Housing Assistance for Seniors in California

Last updated: January 07, 2026

Key Takeaways

• For urgent housing crises, call 211 or your county’s Coordinated Entry line right now, and seek emergency legal help before deadlines pass.
• Long waitlists are common for vouchers and subsidized senior housing. Apply to multiple programs and properties at once.
• California offers strong tenant protections (rent cap and just-cause rules) statewide, plus stricter local rules in some cities.
• Major help sources include: HUD Section 8 and Section 202, Medi-Cal long‑term care (nursing homes) and Assisted Living Waiver, IHSS, LIHEAP/CARE/FERA utility help, USDA rural grants, California Mortgage Relief, property tax postponement, weatherization, and earthquake retrofit grants.
• Always verify eligibility and current rules at the official links provided—program details can change.

If You Need Emergency Help

If you are unsafe, at risk of homelessness this week, or already unhoused, act now. Deadlines in eviction cases are very short.

• Call 211 to be connected to shelters, motel vouchers (when available), Coordinated Entry, legal aid, and emergency rental help: Call 211 or visit 211 California
• Eviction or rent demand received? Get legal help immediately:
  • California Courts Self‑Help eviction guide: Tenant help with eviction (CalCourts)
  • Find free/low‑cost legal aid: LawHelpCA: Housing and eviction
  • Fair housing or discrimination: California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or HUD Fair Housing
• Domestic violence or elder abuse: Call 911 if you’re in danger. For confidential help, call:
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800‑799‑7233
  • Adult Protective Services: Find your county APS
• Homeless veterans: call the VA hotline at 877‑4AID‑VET (877‑424‑3838) or visit VA Homeless Programs

Quick emergency contacts at a glance:

Reality check: Emergency hotel vouchers and rapid cash assistance are limited and vary by county. Call early in the day, and be persistent.

How to Use This Guide

• Start with the type of help you need: rent, affordable apartments, home repairs, utility savings, property taxes/mortgage, or long‑term care.
• Apply to more than one program. Waitlists are normal.
• Keep a folder with your photo ID, Social Security card (or number), income proof, bank statements, lease/deed, utility bills, and medical/disability documents.
• Use the official links below to avoid scams.

What Kind of Help Do You Need?

1) Rent help and affordable senior apartments

• HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Helps pay rent in private apartments. You pay ~30% of income; voucher covers the rest. Apply to local housing authorities; waitlists can open/close. Learn more and find local agencies at HUD: Housing Choice Voucher Program and Find your local PHA.
• HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: Affordable apartments with on‑site services for seniors age 62+. Apply property‑by‑property; ask about waiting lists. Use the HUD Resource Locator and filter for senior properties.
• Project‑Based Section 8/Public Housing: Subsidized units tied to buildings. Apply at each property or the housing authority. See HUD Resource Locator.
• Income limits: HUD income limits vary by county and household size. Check your area here: HUD Income Limits (search by county).

Statewide tenant protections:

• California caps many rent increases to 5% + inflation (CPI), up to 10% per year, and requires “just cause” for many evictions (AB 1482). Some homes are exempt (for example, newer buildings and certain single‑family homes). Learn your rights and exceptions at California HCD: Tenant Protections (AB 1482).

Local rent control: Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica and others have stricter local rules. Check your city’s rent board (for example, LA City Rent Stabilization, SF Rent Board).

Important correction: Programs such as “Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)” are New York programs, not California.

Tips:

• Apply to multiple PHAs and senior properties at once.
• Keep a list of applications and follow‑up dates.
• Ask properties about “preferences” (for example, seniors, veterans, displaced by disaster).

2) Utility help (electric, gas, water)

• LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program): One‑time assistance toward heating/cooling bills and crisis help. In California, apply through local providers managed by the Department of Community Services & Development. See how to apply at California LIHEAP (CSD).
• CARE and FERA: Monthly utility discounts (typically 20–35% off) for eligible households; regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Apply through your utility or learn more at CPUC: CARE/FERA.
• Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program: No‑cost energy‑saving home improvements (for example, insulation, weather‑stripping, energy‑efficient appliances for eligible homes). See CPUC: Energy Savings Assistance Program.

