Housing Assistance for Seniors in Nevada

Last updated: December 03, 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 911 if you are unsafe or being forced out right now.
• Call 211 to find a shelter bed, cooling center, or urgent rental help in your area: Nevada 211 — https://www.nevada211.org/
• If you’re in emotional crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
• Facing immediate eviction? Contact legal aid as soon as possible:
  • Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — https://www.lacsn.org/
  • Nevada Legal Services (statewide) — https://nevadalegalservices.org/
  • Washoe Legal Services (Reno/Sparks/Washoe) — https://washoelaw.org/
• Veterans in crisis or at risk of homelessness:
  • VA SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) — find local providers: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/ssvf/get_help
  • HUD-VASH program info — https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/

Quick Emergency Paths

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Key Takeaways

• Most rental help for seniors runs through local Public Housing Authorities (Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing) and HUD-subsidized senior apartments. Expect waitlists.
• If you own your home and need critical repairs or accessibility upgrades, start with USDA Section 504 Home Repair (grants for 62+), Weatherization (energy-saving and safety fixes), and Nevada’s Assistive Technology/Independent Living program.
• For utilities, Nevada’s Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help with power bills; NV Energy also offers payment assistance programs.
• If you live in a manufactured home park that is closing, Nevada’s Manufactured Housing Relocation Fund may help eligible homeowners move their homes.
• Seniors who are veterans, disabled, LGBTQ+, tribal members, or living in rural areas can tap additional targeted programs listed below.
• Always use official links to apply; many programs open and close waitlists. If one door is closed, try another and get on multiple lists.

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How to Use This Guide

• Start with the section that fits your need (rent help, repairs, utilities).
• Use the application links provided. When unsure, call Nevada 211.
• If you are denied, ask for the denial in writing and appeal or re-apply when circumstances change.

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Who Qualifies for Nevada Housing Help?

• Age: Many senior-focused programs serve people 62+; some accept 55+.
• Income: Programs generally require low or very low income (often up to 50% of Area Median Income). PHAs may use local limits. See HUD income limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
• Residency: You typically must live in Nevada; citizenship or eligible immigration status may be required for HUD rental subsidies. Mixed-status households can still receive prorated assistance. Learn more at HUD “Eligible Immigration Status” — https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance/phprog
• Assets: Some programs consider savings and property (varies by program).
• Documentation: ID, proof of income, lease or mortgage, utility bills, and sometimes medical verification for accessibility needs.

Reality check: Waitlists are common in Nevada’s metro areas. To improve your chances, apply to more than one PHA, join multiple property waitlists, and use HUD’s resource locator to find additional subsidized buildings.

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Major Rental Programs for Nevada Seniors

1) Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

• What it does: Helps pay rent in private apartments. You pay about 30% of your income; the voucher covers the rest up to a local limit.
• Who runs it: Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Southern Nevada, Reno/Washoe, and Rural Nevada.
• Catch: Waitlists open and close. Preference policies may favor seniors, veterans, or local residents.
• Learn more: HUD HCV overview — https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8

2) Public Housing for Seniors

• What it does: Income-based rent in PHA-owned apartments. Some buildings are for seniors or people with disabilities.
• Who runs it: Local PHAs.
• Catch: Properties are limited; check each PHA for senior-designated sites.

3) Project-Based Section 8 and Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

• What it does: Units in specific buildings have HUD subsidies attached to the unit. Section 202 properties are designed for older adults, often with on-site support services.
• How to find: Apply directly at each property; you don’t need a voucher.
• Learn more: HUD Section 202 overview — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/elderly

4) Affordable LIHTC Senior Apartments

• What it does: Apartments built with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) cap rents below market. Not all include rental subsidies, but rents are lower than typical rates.
• How to search: Use the national LIHTC database to find Nevada properties: HUD LIHTC Database — https://lihtc.huduser.gov/

How to Find Units and Apply

• Use the HUD Resource Locator to find subsidized apartments and PHA offices: https://resources.hud.gov/
• Check Nevada’s PHAs directly (links below).
• For Southern Nevada, nonprofit developers like Nevada HAND operate many senior communities with affordable rents: Nevada HAND — https://nevadahand.org/

Public Housing Authorities in Nevada

Tip: If one PHA waitlist is closed, apply to others and to project-based properties. Always keep your contact information updated so you don’t lose your spot.

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Help If You’re Behind on Rent or Facing Eviction

• County social service offices may offer limited rent assistance when funds are available. Availability changes; call 211 to screen for current programs.
• Use the Nevada eviction self-help resources to understand timelines and forms: Nevada Courts Self-Help – Evictions — https://selfhelp.nvcourts.gov/housing/evictions/
• Get legal help early (even before a notice) to discuss defenses, mediation, or reasonable accommodation requests:
  • Nevada Legal Services — https://nevadalegalservices.org/
  • Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — https://www.lacsn.org/
  • Washoe Legal Services — https://washoelaw.org/

Reality check: Emergency rent funds across the U.S. have tightened since pandemic programs ended. If funds aren’t available, ask about payment plans, mediation, and moving help to avoid an eviction record.

