Housing Assistance for Seniors in Wisconsin

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated:

If You Need Emergency Help (Start Here)

Key Takeaways

  • Wisconsin seniors can lower housing costs through federal rental assistance (Section 8), subsidized senior apartments, property tax relief, and home repair grants.
  • Start with your local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They know the local programs and help you apply: Find your ADRC (Wisconsin DHS).
  • For renters, check both voucher waitlists and project-based properties (you apply at the property). Use HUD’s locator: Find subsidized apartments and PHAs.
  • Homeowners age 62+ may qualify for a USDA 504 Home Repair grant to fix health/safety hazards and for energy saving updates: USDA 504 Repair Grants.
  • Property tax help includes the Wisconsin Homestead Credit (WI Department of Revenue) and a property tax deferral loan program (WHEDA). See: Homestead Credit (WI DOR) and WHEDA Homeowner Programs.
  • Energy bills: Apply for WHEAP (LIHEAP) and Weatherization via the state portal: Wisconsin Energy and Housing Programs. Nonprofit help: Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund.
  • Programs have waitlists and paperwork. Get on lists early, keep documents handy, and ask for help from ADRCs or HUD-approved housing counselors: Find HUD Housing Counselors.

Table: Where to Start Based on Your Situation

Your situation First step Why this helps
You rent and need lower rent Check Section 8 vouchers and project-based senior apartments: HUD PHA directory (WI) and HUD Resource Locator Vouchers cap your rent at ~30% of income; project-based units have built-in subsidy
You own a home and need repairs Apply for USDA 504 Home Repair grants/loans and ask about local CDBG rehab Grants/loans for roof, furnace, accessibility; many towns have rehab funds
You’re behind on heat or power Apply for WHEAP energy assistance Help with heating/electric bills and crisis situations; connects to Weatherization
Your property taxes are too high See WI Homestead Credit and WHEDA property tax deferral Lowers current tax burden; defers taxes until sale/estate
You’re at risk of homelessness Contact 211 Wisconsin and ask about HPP/ESG help Short-term help to prevent eviction or rapidly re-house
You need benefits guidance Contact your local ADRC One-on-one help with housing and related benefits

How Housing Help Works in Wisconsin (Plain-English Overview)

Wisconsin offers a mix of federal, state, local, and nonprofit programs. Most rental subsidies are federal (HUD and USDA). The state’s Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) funds local agencies that do energy assistance, weatherization, and homelessness prevention. Counties, cities, and tribes also run programs with federal and state dollars.

Two things to know up front:

  • Many programs have waitlists. Apply anyway and ask when lists open.
  • Every county is different. The ADRC and 211 are your best local guides.

Official state hub for energy/housing programs: Wisconsin Energy and Housing Programs (DEHCR).

Rental Help: Vouchers, Public Housing, and Subsidized Senior Apartments

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

  • What it is: A federal rent voucher that lets you rent on the private market. You typically pay about 30% of your income; the voucher pays the rest up to a limit.
  • Who runs it: Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). In much of Wisconsin, WHEDA administers the program; in large cities, local PHAs do.
  • How to apply:

Reality check: Waits can be long in urban areas. Also ask about “project-based” vouchers (the subsidy is tied to a specific building) which sometimes have separate lists.

Public Housing

  • What it is: Apartments owned by a housing authority with reduced rent based on income.
  • How to apply: Contact your local PHA. Use the HUD PHA directory (WI) to find applications and waitlist info.

Project-Based Section 8 and Section 202 Senior Housing

  • What they are:
    • Project-Based Section 8: Subsidy is attached to the building. You apply at the property. If accepted, you usually pay ~30% of income.
    • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: Nonprofit-run senior apartments with extra supports and subsidized rent.
  • How to find units:
    • Use the official HUD Resource Locator to search “Affordable Housing Opportunities.”
    • Ask ADRC staff to help you identify Section 202 properties near you.

Tip: Call properties monthly to check list status. Confirm required documents before your appointment (ID, Social Security card, proof of income, bank statements).

LIHTC (Tax Credit) Senior Apartments

  • What it is: Affordable apartments built with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Rents are below market but not always income-based.
  • How to find units:
  • Tip: Ask if the building has “project-based” units (deeper subsidy) or senior preference.

Table: Rental Programs at a Glance

Program Who runs it What you pay Where to apply
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Local PHAs, WHEDA in many counties Generally ~30% of adjusted income WI PHA Directory and WHEDA HCV
Public Housing Local PHAs Based on income WI PHA Directory
Project-Based Section 8 Private/nonprofit owners Based on income Apply at property via HUD Resource Locator
Section 202 (Elderly) Nonprofits with HUD support Based on income; supportive services Search via HUD Resource Locator
LIHTC senior apartments Private/nonprofit owners Below-market, varies WHEDA properties

Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), WHEDA.

