Housing Assistance for Seniors in Connecticut

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Rachel

The state of Connecticut is considered older than other states of the USA. The percentage of those above 50 years is close to 40%.  According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2020, the population of seniors above 65 years in Connecticut was approximately 618,000. This represents about 17% of the state’s total population.

Connecticut has one of the highest percentages of seniors in the country. The median age in the state is 41.1 years which is among the highest in the country. Life expectancy is ranked 3^rd in the USA at 80.8 years, compared to the overall national average of 78.5.

Seniors do not struggle as much with the high standard of living because the median household income for those above 65 years is more than $52,000, ranking them 6^th nationally. The number of seniors above 55 years in the workforce is 46.5%, ranking them at 4^th highest in the U.S.

When it comes to housing, Connecticut’s housing index is 124.40, making it the most expensive place to retire to in the U.S. A one-bedroom apartment’s average cost is $1038 compared to the national average of $825 a month. A two-bedroom apartment’s rent is averaged at $1,308 a month compared to the national average of $1,027 a month.

Home health care services enable elders to remain in their own homes. Home health care cost in Connecticut is $3,813 a month. The median cost of adult daycare in Connecticut is $1,733 a month. Adult day care does not include nursing care but seniors are supervised during the day.

Assisted living in Connecticut is for seniors who require assistance to carry out their daily tasks, and it averagely costs $4,600 a month. The most expensive care for seniors is nursing home care. A semi-private room cost an average of $12,516 a month while a private room is $13,505 a month.

On the other hand, Memory Care facilities provide care to seniors who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. The average yearly cost is $6,100, which is higher than the national cost is $5,075.

Respite care facilities offer relief to caregivers and families from the daily tasks of taking care of the elderly. These facilities take the elderly as long as they like and provide services like grooming, meals, medication, and health monitoring. The average monthly cost is $12,000, which is significantly higher than the country’s average of $9,222.

There are programs available that make housing challenges better to handle. The state government and local authorities fund them with the hope of lowering the rates of homelessness in the state.

Housing Options

Connecticut offers a range of housing options for seniors, including:

• Independent Living Communities: These communities provide housing, meals, and social activities for active seniors who can live independently but may want the benefits of a community setting.
• Assisted Living Communities: Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, and personal care services for seniors who need help with daily activities, but do not require skilled nursing care.
• Memory Care: This facility is for seniors who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Nursing Homes: provide 24-hour nursing care for seniors who require medical attention and assistance.
• Adult daycare: provide activities to keep seniors occupied to combat loneliness.
• Hospice: provide care to the elderly who are terminally ill.
• Respite care facilities: provide temporary relief to caregivers and family rest from taking care of the elderly.

State Housing Assistance

Connecticut offers several programs to assist low-income seniors with housing, including:

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA): This state agency provides financing for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, including seniors. CHFA offers programs for first-time homebuyers, as well as rental assistance programs.

The Department of Housing (DOH): This state agency provides funding for affordable housing developments for low-income families, including seniors. DOH also provides funding for home repairs and weatherization for eligible homeowners.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): This program provides financial assistance to help low-income families, including seniors, pay for energy bills.

The Connecticut Homeownership Program:  This program assists first-time homebuyers, including seniors, who meet income and credit requirements. The program provides low-interest mortgages and down payment assistance.

Rent Assistance

The Statewide Housing Assistance for Rental Expenses (SHARE) program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income families, including seniors.

The Elderly Rental Assistance (ERA) program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income seniors who are 62 years and above. The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program: This federal program, also known as Section 8, provides rental assistance to low-income families, including seniors. The program is administered by local housing authorities in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Renters’ Rebate Program: This program provides a rebate to eligible renters who are over 65 years of age or who have a permanent disability. The rebate is based on the rent and utility expenses paid by the applicant.

The Connecticut Homecare Program for Elders (CHCPE): This program provides home care services for seniors who need help with daily activities. CHCPE may also assist with home modifications and other services to help seniors live independently at home.

These programs are designed to help low-income seniors afford housing and remain in their homes. Seniors can contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services or their local housing authority for more information on eligibility and application procedures.

