Housing Assistance for Seniors in Alaska

Last updated: August 19, 2025

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If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 2-1-1 or visit Alaska 211 for immediate housing and utility help: Find help on Alaska 2-1-1
• Facing eviction? Contact Alaska Legal Services Corporation (free legal help for low-income Alaskans). Statewide Intake: 1-888-478-2572
• Homeless or at risk within 14 days? Call the National Homeless Hotline: 1-800-569-4287 and ask for Alaska resources, or connect locally via the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness provider list
• Veterans in crisis/homelessness: Call the VA Homeless Veterans hotline 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) or visit VA Alaska Homeless Programs
• Heating emergency (no heat or fuel): Apply for LIHEAP Crisis with your regional organization via the Alaska Department of Health’s LIHEAP page: Apply for LIHEAP in Alaska

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Key Takeaways

• Alaska has some of the highest housing and care costs in the country. Most seniors need to mix several programs (rental help, energy aid, weatherization, and home repair) to stay housed safely.
• Start with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) for rental help (including Section 8), senior housing lists, and energy programs: Visit AHFC – Housing Programs
• If you rely on heating fuel, apply early for LIHEAP and Weatherization; both reduce winter bills: Alaska LIHEAP and Alaska Weatherization Program
• Tribal members should contact their local Tribal Housing Authority first—many offer separate rental assistance, rehab, and weatherization funding: Find Alaska Tribal Housing Authorities (HUD)
• If your income is very low or you live in rural Alaska, check USDA Rural Development loans and grants for repairs and accessibility: USDA Section 504 Home Repair
• Keep proof of income, ID, rental agreement, and utility bills. Programs move faster when your paperwork is ready.

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About Costs and the Reality in Alaska

• Alaska’s cost of living is among the highest in the U.S., and heating/transport costs drive up housing expenses.
• Availability is the main challenge: waitlists for vouchers and senior apartments are common. Apply to multiple programs and re-apply if lists reopen.
• Travel and weather can slow inspections and repairs—plan for seasonal delays and ask programs about temporary solutions (space heaters, safe fuel assistance, or hotel vouchers when available).

Sources for context:

• AHFC program directory: AHFC Programs
• Alaska LIHEAP overview: Alaska Department of Health – LIHEAP
• Alaska Weatherization: AHFC Weatherization
• USDA Rural Development Alaska: USDA RD Alaska

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What Types of Housing Help Are Available?

1) Rent and Subsidized Housing

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV): Helps pay part of your rent in private apartments. Long waitlists are common. Apply with AHFC: AHFC – Housing Choice Voucher
• Public Housing and Senior/Disabled Units: Reduced-rent apartments owned/managed by AHFC and local partners. See current properties and openings: AHFC – Public and Assisted Housing
• Project-Based Section 8 and HUD 202 Senior Housing: Subsidy stays with the building. Apply to individual properties. Find properties on HUD’s search tool: HUD Resource Locator – Affordable Rentals
• Tribal Housing: Rental units and rent assistance for Alaska Natives/American Indians. Start with your Tribal Housing Authority or regional housing entity: HUD Tribal Directory for Alaska

2) Cash and Utility Help that Protects Housing

• Alaska Senior Benefits Program: Monthly cash for eligible Alaskans 65+. Helps with rent, food, and bills. See eligibility and payments at the Division of Public Assistance: Senior Benefits in Alaska
• LIHEAP (Heating Assistance): Pays a portion of heating costs and can help in emergencies (fuel out/no-heat). Apply through regional agencies: Apply for LIHEAP
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Free energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, heating system work) for income-eligible households: AHFC Weatherization
• Energy Efficiency Rebates/Loans (when available): AHFC posts current programs and openings here: AHFC Energy Programs

3) Home Repair, Health, and Accessibility

• USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Grants & Loans): For very low-income rural homeowners. Grants up to $10,000foressentialrepairstoremovehealth/safetyhazards;1$40,000. Details: USDA 504 in Alaska
• AHFC Senior Access Program (SAP): Helps seniors make accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, grab bars). Check current availability with AHFC: AHFC – Senior Access Program
• Housing Accessibility Modification Program (HAMP): Accessibility upgrades for low-income homeowners or renters with disabilities. See state/partner agencies via AHFC: AHFC – Accessibility Programs
• Weatherization, again, helps with health and safety (e.g., ventilation, combustion safety). AHFC Weatherization

