Housing Assistance for Seniors in Maryland

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of seniors above 65 in Maryland is 16.3% as of July 2021. The population of older adults in this state is high because of:

• Retiree migration: Maryland is a popular destination for retirees from other states, particularly from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. These retirees are attracted to Maryland’s mild climate, vibrant cultural scene, and access to healthcare.
• Long life expectancy: Maryland has one of the highest life expectancies (79 years) in the United States, which means that residents are more likely to live to old age.
• Aging baby boomer population: Like much of the United States, Maryland has a large cohort of baby boomers who are now reaching retirement age, which is contributing to the overall increase in the senior population.
• Health care: Maryland is home to several world-renowned hospitals and medical research facilities, which attract seniors who want access to high-quality medical care.
• Economic factors: Many seniors continue to work past retirement age or return to work after retiring. Almost 45% of seniors above 55 are in the labor force, thanks to Maryland’s strong economy and job market which attracts older workers who want to continue working or who need to work to supplement their retirement income.

Housing can be a challenge in Maryland, particularly for seniors. The state has a relatively high cost of living, particularly in the more urban areas, which can make it difficult for seniors on fixed incomes to find affordable housing. The housing index of this state is 116.80. In addition, there is a shortage of affordable housing units in many parts of the state, which can make it difficult for seniors to find suitable housing. Maryland also has a high demand for assisted living facilities and nursing homes, which can be costly for seniors who require additional assistance with daily living activities.

The median home value in Maryland is around $332,600, which is higher than the national median of around $295,000. Renting a home or apartment in Maryland can also be expensive. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,147 which is higher than the national average of $825 per month. A two-bedroom apartment in Maryland is around $1,385, which is higher than the national average of around $1,027. In some of the state’s more urban areas, such as the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, housing costs can be even higher.

When it comes to home healthcare, the average cost per month of these services is $4,143 monthly, and the average cost of living in an assisted living facility is $4,150 per month. Nursing homes are more expensive than other housing options with a semi-private room costing roughly $9,125 and a private one about $9,916 monthly.

The good news is the state government and non-profit organizations in Maryland have been working to address these challenges by providing affordable housing options and financial assistance to seniors who need it. Some programs and initiatives aim to help seniors age in place, by providing home modifications and other support services to help them stay in their homes for as long as possible.

Housing Options

The housing options available to seniors include:

• Independent living: these are most suitable for seniors who are healthy and active. Senior apartments come with fitness centers pools and other amenities seniors can enjoy.
• Assisted living: If you’re looking for healthcare services, access to local activities, and socialization opportunities in addition to housing, then this is the option for you.
• Memory care: Older adults with dementia can get special care with this option since there will be caregivers to assist them when they wander off or forget things.
• Nursing homes: These are the most expensive housing options and are most appropriate for older adults with extra healthcare needs.

State Assistance for Housing

If you are a senior who cannot afford to house, is disabled, or whose fixed income is not enough to afford safe and suitable housing, here are assistance programs the state government of Maryland has in place for you:

Senior Rental Assistance Program (SRAP): The Senior Rental Assistance Program provides rental assistance to low-income seniors who are aged 62 or older, and who live in designated affordable housing units.

Elderly and Handicapped Tax Credit: This is a tax relief provided to seniors and disabled individuals who own or rent a home in Maryland, and who meet certain income and eligibility requirements.

Maryland Department of Aging’s Home and Community-Based Options Waiver: The program provides funding for in-home care and support services to help seniors age in place and avoid the need for institutional care.

Senior Assisted Group Home Subsidy Program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income seniors who live in licensed assisted living facilities in Maryland.

Subsidized Housing: This is a federally funded program in place to help low and moderate-income individuals to help them afford housing expenses.

Rent Assistance

Do seniors in Maryland receive any form of rental assistance? Yes, older citizens can receive rental aid from:

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with local housing authorities. The program provides rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to afford safe and decent housing in the private rental market. Eligible seniors can apply for Section 8 vouchers through their local housing authority.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Programs

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers several rental assistance programs for low-income households, including seniors. These programs include:

Local Homeless Coalitions: Different counties in the state of Maryland have a Local Homeless Coalition that supports other local organizations to prevent homelessness in Maryland.

Rental Allowance Program: This program provides funds to local organizations and agencies that provide affordable housing options to low-income households. This aid is for people facing eviction or those behind on rent and who are at risk of homelessness.

The program also offers homes to the homeless temporarily as they work to find more permanent solutions to their housing problems.

Homelessness Solution Program: The funds from these programs are used to assist households seeking help with housing and those at risk of homelessness. They can be used for emergency sheltering, rapid rehousing, and prevention of homelessness.

The program awards the funds to Maryland Continua of Care and Local Homeless Coalitions on behalf of homeless service providers in Maryland.