Home Repair and Improvement Grants

• The Lead Hazard Reduction Program: This program provides grants to eligible homeowners for lead hazard reduction work, such as window replacement, painting, and soil remediation. The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
• The Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Program: This program provides low-interest loans to income-eligible homeowners for essential home repairs, including heating, plumbing, and electrical repairs, as well as accessibility improvements. The loans are provided through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA).
• The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: This federal program provides grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for a range of community development activities, including home repairs and improvements for low-income homeowners.
• The Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program: This program provides tax credits to businesses that donate funds to eligible community development projects, including home repairs for low-income homeowners.
• The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This program provides free weatherization services to income-eligible homeowners, including insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades. The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
• The Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP): This program provides grants to eligible homeowners affected by Superstorm Sandy for home repairs and improvements. The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of.
• The Energy Conservation Loan Program: This program provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners for energy-saving improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades. The loans are provided through the Connecticut Green Bank.

Low-Interest Loans for Housing

1. The Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program: This program provides loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners for major home repairs and improvements, such as roof replacement, foundation repairs, and code compliance improvements. The loans are provided through the Connecticut Department of Housing.

2. The Energy Conservation Loan Program: This program provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners for energy-saving improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades. The loans are provided through the Connecticut Green Bank.
3. The Housing Preservation Loan Fund: This program provides loans to income-eligible homeowners for essential home repairs, such as roof replacement, plumbing repairs, and electrical upgrades. The loans are provided through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
4. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA): CHFA offers a range of financing options for affordable housing, including low-interest mortgages for first-time homebuyers and seniors. CHFA also offers a Homeowner Mortgage Program that provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners for home repairs and energy efficiency improvements.

1. The Energy Conservation Loan Program: This program provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners for energy-saving improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades. The loans are provided through the Connecticut Green Bank.
2. The Smart-E Loan Program: This program provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades, such as solar panels, geothermal systems, and efficient heating and cooling systems. The loans are provided through participating lenders.

7. The Connecticut Small Business Express Program: This program provides low-interest loans to eligible small businesses for a range of activities, including real estate acquisition, construction, and renovation. Seniors who are starting a small business or who own a small business that operates out of their homes may be eligible for this program.
8. The Veterans’ Homeowner Assistance Program: This program provides low-interest loans to eligible veterans for home repairs and improvements, as well as assistance with mortgage payments and property taxes. Seniors who are veterans may be eligible for this program.

Legal Assistance for Eviction

There are several resources available for legal assistance with eviction in Connecticut. Here are a few options:

1. Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut: Statewide Legal Services provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Connecticut, including help with eviction proceedings. They can provide advice, representation, and self-help resources for tenants facing eviction.
2. Connecticut Fair Housing Center: The Connecticut Fair Housing Center provides legal assistance and advocacy for tenants facing discrimination or other housing-related issues, including eviction. They offer free legal clinics and can provide referrals to other legal resources as needed.
3. Connecticut Legal Services: Connecticut Legal Services provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Connecticut, including help with eviction proceedings. They can provide advice, representation, and self-help resources for tenants facing eviction.
4. The Judicial Branch of Connecticut: The Judicial Branch provides information and resources for tenants facing eviction, including information on the eviction process and how to respond to an eviction notice. They also offer a Housing Matters helpline that provides free legal information and referrals for housing-related issues.
5. Connecticut Pro Bono Network: The Connecticut Pro Bono Network provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Connecticut, including help with eviction proceedings. They can provide advice, representation, and self-help resources for tenants facing eviction.
6. The Connecticut Bar Association: The Connecticut Bar Association provides a Lawyer Referral Service that can connect tenants with a qualified attorney who can assist with eviction proceedings. The referral service charges a small fee for the initial consultation, but the attorney may be able to provide ongoing legal representation on a pro bono or reduced fee basis.
7. The Connecticut Network for Legal Aid: The Connecticut Network for Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Connecticut, including help with eviction proceedings. They can provide advice, representation, and self-help resources for tenants facing eviction.
8. The Connecticut Department of Housing: The Connecticut Department of Housing provides information and resources for tenants, including information on rental assistance programs and eviction prevention. They also offer a Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Handbook that provides information on tenant rights and how to respond to an eviction notice.
9. Community Action Agencies: Community Action Agencies (CAAs) provide a range of services to low-income residents of Connecticut, including rental assistance and eviction prevention services. They can also provide referrals to legal resources and other support services as needed.

This information should be helpful to seniors trying to maneuver housing in Connecticut. You can always check the Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Service for more details and information.