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Home Repair, Safety, and Accessibility for Senior Homeowners

If you own your home and need help to stay safe, fix hazards, or make accessibility changes, start here.

USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)

• What it does: Loans and grants to fix health/safety hazards, make essential repairs, and improve accessibility.
• For seniors: Homeowners age 62+ with very low incomes may qualify for grants (no repayment) up to $10,000.Loansupto$40,000 at 1% interest (up to 20 years). Combined assistance can reach $50,000. See program limits and details on USDA.
• Where to apply: USDA Rural Development Nevada — https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv
• Program details: USDA 504 Program — https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

Note: “Rural” includes many Nevada communities outside major metro areas. USDA decides eligibility by your address.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it does: Free energy and safety improvements (insulation, sealing, minor repairs) to reduce utility costs and fix energy-related health and safety issues.
• Who runs it: Nevada’s state program works through local agencies.
• Where to start: Nevada Housing Division (Weatherization) or call 211. State WAP overview (U.S. DOE) — https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program

Tip: Weatherization can coordinate with repairs when the issue affects energy use or safety (e.g., unsafe furnace).

Assistive Technology for Independent Living (AT/IL)

• What it does: Home accessibility modifications and assistive tech so you can live safely at home (grab bars, ramps, accessible showers, environmental controls).
• Who runs it: Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD).
• Where to start: AT/IL Program page — https://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/Assistive_Technology/ATIL/

Manufactured Housing Relocation Fund (For Mobile Home Park Closures)

• What it does: Helps eligible manufactured home owners with some costs when a park closes or the land use changes.
• Who runs it: Nevada Manufactured Housing Division.
• Learn more: Relocation Fund — https://mhd.nv.gov/Consumers/Relocation_Fund/

Nonprofit Repair Help

• Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada: Health and safety home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners, including seniors. — https://rtsnv.org/
• Check Nevada 211 for other local rehab programs funded by cities or counties.

Home Repair & Accessibility Programs (Quick View)

Reality check: These programs often have waiting lists and paperwork. Keep deeds, tax bills, income proof, and photos of needed repairs ready. Ask if your case can be prioritized for health/safety or fall risk.

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Utility and Energy Bill Help

Nevada Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/EAP)

• What it does: Helps with heating/electric bills and can prevent shutoff for eligible low-income households.
• Who runs it: Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS).
• Apply online: Access Nevada — https://accessnevada.dwss.nv.gov/public/landing-page
• Program info: Energy Assistance Program — https://dwss.nv.gov/Energy/Energy_Assistance_Program/

NV Energy Customer Assistance

• What it does: Payment assistance and special programs for customers facing hardship.
• Where to start: NV Energy Assistance Programs — https://www.nvenergy.com/account-services/assistance/financial

Water/Sewer Bill Help

• What to do: Call your local water utility to ask about hardship programs, medical protections, and payment plans. If none exist, call 211 to find charities that help with water bills in your county.

Utility Help at a Glance

Tip: Apply for LIHEAP/EAP even if you’ve never gotten help before. If approved, tell your utility provider to note your status, which may prevent shutoff during processing.

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Property Tax and Homeownership Cost Relief

Nevada does not have a statewide senior-only homestead exemption, but homeowners may benefit from:

• Primary Residence Tax Cap (Abatement): Limits annual increases in property tax bills for owner-occupied homes. Details vary by county and year. See the Nevada Department of Taxation for information on abatements and exemptions: https://tax.nv.gov/
• Veterans’ Property Tax Exemptions: Partial exemptions for eligible veterans, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses (under Nevada law). Apply via your county assessor. Learn more at the Department of Taxation (Property Tax) pages: https://tax.nv.gov/
• Installment payment plans and hardship programs: Ask your county treasurer about payment options if you fall behind.

Always verify with your county assessor/treasurer for the most current rules, deadlines, and forms.

Property Tax Relief Summary

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Buying a Home Later in Life

Some seniors may still want to buy.

• Nevada Rural Housing “Home At Last” (down payment assistance, mortgage credit certificates) — primarily for rural buyers: https://nvrural.org/home-at-last/
• Nevada Housing Division Homebuyer Programs (statewide down payment assistance for eligible buyers) — visit the state housing site: https://housing.nv.gov/

Reality check: Fixed income and rising insurance/HOA dues can strain budgets. Speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor before buying: Find a HUD housing counselor — https://hudgov-answers.force.com/housingcounseling/s/

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Fair Housing and Discrimination

You have the right to fair housing regardless of age, disability, race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and familial status.