4) Homelessness Response and Eviction Prevention

• Eviction Legal Help: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
• Mediation/Dispute help (Anchorage): Anchorage Equal Rights Commission
• Coordinated Entry/Outreach: Contact your local homelessness coalition member via the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness
• VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Short-term rent/utility help and case management for eligible veterans: Find SSVF Providers

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How to Choose the Right Help (Step-by-Step)

1. If you rent and are behind on payments:

• Apply for LIHEAP if heating bills are high.
• Call 2-1-1 to find emergency rental funds in your area.
• Apply to AHFC for Section 8 and senior/project-based units.
• Talk with your landlord early; get on a payment plan if possible.

2. If you own your home but need repairs or accessibility:

• Check USDA 504 (rural), AHFC Senior Access (SAP), HAMP, and Weatherization.
• Ask your city or borough about Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded repair programs.

3. If you are at risk of homelessness:

• Call 2-1-1 or a local provider from the coalition list for prevention funds.
• If you are a veteran, contact SSVF immediately.
• Seek legal advice quickly to understand timelines and rights.

4. If you are Alaska Native/American Indian:

• Contact your Tribal Housing Authority first; federal tribal funds are separate and may move faster for tribal members.
• Ask about weatherization, rehab, rental help, and Elder-specific programs.

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Program Details, Eligibility, and How to Apply

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) – Core Housing Help

• What it is: State housing agency managing vouchers, public housing, and energy programs.
• Who it serves: Low- and moderate-income Alaskans, with specific programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
• What it does: Vouchers, affordable rentals, weatherization, accessibility, and senior-focused options.
• Apply/learn more: AHFC – Rent and Energy Programs

Key pages:

• Section 8/HCV: AHFC – Section 8 Information
• Public/Assisted Housing: AHFC – Rental Programs
• Weatherization: AHFC – Weatherization
• Senior Access/Accessibility: AHFC – Homelessness Prevention & Accessibility

Documentation tips:

• Have ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, assets, rental agreement or mortgage, and recent utility/fuel bills.
• Keep copies; processing can take time, especially in winter.

Senior Benefits Program (Alaska Department of Health)

• What it is: Monthly cash payments to eligible Alaskans age 65+.
• Who it serves: Seniors with limited income (income tiers set by the state; check current limits).
• What it does: Helps pay rent, food, utilities, meds.
• How to apply: Senior Benefits – Alaska DPA

Reality check: Funding and eligibility tiers can change based on the state budget. Always check current amounts.

LIHEAP – Heating Assistance (Alaska Department of Health)

• What it is: Annual and crisis heating assistance.
• Who it serves: Income-eligible households; priority often for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children.
• What it does: Pays a portion of heating costs, crisis grants when out of fuel or facing shutoff.
• Apply: Alaska LIHEAP

Tip: Apply early in the season and respond quickly to requests for documents.

Weatherization Assistance Program (via AHFC partners)

• What it is: Free energy upgrades to reduce home energy use and improve safety.
• What it does: Insulation, air sealing, ventilation, heating system efficiency, and health/safety checks.
• Who it serves: Income-eligible renters and homeowners (owner approval needed for rentals).
• Start here: AHFC Weatherization

Senior Access Program (SAP) and HAMP (Accessibility)

• SAP: Helps seniors add ramps, grab bars, bathroom modifications, and other access changes. Check availability and local providers: AHFC – Senior Access
• HAMP: Similar aims for people with disabilities; available to owners and sometimes renters with landlord approval. Learn more via AHFC: AHFC Accessibility Programs

USDA Rural Development – Rural Home Repair and Homeownership

• Section 504 Home Repair (Very Low Income, Rural)
  • Grants up to $10,000toremovehealth/safetyhazardsforhomeownersage62+;1$40,000 for others who qualify.
  • Apply/Info: USDA 504 Alaska
• Section 502 Direct Loans (Low Income, Rural)
  • Low-interest mortgages with payment assistance for first-time and other low-income buyers in rural areas.
  • Info: USDA 502 Direct – Alaska
• Mutual Self-Help Housing (Technical Assistance Grants to groups)
  • Build your home with “sweat equity” guided by a grantee.
  • Info: USDA Self-Help Housing

Reality check: These programs involve inspections and paperwork. Winter conditions can delay work.