3) Home repairs, safety, and disaster resilience

• Weatherization Assistance (WAP): Energy‑efficiency upgrades for low‑income households. In California, see CSD: Weatherization Assistance.
• Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB): Grants to help older homes (typically pre‑1940s) bolt to the foundation and brace cripple walls. Enrollment windows open periodically. See eligibility and sign up for alerts at Earthquake Brace + Bolt (CRMP).
• Rebuilding Together: Nonprofit network offering critical home repairs and safety modifications for low‑income seniors (availability varies by county). Find an affiliate at Rebuilding Together (Find an Affiliate).
• Local “Handyworker” and Minor Home Repair programs: Many cities/counties offer small repairs for seniors/people with disabilities (for example, grab bars, railings, steps, minor plumbing). Check your city housing or community development department or call 211.

For rural homeowners (62+), see USDA Section 504 grants/loans in the “Rural seniors” section below.

4) Help for homeowners: mortgage, taxes, insurance

• California Mortgage Relief Program (Homeowner Assistance Fund): Helps eligible homeowners catch up on delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes (including for reverse mortgages), and certain housing costs. Check eligibility and application status at the official site: California Mortgage Relief Program.
• Property Tax Postponement (PTP): Qualifying seniors (62+), or those who are blind/disabled with limited income, may postpone current‑year property taxes on a primary residence. Run by the California State Controller. Review current income limits, deadlines, and liens at California State Controller: Property Tax Postponement.
• Homeowners’ Exemption: Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by a set amount. Apply with your county assessor. Learn more at the California Board of Equalization: Homeowners’ Exemption.
• Insurance after disasters: If you’ve had wildfire or disaster losses, see Cal OES: Individual Assistance and FEMA Individual Assistance.
• Reverse mortgage counseling (before considering a HECM): HUD‑approved counseling is required. Find a counselor via HUD: HECM Counseling.

5) Assisted living, nursing homes, and staying at home

• Medi‑Cal (California Medicaid) can cover nursing home care if you qualify (financial and medical). Spousal impoverishment protections may apply. Learn more at DHCS: Long‑Term Care.
• Assisted Living Waiver (ALW): Helps pay for services in participating Assisted Living/RCFE/Adult Residential Care facilities in select counties (not room and board). Slots are limited and waitlists are common. Details and county list: DHCS: Assisted Living Waiver.
• In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Pays a caregiver (including, in some cases, a family member) to help you remain safely at home. Apply through your county. Overview at CDSS: IHSS.
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP): Care management and in‑home services for Medi‑Cal‑eligible adults 65+ at risk of nursing home placement. See California Department of Aging: MSSP.
• Community‑Based Adult Services (CBAS): Day health services for adults with medical needs. See DHCS: CBAS.

Cost reality check: Facility costs in California are high, and vary by region and care level. See the latest statewide cost estimates at the Genworth Cost of Care Survey (California) and compare to your local metro area.

6) Legal help, eviction defense, and fair housing

• Eviction defense, rent hikes, habitability problems: Use LawHelpCA (find local legal aid) and your county’s legal services (for example, Stay Housed LA in Los Angeles County; Eviction Defense Collaborative in San Francisco).
• Statewide tenant protections: Learn about AB 1482 rent cap and just‑cause rules at HCD: Tenant Protections.
• Discrimination or harassment: File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or HUD Fair Housing.
• Finding a lawyer: Use your county bar association or State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service.

Major Programs at a Glance (What they pay, who qualifies, where to apply)

Note: Room and board in assisted living is usually not covered by Medi‑Cal or ALW. Ask facilities about costs and any SSI/SSP rate options.

Renters’ Rights and Protections in California

Reality check: Reading your lease matters. Local ordinances can give you extra rights. Keep all notices and communicate in writing when possible.

Home Repair, Weatherization, and Safety Programs (Details)

Tip: For accessibility modifications, also ask your county IHSS social worker or Area Agency on Aging about local home modification funding.

Getting and Keeping Affordable Rent

1. Apply widely: local housing authorities and property‑based programs (Section 202, Project‑Based Section 8). Use the HUD Resource Locator.
2. Ask about preferences: senior, veteran, resident of the jurisdiction, or disability.
3. Save proofs: ID, income, assets, Social Security award letters, and medical documentation.
4. Re‑certify on time: Subsidized housing requires annual re‑certification; missing it can terminate your assistance.

