucher, start your housing search immediately—vouchers expire if unused.

Warning: You never have to pay a third party to apply for a voucher or to “move you up the list.”

Other affordable rental options

• Project-based Section 8 and HUD-subsidized buildings for seniors: Apply at each property office; rent is typically 30% of income. Use HUD’s Affordable Apartment Search.
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties: Rents are below market but not always income-based; check Ohio Housing Locator (OHFA).

Table 1 — Rental help at a glance

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Help paying rent and preventing eviction

• Eviction guidance and forms: Ohio Legal Help – Housing
• Free or low-cost lawyers: Use the “Find Legal Help” tool at Ohio Legal Help or the Ohio State Legal Services Association network.
• Emergency cash help (varies by county): Ask about the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program through your county Job & Family Services office: Find your county JFS.
• Call 2-1-1 to check for any local short-term rent funds (availability varies).

Note: The federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program has largely ended in Ohio; some counties may still have limited funds from earlier rounds. Always verify locally via 2-1-1 or your Community Action Agency directory: Find your Community Action Agency (OACAA).

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Utilities and energy bills

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): One-time help during the heating season. Apply at Ohio Department of Development – Energy Assistance Programs.
• Winter Crisis & Summer Crisis Programs: Emergency help if you’re facing disconnection or have medical needs (like cooling). Same link as above.
• PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan): Caps your monthly electric and gas bills based on income; stay current and a portion of your debt can be forgiven. Learn more and apply via Energy Assistance Programs or your utility.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): No-cost energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement) for eligible households. See Ohio WAP – Department of Development.

Utility complaints or urgent issues: Contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Consumer Call Center: PUCO consumer help.

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Property tax relief for homeowners 65+

• Homestead Exemption: Lowers property taxes for eligible homeowners 65+ or permanently disabled. Details and application forms: Ohio Department of Taxation – Homestead Exemption.
• Property tax payment plans and hardship programs: Contact your county treasurer’s office; terms vary by county.

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Home repairs and accessibility modifications

Key statewide paths:

• Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program: Many cities and counties offer owner-occupied home repair and accessibility grants/loans using state funds. Check your city or county community development office or ask 2-1-1 who administers CHIP locally. Program hub: Ohio Department of Development – Housing Programs.
• Community Action Agencies: Often deliver repair programs, minor home mods, and weatherization. Find yours here: Find your Community Action Agency (OACAA).
• Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair: Local affiliates provide health-and-safety fixes; some offer ramps and accessibility work. Find local affiliates: Habitat for Humanity – Find Your Local Habitat and confirm services.
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair (for rural homeowners): Grants up to $10,000forverylow-incomehomeownersage62+toremovehealthandsafetyhazards;loansupto$40,000 at low interest. Learn and apply: USDA Rural Development – Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants and your state office: USDA Rural Development Ohio.

Table 2 — Home repair and accessibility programs

Reality check: Most repair funds run out each year and waitlists are common. Apply early and keep your paperwork handy (ID, proof of income, deed, and utility bills).

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In-home care, assisted living, and nursing care (how to get help paying)

Many seniors can get long-term care support through Ohio Medicaid, even while living at home.

• PASSPORT (HCBS Waiver): Provides in-home services (personal care, homemaking, meals, adult day services, emergency response systems). Learn more: Ohio Department of Medicaid – PASSPORT.
• Assisted Living Waiver: Helps pay for services in licensed assisted living communities (you still pay room and board). Details: Ohio Medicaid – Assisted Living Waiver.
• MyCare Ohio: Managed care for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid in certain counties. Info: MyCare Ohio.
• How to apply: Start at Ohio Benefits or call your Area Agency on Aging for screening: Find your Area Agency on Aging (Ohio Dept. of Aging).

Medicare and hospice:

• Medicare covers hospice for those who qualify, usually with little to no out-of-pocket cost for hospice services: Medicare – Hospice coverage.
• Compare facilities and home health agencies using Medicare Care Compare.

Table 3 — Medicaid-related long-term care options

Cost snapshot (for planning): The Genworth Cost of Care Survey (2023) shows Ohio’s median monthly costs roughly in this range: assisted living mid-$4,000s;homehealthaidelow-to-mid$5,000s; nursing home (semi-private) notably higher. Check updated figures: Genworth Cost of Care – Ohio.