HUD Programs (Federal)

• HUD Resource Locator: Use to find subsidized senior apartments (HUD 202), public housing, and more: Find HUD-Assisted Senior Housing
• Housing Counseling: Free help with budgeting, avoiding foreclosure, and finding rentals: HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Tribal Housing and Energy Programs

• Tribal Housing Authorities: Many provide rental help, rehab, weatherization, and Elder programs.
  • Directory: HUD Tribal Directory – Alaska
• Tribal Energy: Funding and technical help for efficiency and weatherization may flow through tribal programs. Ask your tribal housing office for current offerings.

Veterans’ Housing Help

• VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Short-term financial help, case management, and housing placement for eligible veterans and families. Find SSVF
• HUD-VASH (Voucher + VA case management): Long-term subsidy for homeless veterans; contact the VA Alaska: HUD-VASH Info
• Alaska Veterans Affairs: VA Alaska Health Care System

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Inclusive Support: Groups Who May Qualify for Extra Help

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Housing discrimination is illegal. If you face bias, contact the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission or file a complaint with HUD Fair Housing (sexual orientation and gender identity protected).
• LGBTQ+-affirming senior housing is limited; ask housing counselors about welcoming properties and grievance processes: HUD Housing Counseling

Seniors with Disabilities

• Apply for HAMP and SAP for access changes; use Weatherization for safety and ventilation.
• If you receive SSI/SSDI, let your housing worker know; some programs have fast-track or protections.
• ADA complaints: ADA.gov – File a Complaint

Veteran Seniors

• Call SSVF early to prevent eviction. For medical equipment (e.g., stair lifts), ask the VA about Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA): VA HISA Program
• For property tax relief, check your borough/city veteran exemptions.

Tribal Members (Alaska Natives/American Indians)

• Apply with your Tribal Housing Authority first; funds and timelines may differ from state programs.
• For remote villages, ask about Rural Alaska Village grants and sanitation/housing projects via your tribal government and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: ANTHC Housing/Sanitation

Rural Seniors (Limited Access)

• USDA RD and Weatherization are key. Ask about mail-in applications, virtual inspections, and winter planning.
• Some repairs require shipping materials by barge/plane; plan for longer timelines and higher costs—programs know this and account for it in budgets when possible.

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How Much Help Can You Get? What to Expect

• Section 8/HCV: You typically pay 30% of adjusted income toward rent; the voucher pays the rest up to a local payment standard. Availability varies by community.
• LIHEAP: Benefit amounts vary by region, fuel type, and income. Crisis help is possible when out of fuel.
• Weatherization: No direct cash—work is performed by contractors and local agencies at no cost to you if eligible.
• USDA 504 Grants: Up to $10,000forhomeownersage62+forhealth/safetyhazards.Loansat1$40,000.
• Senior Benefits: Monthly cash amount depends on income tier and state budget.

Always verify latest amounts at the linked official pages.

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Application Checklist

Have these ready to speed up approvals:

• Government ID and Social Security numbers for household members
• Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension, pay stubs if working)
• Bank statements and asset information
• Lease or mortgage statement
• Utility bills (electric, gas, heating fuel)
• Proof of disability or veteran status (if applicable)
• Tribal enrollment documentation (if applicable)

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Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

• Long Waitlists: Apply to multiple programs and properties. Ask about preferences for seniors, disabilities, homelessness, or veterans.
• Weather Delays: For repairs/weatherization, ask for temporary safety measures if winter is near.
• Documentation Hurdles: If you’re missing documents, ask the agency exactly what substitutes they accept (e.g., benefit verification letters from SSA).
• Scams: Never pay for a housing application for public programs. Use official sites linked here or call 2-1-1.