If your income drops:

• Ask your landlord and/or housing authority for an interim re‑certification to reduce your rent share.

If your landlord raises rent:

• Check whether AB 1482 or local rent control applies before you agree. See HCD tenant protections.

Long‑Term Care and “Aging in Place”

• Nursing home coverage: If you meet nursing facility level of care and financial rules, Medi‑Cal can cover most costs, with a share‑of‑cost in some cases. See DHCS: Long‑Term Care.
• Assisted Living Waiver: In participating counties, ALW pays for care services in licensed facilities, not room/board. Ask about availability and waitlists: DHCS ALW.
• Stay at home supports: IHSS, MSSP, and CBAS can help you remain at home safely. See IHSS, MSSP, CBAS.

Financial reality check: If you move into assisted living and rely on SSI/SSP, the state pays a special residential rate to help with services in certain settings. The resident usually still owes a room/board charge. Ask facilities about total monthly costs and whether they accept ALW or SSI/SSP rates. For SSI/SSP payment standards, check CDSS Cash Aid Programs and confirm with your county.

Special Focus: Who You Are Matters

LGBTQ+ seniors

• Inclusive senior housing communities and services exist in several cities. Examples include Openhouse San Francisco and the Los Angeles LGBT Center – Senior Services.
• Fair housing laws protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. File complaints with the California Civil Rights Department.
• For broader support and community: SAGE (national) offers resources and a hotline for LGBTQ+ elders.

Reality check: Inclusive senior housing has long waitlists. Ask to be added early and keep your contact info updated.

Veteran seniors

• HUD‑VASH combines a housing voucher with VA case management for eligible homeless veterans. Start with the VA homeless line: 877‑4AID‑VET or visit HUD‑VASH.
• CalVet offers home loans and operates Veterans Homes in several California locations (long waitlists possible). See CalVet Home Loans and CalVet Veterans Homes.
• County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) can help you access benefits: Find your CVSO.

Seniors with disabilities

• You are protected by the Fair Housing Act and state law; you can request reasonable accommodations (for example, a live‑in aide or an accessible parking space). Learn more at CRD Fair Housing.
• Programs to help you stay at home: IHSS, HCBA Waiver, MSSP.
• Assistive technology and loan programs (including some home modification financing) are available through California’s AT network: Ability Tools – Financial Loan Program.

Tribal/Native seniors

• Tribal housing is typically managed by Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) using NAHASDA funds. Ask your tribe’s housing office and your local TDHE about elder units and rehab programs. Find regional contacts via HUD Office of Native American Programs (Western).
• The Bureau of Indian Affairs Housing Improvement Program provides repairs or replacement housing in certain cases for income‑eligible members on tribal land. See BIA Housing Improvement Program.

Rural seniors (limited access areas)

• USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504): Grants for very‑low‑income homeowners age 62+ to remove health/safety hazards; loans at fixed low interest for broader repairs. Connect via USDA Rural Development California.
• USDA Multi‑Family Housing (MFH) rental units often serve seniors with rental assistance. Search properties at USDA MFH Property Search.
• Transportation and service gaps are common—call your Area Agency on Aging for local home‑delivered services and minor home repair options: Find your AAA (Eldercare Locator).

Applying Successfully: Practical Steps

• Documents: Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of income (SSA award letter, pension, benefits), bank statements, lease/deed, utility bills, medical/disability documentation.
• Contact methods: Prefer online portals and email plus certified mail when required; keep copies of everything.
• Follow‑ups: If you don’t hear back, call again, ask for a supervisor, and log every call (date, name, outcome).
• Safety: Never pay anyone to “guarantee” a voucher or placement. Use only official websites and verified nonprofits.

Resources by Region (Selected)

Note: City and county offerings change. If a link seems out of date, call 211 to confirm current contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I find senior apartments I can actually afford?

• Start with HUD’s tools: HUD Resource Locator to find Section 202 (senior) and Project‑Based Section 8. Also apply for Section 8 vouchers with your local housing authorities. Expect waitlists—apply broadly and follow up.