• File a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
• Get help investigating housing discrimination in Nevada:
  • Silver State Fair Housing Council — https://silverstatefairhousing.org/

Tip: Keep records—ads, emails, texts, and notes of conversations. File quickly; there are deadlines.

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Inclusive Support: Programs for Specific Groups

Veteran Seniors

• SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention, including deposits and short-term rental help. Find local SSVF providers — https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/ssvf/get_help
• HUD-VASH: Housing Choice Vouchers partnered with VA case management for homeless veterans. Learn more — https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/
• Contact your VA medical center social work team:
  • VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System — https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/
  • VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (Reno) — https://www.va.gov/sierra-nevada-health-care/

Disabled Seniors

• Apply for disability-related reasonable accommodations with landlords (e.g., grab bars, service animals). See fair housing rights — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp
• Nevada AT/IL accessibility modifications — https://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/Assistive_Technology/ATIL/
• Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services may include home and community supports. Start with Nevada Care Connection (ADSD) — https://www.nevadacareconnection.org/

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• You are protected under fair housing laws (sex includes sexual orientation and gender identity). File complaints through HUD FHEO if needed — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
• Community support and referrals:
  • The Center (Las Vegas) — programs and referrals for LGBTQ+ adults — https://thecenterlv.org/
  • SAGE (national) — housing resources for LGBTQ+ older adults — https://www.sageusa.org/

Tribal Members (Nevada Tribes)

• Tribal housing is usually managed by Tribal Housing Authorities with HUD Indian Housing Block Grants.
• Contact your tribe or the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada (ITCN) for referrals: https://itcn.org/
• HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (SWONAP) — https://www.hud.gov/codetalk/portal/onap/swonap
• BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP) — home repair/renovation assistance for eligible tribal members: https://www.bia.gov/service/housing-improvement-program

Rural Seniors

• Apply with Nevada Rural Housing for vouchers in rural counties: https://nvrural.org/
• Use USDA 504 Home Repair and USDA RD Nevada for homeowner help: https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv
• If transportation is an issue, call 211 to find mail-in or phone-based application options.

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Resources by Region

Southern Nevada (Clark County: Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas)

• Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority — https://www.snvrha.org/
• Help Hope Home (Southern Nevada Homelessness CoC) — https://helphopehome.org/
• Clark County Social Service (rent/utility help when available) — https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/social_service/
• Nevada HAND (affordable senior apartments) — https://nevadahand.org/
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — https://www.lacsn.org/
• The Center (LGBTQ+ services and referrals) — https://thecenterlv.org/
• Nevada 211 — https://www.nevada211.org/

Northern Nevada (Reno/Sparks/Washoe County)

• Reno Housing Authority — https://www.renoha.org/
• Washoe County Human Services Agency (housing assistance info) — https://www.washoecounty.gov/hsa/
• Washoe Legal Services — https://washoelaw.org/
• Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada — https://ccsnn.org/
• Nevada 211 — https://www.nevada211.org/

Rural Nevada (All other counties)

• Nevada Rural Housing — https://nvrural.org/
• USDA Rural Development Nevada — https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv
• Nevada Care Connection (ADSD) — https://www.nevadacareconnection.org/
• Nevada 211 — https://www.nevada211.org/

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Step-by-Step: Applying for Housing Help

1. Gather documents

• Photo ID, Social Security card (if available)
• Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension, paystubs)
• Lease or mortgage, recent utility bills
• Proof of disability (if applying for accessibility help)
• Bank statements, property tax bill (for homeowners)

2. Pick your path

• Rent help: Apply to PHAs (Section 8/public housing) and to HUD-subsidized properties.
• Repairs: Apply to USDA 504, Weatherization, and AT/IL if applicable.
• Utilities: Apply to LIHEAP/EAP through DWSS and ask your utility for a payment plan.

3. Apply online and by phone

• Use official links in this guide. If you don’t have internet, call 211 and ask for help submitting forms.

4. Follow up

• Confirm your application was received.
• Update contact info if your phone number changes.
• Ask about preferences (age, disability, veteran) and portability options for vouchers.

5. If denied

• Ask for the denial in writing.
• Fix missing documents and re-apply.
• Request a hearing or appeal if you believe rules were misapplied.

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Common Problems and Realistic Solutions

• Long waitlists: Join multiple lists (PHA and property-based). Check back when lists open. Use HUD Resource Locator to expand your search — https://resources.hud.gov/
• Fixed income and rent hikes: Look for project-based and Section 202 buildings where rent is income-based, not market-based.
• Repairs too expensive: Use multiple programs together (USDA 504 + Weatherization + nonprofit help). Ask programs if they can “braid” funding.
• Accessibility needs: Ask your landlord in writing for a reasonable accommodation or modification. Provide a simple doctor’s note if needed.
• Scams: Never pay a “fee” to get on a government waitlist. Only use official agency sites linked in this guide.