Home Repair and Improvement Grants

Available grants that low and moderate-income households can apply for include:

• Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program for the Elderly (MHREP): The elderly who need funding for home repairs and modifications to make homes safer and more accessible for seniors can apply for this form of assistance.

Eligible repairs may include roof replacement, plumbing, and electrical upgrades, and accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps and grab bars.

• USDA Rural Development Home Repair Loans and Grants: This program provides grants and loans to low-income homeowners in rural areas of Maryland who need home repairs and improvements. Seniors may be eligible for grants of up to $7,500 to make their homes safer and more accessible.
• Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This program provides free weatherization services to low-income households, including seniors, to help reduce energy costs and improve home safety and comfort. Eligible repairs may include insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades.
• Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program: This program provides free home repairs to low-income seniors in select areas of Maryland. Repairs may include roofing, plumbing, electrical, and accessibility modifications.
• Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program: This program provides property tax credits to low-income seniors who own their homes in Maryland. Seniors may be eligible for a credit of up to $1,000 to help offset the cost of home repairs and improvements.
• Special Targeted Applicant Rehabilitation Program: This is an income-specific program that funds repairs to bring properties up to standard.
• HAF Rehabilitation Grant Critical Home Repairs: This grant is offered to help settle critical repairs that put individuals at risk of losing their property.
• Indoor Plumbing program: Residential areas that need plumbing repairs can benefit from these grants.

Local Organizations or Charities that Offer Housing Assistance

These organizations help with housing in the following ways:

• Housing counseling and advocacy
• Rent and utility assistance
• Homelessness prevention services
• Home repair and modification assistance
• Affordable housing development and management

They include:

1. AARP Foundation: This local foundation provides housing for seniors above 50. It also runs the Back to Work 50+ program that educates and trains older adults to help them join the workforce. In addition, they have the Connect2Affect program that encourages socialization among the elderly.
2. Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition: This non-profit organization advocates for the development and preservation of affordable housing in Maryland. They work to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of affordable housing and to develop policies that promote access to safe and affordable homes for all Marylanders.
3. Catholic Charities: Qualified older citizens can receive affordable housing, adult daycare services, and nursing care.
4. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: This state agency offers a variety of housing programs and services, including rental assistance, homebuyer education and counseling, home rehabilitation, and repair programs, and affordable housing development.
5. Community Action Agencies: These non-profit organizations provide a wide range of services to low-income individuals and families, including housing assistance, energy assistance, job training, and education. They operate in every county in Maryland and can connect seniors with a variety of resources and services to help them find and maintain safe and affordable housing.

Low-interest Loans for Housing

1. Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program for the Elderly (MHREP): This program provides low-interest loans to low-income seniors who need home repairs or modifications to make their homes safer and more accessible. Eligible repairs may include roof replacement, plumbing, and electrical upgrades, and accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps and grab bars.
2. Ground Rent Redemption Program: If you want to buy out ground leases then you can consider applying for this loan. They are most common in Baltimore City.
3. USDA Rural Development Home Repair Loans: This program provides low-interest loans to low-income homeowners in rural areas of Maryland who need home repairs and improvements. Seniors may be eligible for loans with interest rates as low as 1% to make their homes safer and more accessible.
4. Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): This program provides low-interest loans to low-income households, including seniors, to help pay for energy-efficient home improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades. The loans can be repaid over time through a small charge on the homeowner’s monthly utility bill.
5. Accessible Homes for Seniors: These are specialized loans to help with home accessibility improvements like widening doors, installing bars, and constructing ramps.
6. Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages are a type of loan that allows seniors to convert a portion of their home’s equity into cash, which can be used to pay for home repairs, modifications, and other expenses. The loan is repaid when the homeowner sells the home, moves out, or passes away.
7. Lead Hazard Reduction Grants and Loans: This loan helps landlords reduce risks of lead poisoning and helps improve housing stock by eliminating the health hazards of lead-based paints.

Legal Assistance for Eviction

Homeless Persons Representation Project: This is a type of legal assistance offered to low-income individuals in form of free legal services, education, advice, counsel, and representation. These services are offered to the homeless or those at risk of homelessness.

Maryland Legal Aid: Maryland Legal Aid is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income Maryland residents, including seniors. They can provide legal representation and advice to seniors who are facing foreclosure or eviction, as well as other housing-related issues.

Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland: The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland connects low-income Maryland residents with pro bono legal services. They may be able to provide legal representation to seniors facing foreclosure or eviction, depending on the availability of pro bono attorneys in the area.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service: The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provides free legal services to low-income Maryland residents, including seniors. They can provide legal representation and advice to seniors who are facing foreclosure or eviction, as well as other civil legal issues.

Senior Legal Services: Senior Legal Services is a program of the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau that provides free legal services to Maryland residents over the age of 60. They can provide legal advice and representation to seniors facing foreclosure or eviction, as well as other legal issues related to aging.

For more housing information, visit Maryland’s Department of Aging.