2. Does Medi‑Cal pay for assisted living?

• Medi‑Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) can pay for care services at participating facilities in certain counties, but it does not cover room and board. Learn more and check participating counties at DHCS: ALW.

3. I received an eviction notice. What should I do today?

• Don’t ignore it. Call legal aid immediately and review the state’s self‑help steps at CalCourts: Eviction help. Deadlines are short (often 5 business days to respond). Ask about local right‑to‑counsel programs (e.g., LA County’s Stay Housed LA).

4. My utility bill is too high. Can I get ongoing discounts?

• Yes. CARE/FERA programs offer ongoing discounts on gas/electric bills for income‑eligible households. See CPUC: CARE/FERA. Also check LIHEAP for one‑time help: California LIHEAP.

5. Are there grants to fix my older home?

• Possibly. Look at Weatherization (CSD), Earthquake Brace + Bolt (CRMP), and your city’s Minor Home Repair program. Rural seniors 62+ should check USDA Section 504 grants/loans. See the programs and links above.

6. How much do nursing homes cost in California?

• Costs vary by region. For current estimates, review the Genworth Cost of Care Survey – California. Medi‑Cal may help if you qualify medically and financially.

7. I own my home but fell behind on mortgage or property taxes. Is there help?

• Check the California Mortgage Relief Program. For seniors 62+, the State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement may allow you to defer current‑year property taxes if you meet the criteria.

8. Does California have a senior‑specific rent freeze?

• California’s AB 1482 caps many rent increases (5% + CPI, up to 10%) and sets just‑cause eviction rules. It isn’t a freeze, and some homes are exempt. Details at HCD: Tenant Protections. Some cities add stronger rules—check your local rent board.

9. I’m LGBTQ+—are there safe senior housing options?

• Yes, but they’re in high demand. Check Openhouse SF and the LA LGBT Center – Senior Services. For fair housing issues, contact the California Civil Rights Department.

10. I live in a rural area. How do I find help without driving far?

• Call 211 or your Area Agency on Aging via the Eldercare Locator. For home repairs and subsidized apartments, check USDA Rural Development California and the USDA MFH property search.

11. What paperwork should I gather before I apply?

• Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of income (SSA award letter, pensions), recent bank statements, lease or deed, utility bills, and medical/disability documentation. Keep copies in one folder.

12. Who can help me navigate a complicated case?

• Start with your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and local legal aid. Find your AAA via the Eldercare Locator and legal help via LawHelpCA. For Medi‑Cal long‑term care questions, contact your county’s Medi‑Cal office and consider speaking with an elder law attorney (see State Bar Referral).

Application Checklist and Timeline (What to expect)

Reality check: For Section 8 and senior apartments, the wait can be long. Keep applying elsewhere and watch for new openings.

Data and References (official sources)

• Tenant protections (AB 1482) and renters’ resources: California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
• Eviction self‑help: California Courts Self‑Help – Evictions
• Legal aid directory: LawHelpCA
• Fair housing enforcement: California Civil Rights Department, HUD FHEO
• HUD housing programs: Housing Choice Vouchers, Find your PHA, HUD Resource Locator
• Income limits: HUD Income Limits by county
• Long‑term care: DHCS Long‑Term Care, Assisted Living Waiver, CBAS
• In‑home care: IHSS (CDSS), MSSP (CDA)
• Utility help: LIHEAP/Weatherization (CSD), CARE/FERA and ESA (CPUC)
• Home resilience: Earthquake Brace + Bolt
• Homeowner help: California Mortgage Relief, Property Tax Postponement
• Rural housing: USDA Rural Development California
• Veterans: HUD‑VASH, CalVet Home Loans, CalVet Veterans Homes, Find your CVSO
• LGBTQ+ seniors: Openhouse SF, LA LGBT Center – Senior Services
• Tribal housing: HUD ONAP – Western Region, BIA Housing Improvement Program
• Cost of care: Genworth Cost of Care Survey

Disclaimer

Program rules, funding, eligibility limits, and application windows change. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always confirm the latest details with the agency or program linked here, and consider speaking with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

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: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 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.