Housing Assistance for Seniors in Texas

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Texas boasts a favorable climate, diverse cultural attractions, and a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for seniors looking to retire or relocate. Additionally, the state offers numerous amenities and services tailored to the needs of older adults, including healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities, and senior-focused programs and activities. Texas has a welcoming and supportive environment for senior living, where older adults can enjoy a fulfilling and enriched lifestyle during their golden years.

Texas is among the youngest states in the U.S. and it has a median age of 34.9 years. Among all other states, only Utah and the District of Columbia have lower median ages. Statistics say that 30% of the residents in Texas are 50 years and above. The following are some vital statistics surrounding the senior population in Texas:

• The median age in Texas is 34.8 years, compared to the national median age of 38.2 years.
• The percentage of the population aged 50 and above is 29.8% ranked 49^th compared to the national average percentage of 35.30%
• The life expectancy at birth in Texas is 78.8 years is ranked 28^th compared to the national life expectancy of 78.6 years.
• The median Household income of the population above 65 years is $42, 937 ranked 21^st compared to the national average of $43,735.

Texas has a housing index of 90.40. A one-bedroom apartment in Texas’s average rent is $723 a month. It is quite low compared to the national average of $825. However, seniors who require a bigger place can opt for a two-bedroom house which is around $903 per month in rent. That number is also low in respect to the national average of $1,027 per month.

Housing Options

Independent Living communities offer apartments or cottages with kitchens and bathrooms. Residents are responsible for their meals, laundry, and transportation. Independent living ranges between $453 to $4,732 a month. Assisted Living ranges between $835 to $8,605. The cost is higher in Metropolitan areas. Memory Care in Texas cost an average of $61,291 a year. Price varies in different regions.

Assisted Living communities provide meals, laundry, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.Assisted living facilities are available all over the state. The average price per month is $3,500. Adult daycare also operates all over the state at an average price of $758 per month.

In-Home Care: Seniors living alone but require day-to-day help can get this kind of assistance for $3,718 per month to help in their stay and those who don’t have caregivers may consider hiring a home health aide at an average cost of $3,813 a month.

Memory Care communities provide specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Skilled Nursing Facilities provide 24/7 care for people who need help with ADLs and who have medical needs that cannot be met in an assisted living or memory care community. Nursing Homes provide around-the-clock care. Seniors who require to stay at a nursing home will be able to get a private and a semi-private room at an average cost of $6,053 and $4,563 per month respectively.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer a continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing.

Hospice Care: The average price of hospice care in Texas is $13,500 per month. The average cost of respite care in Texas ranges from $136 to $377 per day, with a median cost of $202.

State Assistance for Housing

There are several state housing assistance organizations helping with various needs of citizens. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is a state agency that provides a variety of housing assistance programs, including rental assistance, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education.Texas Housing Finance Corporation (THFC) is a state-chartered corporation that provides mortgage financing for low- and moderate-income Texans.

HUD-approved housing authorities in Texas provide a variety of housing assistance programs, including rental assistance, public housing, and Section 8 vouchers. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families. Veterans Land Board Housing Assistance Program provides loans and grants to help veterans purchase a home. Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation provides rental assistance and down payment assistance to low-income Texans.

Rent Assistance

Texas Rent Relief Program is a Statewide initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to renters who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers emergency rental assistance to eligible households to help cover past-due rent, future rent, and utility bills. It is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) in partnership with local organizations.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), commonly known as Section 8, is a federal program administered by TDHCA in Texas. It provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families who qualify. Participants receive vouchers that can be used to rent housing from private landlords. The program subsidizes a portion of the rent, making it more affordable for participants.

Texas Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program provides rental assistance and supportive services to individuals with disabilities who are at risk of homelessness. It helps eligible individuals secure and maintain affordable and accessible rental housing.

Public Housing is a program that offers affordable rental housing to low-income individuals and families. Public housing units are owned and operated by local housing authorities in Texas. Rent is based on the household’s income, and residents typically pay 30% of their income towards rent.