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Homeownership assistance and mortgage issues

• HUD-approved housing counselors: Free or low-cost help with budgeting, mortgage problems, and reverse mortgage counseling. Search: HUD – Find a Housing Counselor.
• Foreclosure help: Contact your lender quickly and a HUD-approved counselor. See Ohio Attorney General – Foreclosure Resources for warnings and tips.
• Reverse mortgages (HECM): A reverse mortgage can provide income for homeowners 62+, but costs and risks vary. Get counseling first: HUD – About HECM and HUD counseling search.

Reality check: Be cautious with home repair loans, “we buy houses” offers, and reverse mortgage pitches. Compare multiple options and use the official counseling links above.

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Fair housing and tenant rights

• Fair housing complaints: HUD – File a Fair Housing Complaint and Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC).
• Tenant rights and the eviction process: Ohio Legal Help – Housing includes plain-language guides, forms, and court checklists.
• Reasonable accommodations and modifications (disability): Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. Learn more via HUD – Reasonable Accommodations.

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Special focus: Groups who often need tailored help

Veteran seniors

• HUD-VASH vouchers combine VA case management with rental vouchers. Ask your VA social worker or contact a VA Medical Center: Find VA facilities in Ohio.
• Short-term housing help and eviction prevention for veterans: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Provider Locator.
• General benefits: Ohio Department of Veterans Services can connect you to county Veterans Service Commissions (VSCs) for emergency aid, transportation, and benefit help.

Seniors with disabilities

• DODD Housing and Support: For people with developmental disabilities, Ohio’s Department of Developmental Disabilities offers housing supports and waivers in community settings: Ohio DODD – Housing.
• Reasonable accommodations: See HUD – Reasonable Accommodations.
• Assistive tech and home mods: Check your Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency for local programs and loan closets.

LGBTQ+ seniors

• Find welcoming housing and services: Ask facilities if they are SAGECare-trained or have inclusive policies; you can call the SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline at 877-360-LGBT (5428).
• Discrimination is illegal: Report to OCRC and HUD Fair Housing; HUD’s Equal Access Rule protects access to HUD programs regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Tribal-affiliated seniors living in Ohio

• While Ohio has no federally recognized tribes based in-state, Native American seniors in Ohio can contact their tribe’s housing authority for elder housing programs, and the HUD Office of Native American Programs (Eastern Woodlands): HUD ONAP – Eastern Woodlands.
• For local services, use 2-1-1 and your Area Agency on Aging to locate culturally aware providers.

Rural seniors

• Use USDA Rural Development programs for home repair (Section 504) and to find rural rental housing with USDA rental assistance: USDA RD – Multifamily Property Search.
• Transportation and home-delivered meals may be available through your Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency—ask about volunteer driver programs and rural transit.

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Where to apply: Quick directories

Table 4 — Where to start (by need)

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Resources by region (major metro areas)

Use these as starting points. If your area isn’t listed, search PHAs at HUD’s link and use the AAA locator.

Columbus/Franklin County

• PHA: Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (Franklin County)
• City resources: City of Columbus – Housing
• AAA: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA)
• Courts and forms: Franklin County Municipal Court – Housing and Ohio Legal Help – Franklin County

Cleveland/Cuyahoga County

• PHA: Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
• City resources: City of Cleveland – Department of Aging
• AAA: Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
• Tenant help: Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Cincinnati/Hamilton County

• PHA: Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
• City resources: Cincinnati – Department of Community & Economic Development (Housing)
• AAA: Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
• Tenant help: Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio

Toledo/Lucas County

• PHA: Lucas Metropolitan Housing
• AAA: Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio
• Tenant help: ABLE (Advocates for Basic Legal Equality)

Akron/Summit County

• PHA: Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
• AAA: Direction Home Akron Canton
• Tenant help: Community Legal Aid

Dayton/Montgomery County

• PHA: Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority (DMHA)
• AAA: Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2 (Miami Valley)
• Tenant help: Legal Aid of Western Ohio

Statewide finders:

• PHAs statewide: Find your PHA (HUD)
• AAAs statewide: Find your Area Agency on Aging
• Community Action Agencies: OACAA directory

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How to apply (and keep things moving)

1. Gather documents

• Photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income (Social Security award letter, pensions, pay stubs), bank statements, lease or deed, utility bills, and medical documentation (if applicable).