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Tables You Can Use

Table 1: Quick Program Guide

Table 2: Who to Call First by Situation

Table 3: Documents You May Need

Table 4: Tips to Speed Up Approvals

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Resources by Region (Selected)

• Statewide
  • AHFC (programs, vouchers, properties): AHFC – Housing Programs
  • LIHEAP (apply via regional offices): Alaska LIHEAP
  • Weatherization network: AHFC Weatherization
  • Legal help: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
  • 2-1-1 statewide navigation: Alaska 2-1-1
• Anchorage/Mat-Su
  • Anchorage Equal Rights Commission: AERC
  • Cook Inlet Housing Authority (affordable housing): Cook Inlet Housing Authority
• Fairbanks/North Star
  • Borough information and local assistance links: Fairbanks North Star Borough
  • Interior weatherization providers listed via AHFC: AHFC Weatherization – Providers
• Southeast (Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka)
  • City & Borough of Juneau Housing: CBJ Housing
  • Regional tribal housing links via HUD directory: HUD Tribal Directory – AK
• Rural/Remote
  • USDA Rural Development Alaska: USDA RD Alaska Contacts
  • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (housing/sanitation interface): ANTHC

Note: Availability and services change by city/borough and by funding cycle. Always call ahead.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How do I get a Section 8 voucher in Alaska?

• Apply with AHFC. Watch for when waitlists open. If closed, apply to project-based buildings and public housing at the same time. Check: AHFC – Section 8

Q2. I heat with fuel oil and the tank is low. Can I get fast help?

• Yes, through LIHEAP Crisis if eligible. Contact your regional LIHEAP office: Apply for LIHEAP

Q3. I own my home but need a ramp and bathroom changes. Who helps?

• AHFC Senior Access Program and HAMP. Also check USDA 504 if you are in a rural area: AHFC – Senior Access, USDA 504 – AK

Q4. I’m a veteran and close to eviction. What should I do first?

• Call SSVF right away: Find SSVF Provider or the VA Homeless Veterans hotline: 1-877-424-3838.

Q5. Are there senior-only apartments in Alaska?

• Yes. Look for HUD 202 senior properties and AHFC senior/disabled units. Use the HUD Resource Locator and AHFC listings: HUD Locator, AHFC – Rent

Q6. What income counts for eligibility?

• Most programs consider gross household income and certain assets. Social Security, pensions, and wages count. Check program rules at each official site.

Q7. I’m Alaska Native; do I apply to AHFC or my Tribe?

• Both. Apply to your Tribal Housing Authority and AHFC to improve your chances and timelines. Tribal assistance does not block you from AHFC programs.

Q8. Can renters access Weatherization?

• Yes, with landlord permission. Weatherization can improve comfort and lower bills without raising your rent beyond allowed limits in subsidized units.

Q9. My electricity is about to be shut off. Can LIHEAP help?

• LIHEAP mainly covers heating, but some regions can help with electric if used for heat. Call your LIHEAP office or 2-1-1 to confirm local rules.

Q10. What if I can’t gather all the documents?

• Ask the agency what alternatives they accept (e.g., SSA benefit verification online). Housing counselors can help: HUD Housing Counselors

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Practical Tips

• Make a folder for housing: income letters, ID copies, lease, and utility bills.
• Apply to more than one program/property. Set reminders to check waitlist status.
• Ask for reasonable accommodations if you need help because of a disability (e.g., more time or assistance completing forms).
• For winter, order fuel early and apply for LIHEAP before peak season.

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Sources and Official Links

• Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC): https://www.ahfc.us
• Alaska Senior Benefits (Department of Health): https://health.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/seniorbenefits/default.aspx
• Alaska LIHEAP: https://health.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/lieap/default.aspx
• AHFC Weatherization: https://ahfc.us/efficiency/energy-programs/weatherization
• USDA Rural Development Alaska: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ak
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ak
• HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov/
• HUD Housing Counselors: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/hcs
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation: https://www.alsc-law.org
• Alaska 2-1-1: https://alaska211.org
• Anchorage Equal Rights Commission: https://www.muni.org/departments/aed/Pages/default.aspx
• Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness: https://www.akcoh.org
• VA SSVF: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html
• HUD Fair Housing: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp
• ADA Complaints: https://www.ada.gov/filing_complaint/

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Disclaimer

Programs change. Funding, eligibility, and benefits can be updated at any time. Always verify details with the official agency websites linked above. This guide is for information only and is not legal advice.

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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 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 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.