Help to Stay in Your Home (Homeowners)

Wisconsin Property Tax Relief

  • Homestead Credit (state income tax credit): Helps low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters with property tax or rent. Learn more and how to claim: Wisconsin DOR – Homestead Credit.
  • Lottery and Gaming Credit (for owner-occupied primary residence): Check with your county treasurer or see DOR property tax credits.
  • Property Tax Deferral Loan Program (administered by WHEDA): A low-interest loan for qualifying older homeowners to pay property taxes now and repay later (usually upon sale or from estate). See WHEDA homeowner resources: WHEDA – Homeownership Programs.

Reality check: Deferral loans place a lien on the property. Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor before you decide: Find HUD Housing Counselors.

Mortgage Help & Housing Counseling

  • Struggling with your mortgage? Speak with a HUD-approved counselor for free advice and potential options (loan modification, forbearance, reverse mortgage counseling): Find HUD Housing Counselors.
  • Reverse mortgage (HECM) counseling is required before applying: About HECM (HUD).

Note: The pandemic-era Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH) program is closed. For current options, rely on HUD counselors and your loan servicer.

Home Repairs, Accessibility, and Weatherization

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grants and Loans (Age 62+)

  • What it does: For very low-income rural homeowners. Grants (for ages 62+) fix health/safety hazards (roof, wiring, plumbing, accessibility). Loans can cover additional repairs and energy upgrades.
  • Typical amounts: Up to $10,000 in lifetime grant aid; loans available up to program limits.
  • Where to apply: Your local USDA Rural Development office. Program details: USDA 504 Repair Loans & Grants. Wisconsin office: USDA RD – Wisconsin.

Tip: Many Wisconsin towns are eligible as “rural.” The county USDA office can confirm addresses.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

  • What it does: Free energy-saving improvements (insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement when needed) for eligible households.
  • Where to apply: Through the state’s portal; your WHEAP application also connects you to Weatherization: Wisconsin Energy and Housing Programs.

Source: Wisconsin Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR).

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Housing Rehabilitation

  • What it does: Local programs (city/county/region) offer low- or no-interest loans (and sometimes grants) for owner-occupied rehab, including accessibility (ramps, grab bars), roofing, and mechanicals.
  • Where to ask: Your city or county housing/community development office, or your ADRC. Program overview: WI DEHCR – CDBG Housing (state information about local programs).

Accessibility Financing (Assistive Technology)

Table: Home Repair and Accessibility Options

Need Program Why it helps Where to start
Critical health/safety repair (62+) USDA 504 Grant/Loan Grants for low-income seniors; loans for larger projects USDA 504 Repair
Energy efficiency & furnace fixes Weatherization Assistance Program Lowers bills; safety and comfort upgrades Energy & Housing Programs (DEHCR)
General home rehab Local CDBG Rehab Roof, windows, accessibility, code items CDBG Housing – State Info
Ramps, grab bars, AT WisLoan + ILCs Affordable financing and guidance WisLoan and ILCs

Utility Bills and Energy Crisis Help

  • Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP): Helps with heating and electric costs; also crisis assistance (e.g., disconnection notices, out-of-fuel). Apply early each season. Official portal: Apply for WHEAP.
  • Weatherization Assistance Program: Free energy upgrades for eligible households; ask when applying for WHEAP.
  • Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF): Charitable help when public funds aren’t enough. Availability varies. Learn more: Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund.
  • Focus on Energy: Rebates for efficient appliances, insulation, and HVAC; may work with utility programs: Focus on Energy (WI).

Source: Wisconsin DEHCR; program sites above.

Preventing Homelessness and Eviction

Reality check: Emergency rent funds can run out mid-year. Apply quickly and ask about waitlists, referrals, and local charities.

Property Tax and Housing Cost Relief: What to Expect

Program Who it helps How it helps Notes
Homestead Credit (WI DOR) Low/moderate-income homeowners and renters State income tax credit based on property tax/rent Claim when filing taxes; see DOR Homestead Credit
Lottery & Gaming Credit Homeowners (primary residence) Reduces property tax bill Check with your county treasurer; DOR info
Property Tax Deferral (WHEDA) Older homeowners with limited income Defers taxes now; repaid upon sale/estate Talk to a HUD counselor; see WHEDA Homeowner Programs
Energy Assistance (WHEAP) Income-eligible households Helps pay heating/electric Apply at Energy & Housing Programs

Fair Housing, Scams, and Your Rights

  • Housing discrimination is illegal. This includes discrimination based on age, disability, race, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity under HUD policy), religion, national origin, and more. File a complaint with HUD: Report Housing Discrimination (HUD FHEO).
  • Wisconsin fair housing education and complaint assistance: Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (serves many parts of the state).
  • Scam warnings:
    • Never pay for a Section 8 application. Legitimate PHAs do not charge to apply.
    • Be careful with unsolicited reverse mortgage offers. Get counseling first: HUD HECM info.
    • Get receipts and written agreements. If unsure, call your ADRC or a HUD counselor.