2. Apply the right way (official links only)

• Housing: PHA websites or in person; use HUD’s PHA directory.
• Energy: Apply online or in person via the Ohio Department of Development’s Energy Assistance portal or your Community Action Agency.
• Medicaid long-term care: Apply at Ohio Benefits and call your AAA for a needs assessment.

3. Follow up

• Keep a notebook with dates, names, and reference numbers.
• Update your mailing address and phone number with every office where you have an application.

4. If denied

• Read the notice carefully; appeal deadlines are short.
• Ask a legal aid office to review your case.

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Common pitfalls, warnings, and tips

• Scams: Nobody can sell you a voucher or move you up a waiting list. Report scams to the Ohio Attorney General.
• Fees: Applications for vouchers, HEAP, and most official programs are free.
• Waitlists: Get on more than one list (different PHAs). Respond quickly to mail—missing a letter can drop you from the list.
• Accessibility needs: Ask for “reasonable accommodations” (e.g., extra time for paperwork, accessible unit, first-floor placement) in writing.
• Eviction: Go to your hearing. Bring proof of payments, repair requests, and photos. Ask about mediation if available.

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FAQs

Q: How do I find open Section 8 waitlists in Ohio?
A: There’s no single statewide list. Check each local PHA’s website and sign up for alerts. Start with HUD’s PHA directory and your area’s housing authority website.

Q: Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher in a different county?
A: Usually, yes—this is called “portability.” Ask your current PHA how to transfer (“port”) your voucher and contact the receiving PHA early. Rules vary.

Q: I got a 3-day notice to leave. What should I do?
A: Do not move out automatically. A 3-day notice is not a court order. Visit Ohio Legal Help – Eviction for your next steps and go to all court hearings.

Q: I can’t pay my utility bill. What’s the fastest help?
A: Apply for HEAP or a Crisis Program at Energy Assistance Programs and call your utility. Ask about PIPP Plus and any medical certificates your doctor can submit.

Q: Does Ohio have rent control?
A: There is no statewide rent control in Ohio. For local rules or protections, check with your city housing office or legal aid.

Q: How do I get help with in-home care so I can stay in my home?
A: Ask your Area Agency on Aging about PASSPORT, then apply at Ohio Benefits. You’ll need a level-of-care assessment.

Q: Are reverse mortgages safe?
A: They can be, but they’re not for everyone. Get counseling first from a HUD-approved agency: Find a Housing Counselor.

Q: Where can I report housing discrimination or harassment?
A: File with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and/or HUD Fair Housing.

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Reference tables you can print

Table 5 — Ohio housing help quick-reference

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Resources (official and well-established)

• Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA): OHFA homepage • Ohio Housing Locator
• HUD: Find your PHA • Affordable Apartment Search • Fair Housing • Housing Counseling
• Ohio Department of Development: Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP, PIPP, Crisis) • Weatherization Assistance Program • Housing Programs (CHIP and more)
• Ohio Department of Aging: Find your Area Agency on Aging
• Ohio Medicaid: PASSPORT • Assisted Living Waiver • MyCare Ohio • Apply at Ohio Benefits
• Legal help: Ohio Legal Help – Housing • Find Legal Help
• Community Action: OACAA Agency Finder
• Veterans: SSVF Provider Locator • Find VA facilities • Veterans Crisis Line
• Fair housing: Ohio Civil Rights Commission • HUD Fair Housing
• Taxes: Ohio Homestead Exemption
• Reverse mortgage information: HUD – HECM
• Cost of care research: Genworth Cost of Care – Ohio
• Find help near you: Ohio 211

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Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility rules, funding levels, and waitlists change frequently. Always confirm information with the official agency or program linked in this guide before applying or making decisions. GrantsForSeniors.org is an informational resource and is not a government agency.

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About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2026
• Sources Verified: See official links throughout for current program pages and notices
• Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.