Home Repair and Improvement Grants

Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) provides the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA), which supports a range of services for Texas veterans and their families, including home repair and modification grants. These grants can assist eligible veterans with repairs that improve accessibility, address safety issues, or help with weatherization.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated to Texas by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may be used to support home repair programs. These funds are typically disbursed to local governments or nonprofit organizations that administer the grants to eligible homeowners.

Texas Community Development Block Grant Program for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR): In the event of a federally declared disaster, Texas may receive additional funding through the CDBG-DR program to assist homeowners with home repairs. These funds are typically aimed at assisting those affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods.

Texas Ramp Project is a nonprofit organization that builds wheelchair ramps for individuals with mobility challenges. They rely on volunteers and donations to provide free or low-cost ramps to eligible homeowners who need accessibility improvements.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), available in different regions of Texas, offer various services and programs for older adults, including home repair assistance. These agencies may provide grants or low-interest loans to seniors for home modifications that enhance safety and accessibility.

Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Rural Housing Programs offers housing programs specifically designed for rural communities in Texas. These programs may provide grants or loans to low-income homeowners in rural areas for home repairs or improvements.

Energy Efficiency Loan Programs: Some utility companies in Texas offer low-interest loan programs to help homeowners, including seniors, make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. These loans can cover the cost of improvements such as insulation, weatherization, or energy-efficient appliance upgrades.

Housing Assistance from Local Organizations and Charities

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provides various housing programs and resources to low-income individuals and families in Texas. Texas Homeless Network (THN) is a statewide non-profit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness in Texas.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas operates in various locations across Texas and provides housing assistance programs. The Salvation Army – Texas Division operates numerous programs across Texas to assist individuals and families with housing needs. Texas Low Income Housing Information Service (TxLIHIS) is a non-profit organization that advocates for affordable housing in Texas.

Low-Interest Loans for Housing

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers the My First Texas Home program, which provides low-interest loans and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers, including seniors. This program aims to make homeownership more affordable and accessible.

Reverse Mortgage Programs are loans available to homeowners aged 62 and older, allowing them to convert a portion of their home equity into cash. Texas offers its unique version of the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, known as the Texas Reverse Mortgage program. This program provides low- interest loans for seniors to access the equity in their homes without having to make monthly mortgage payments.

USDA Rural Development offers low-interest home loans through its Rural Development program. Seniors residing in rural areas may be eligible for these loans to purchase, repair, or modify homes. The USDA provides Single-Family Housing Direct Loans and Single-Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants.

Local Housing Authorities and Non-profit Organizations in Texas may offer low-interest loan programs specifically tailored to seniors. These programs may focus on home repairs, accessibility modifications, or other housing-related needs. Contact your local housing authority or explore resources from organizations like Habitat for Humanity or local community development organizations.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase is a type of reverse mortgage that allows seniors to purchase a new home using the equity from their existing home. This program can be beneficial for seniors looking to downsize or move into a more suitable housing option.

Local Banks and Credit Unions: Many local banks and credit unions in Texas offer specialized loan programs for seniors or may have general low-interest loan options for home purchases or repairs. It’s worth exploring the offerings of financial institutions in your area and discussing your needs with a loan officer.

Legal Assistance for Eviction

Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income Texans. TLSC has a state-wide network of attorneys who can help tenants facing eviction. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income Texans in the Rio Grande Valley. TRLA has a staff of attorneys who can help tenants facing eviction.

Lone Star Legal Aid is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income Texans in 23 counties in the central and southern parts of the state. Lone Star Legal Aid has a staff of attorneys who can help tenants facing eviction. Texas Tenants’ Union is a tenant advocacy organization that provides information and resources to tenants in Texas. The Texas Tenants’ Union can help tenants facing eviction find legal assistance and other resources.

Your local legal aid organization: Many legal aid organizations in Texas can help tenants facing eviction. You can find your local legal aid organization by visiting the Texas Bar Association’s website. Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) is a state-wide initiative aimed at helping tenants and landlords resolve eviction cases and avoid displacement.

These are many of the options available for senior housing assistance in Texas. For up-to-date information, please feel free to check Aging | Texas Health and Human Services.