Special Considerations

Disabled Seniors

  • Mainstream Vouchers (for non-elderly disabled) may free up other vouchers and units for seniors; ask PHAs about disability-related preferences. Program info: HUD Mainstream Vouchers.
  • Accessibility help: WisLoan and your local Independent Living Center.
  • Long-term care to help you remain at home or move to assisted living: Wisconsin’s Family Care and IRIS programs can fund supports and some home modifications for eligible Medicaid members. Contact your ADRC to enroll.

Veteran Seniors

  • Immediate help and housing navigation: VA Homeless Programs and 877-424-3838.
  • HUD-VASH (voucher + VA case management): Ask your local VA and PHAs about availability.
  • SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Rapid re-housing and prevention. Find providers: SSVF program info.
  • Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA): Transitional housing and services through the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP): WDVA VHRP.

LGBTQ+ Seniors

  • If you face discrimination, you can file with HUD: Report Housing Discrimination.
  • Talk to trusted local supports and your ADRC about inclusive housing options. National support line: SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (for information and support): 877-360-5428. More about SAGE: SAGE USA.

Tribal Elders (American Indian/Alaska Native)

  • Tribal housing programs (funded by NAHASDA) vary by tribe. Contact your Tribal Housing Authority or the HUD Office of Native American Programs – Eastern Woodlands: HUD ONAP Eastern Woodlands.
  • BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP): Home repair/replacement help for eligible AI/AN homeowners: BIA HIP program.
  • Energy and weatherization are available through tribal programs or the state. Start with your tribal social services or WHEAP portal.

Rural Seniors

  • Many rural addresses qualify for USDA programs (504 repair grants/loans; 502 direct loans for home purchase). Start here: USDA Rural Development – Wisconsin.
  • Rural rental options include USDA Section 515 properties (often with rental assistance). Ask at your local USDA RD office for vacancies and income limits.

Resources by Region (Selected Contacts)

Note: Availability changes. Always confirm current status and how to apply.

For other cities and counties, use the statewide directory: HUD PHA Directory – Wisconsin and the HUD property locator: HUD Resource Locator.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply and What to Gather

  1. Make a short list of programs that fit your situation (use the tables above).
  2. Call your ADRC and ask for application help: Find your ADRC.
  3. Gather documents most programs ask for:
    • Photo ID, Social Security card
    • Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension, pay stubs if working)
    • Recent bank statements
    • Current lease or mortgage statement
    • Utility bills (for energy help)
    • Proof of disability or veteran status if applicable
  4. Apply to multiple options at once:
    • One voucher list, several project-based properties, and tax/energy help.
  5. Mark your calendar:
    • Follow up on waitlists monthly.
    • Report changes in income or address to agencies promptly.

Tip: Keep a folder with copies of everything. Ask for receipts when you turn in applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are there any programs just for seniors in Wisconsin?
A: Yes. Section 202 senior housing is age-restricted and subsidized. USDA 504 grants are for homeowners age 62+. Many LIHTC properties have “senior” or “elderly” preferences. Your ADRC can point you to age-restricted buildings in your area. See: HUD Resource Locator and USDA 504 Repair Grants.

Q: How long are voucher waitlists?
A: It varies widely by county and city—from months to several years. Rural areas may move faster. Apply wherever you qualify, and update your contact info so you don’t miss an opening. Check: HUD PHA Directory (WI).

Q: Can I get help if I own my home free and clear but live on Social Security?
A: Possibly. Look at the Homestead Credit to reduce your property tax burden and the WHEDA property tax deferral loan. For repairs, ask about USDA 504 grants and local CDBG rehab programs. See: DOR Homestead Credit, WHEDA, and USDA 504 Repair.

Q: I need an apartment quickly. Should I wait for a voucher?
A: Don’t wait on one option. Apply for vouchers, public housing, and project-based properties. Ask 211 about rapid re-housing help. Keep calling properties for cancellations and openings. See: HUD Resource Locator and 211 Wisconsin.

Q: Who can help me understand reverse mortgages?
A: Only use HUD-approved counseling. It’s required and helps you weigh pros and cons: Find HUD Housing Counselors and more on HECM reverse mortgages.

Q: Where do I report housing discrimination?
A: File with HUD online: HUD Fair Housing Complaint. You can also get help from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council.

Q: Can Medicaid help me stay at home?
A: If you qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care, Family Care or IRIS can fund supports and some home modifications. Start with your local ADRC: Find ADRC.

Table: Who to Call for What

Topic Best starting point Official link
General housing navigation Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Find your ADRC
Rent vouchers and public housing Local PHAs; WHEDA WI PHA Directory and WHEDA
Subsidized apartments (apply at property) HUD Resource Locator Find properties
Home repair grants (62+) USDA Rural Development USDA 504 Repair
Energy and weatherization WHEAP / DEHCR Energy & Housing Programs
Eviction/homelessness 211; legal aid 211 Wisconsin, Legal Action, Judicare
Property taxes WI DOR; WHEDA DOR Homestead Credit, WHEDA

Resources (Official and Trusted)

Disclaimer

Program rules, funding, and links can change. Always verify details with the official agency or program before applying. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

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.

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About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.