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Program Finder Tables

Major Rental Assistance Options

Nevada Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)

Home Repair & Safety

Utilities & Energy

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I’m 70 and live on Social Security. What should I apply for first if my rent keeps going up?

• Apply to your local PHA for a Housing Choice Voucher and to senior-designated project-based or Section 202 buildings. Use the HUD Resource Locator to find properties — https://resources.hud.gov/ — and apply to several at once. While you wait, ask your landlord about a rent increase cap for long-term tenants or a smaller unit.

Q: Are there grants for homeowners 62+ to fix my roof or remove hazards?

• Yes. USDA Section 504 offers grants for homeowners 62+ with very low income to fix health/safety hazards (grants up to $10,000, plus possible loans). Start with USDA RD Nevada — https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv — and ask about Section 504.

Q: My manufactured home park is closing. Can Nevada help me move my home?

• Nevada’s Manufactured Housing Relocation Fund may help eligible homeowners with moving costs when a park closes or land use changes. See program info — https://mhd.nv.gov/Consumers/Relocation_Fund/

Q: What if I can’t pay my power bill this month?

• Apply for the Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/EAP) — https://dwss.nv.gov/Energy/Energy_Assistance_Program/ — and contact NV Energy for a payment plan — https://www.nvenergy.com/account-services/assistance/financial. Ask about protections while your application is processed.

Q: I need grab bars and a ramp. Can my landlord say no?

• You have a right to reasonable modifications for disability needs. Typically you pay for the changes unless the property receives federal funds. Ask in writing and provide a doctor’s note if requested. See HUD fair housing guidance — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp

Q: I’m a veteran and may become homeless. What’s my fastest path?

• Contact SSVF right away for prevention or rapid rehousing — find providers here: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/ssvf/get_help — and tell your VA social worker you want to be screened for HUD-VASH.

Q: Do these programs check my savings?

• Some do. PHAs consider assets when calculating rent, and repair programs may check resources. Bring bank statements so staff can advise you.

Q: I don’t use the internet. How can I apply?

• Call 211 for phone-based screening and mail-in options. Ask the PHA for in-person or paper applications and request reasonable accommodations if needed.

Q: Can I get help if I rent a room or live with family?

• Possibly. Programs vary. Some require a lease and a separate utility account. Ask 211 and explain your situation to see what fits.

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Resources

• HUD Nevada (renting help overview) — https://www.hud.gov/states/nevada/renting
• HUD Resource Locator (find subsidized apartments/PHAs) — https://resources.hud.gov/
• Section 202 Supportive Housing (elderly) — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/elderly
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) — https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8
• HUD LIHTC Database (affordable apartments) — https://lihtc.huduser.gov/
• Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority — https://www.snvrha.org/
• Reno Housing Authority — https://www.renoha.org/
• Nevada Rural Housing — https://nvrural.org/
• Nevada 211 — https://www.nevada211.org/
• USDA RD Nevada — https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair — https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/EAP) — https://dwss.nv.gov/Energy/Energy_Assistance_Program/
• Access Nevada (apply for benefits) — https://accessnevada.dwss.nv.gov/public/landing-page
• Weatherization Assistance (DOE) — https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
• Nevada Care Connection (ADSD) — https://www.nevadacareconnection.org/
• AT/IL (Assistive Technology for Independent Living) — https://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/Assistive_Technology/ATIL/
• Manufactured Housing Relocation Fund — https://mhd.nv.gov/Consumers/Relocation_Fund/
• Nevada Department of Taxation (property tax info) — https://tax.nv.gov/
• NV Energy Assistance — https://www.nvenergy.com/account-services/assistance/financial
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — https://www.lacsn.org/
• Nevada Legal Services — https://nevadalegalservices.org/
• Washoe Legal Services — https://washoelaw.org/
• Silver State Fair Housing Council — https://silverstatefairhousing.org/
• File a Fair Housing Complaint (HUD) — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
• VA SSVF — https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/ssvf/get_help
• HUD-VASH — https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/
• VA Southern Nevada HCS — https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/
• VA Sierra Nevada HCS — https://www.va.gov/sierra-nevada-health-care/
• Nevada HAND — https://nevadahand.org/
• The Center (Las Vegas) — https://thecenterlv.org/
• Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada — https://itcn.org/
• HUD ONAP (SWONAP) — https://www.hud.gov/codetalk/portal/onap/swonap
• BIA Housing Improvement Program — https://www.bia.gov/service/housing-improvement-program

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Disclaimer

Program rules, funding levels, and waitlist status change often. Always confirm details, eligibility, and application steps with the official agency or organization before you apply. This guide is for general information only and is not legal or financial 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.