Seniors with low incomes can use a variety of resources and financial assistance programs to help pay for assisted living. In the United States, 9.9% of adults age 65 and older live in poverty, highlighting how difficult it can be to afford long-term care. With the median monthly cost of assisted living at $5,419, many families rely on a combination of resources to cover expenses, such as Medicaid, programs from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), veterans benefits, and Social Security. Some communities are designed with low-income seniors in mind.
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If your loved one has little to no income, several public benefits and assistance programs can help cover or lower assisted living costs, including:
Many older adults have limited income to cover basic needs. In the United States, 9.9% of people age 65 and older live in poverty, and many more struggle to afford long-term care.[01] Some rely on fixed income sources, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides an average monthly benefit of about $736.[02] From government-sponsored health insurance to nonprofit organizations, seniors seeking affordable care and housing have several paths to choose from. Options vary by state, but combining these resources may help you create the best affordable assisted living solution for your loved one.
“I help families think through what assets they may have for assisted living; maybe they have veterans or survivors benefits they weren’t aware of, maybe they have more home equity than they thought, or maybe their family members can help pay some of the costs of assisted living,” says Natalie May, a Senior Living Advisor at A Place for Mom. May has more than 30 years of experience helping families find long-term care for their loved ones.
“Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare won’t pay for assisted living. It will pay for some care services that may be provided in an assisted living setting, but it won’t pay for the biggest expense, which is room and board,” May explains.
Many families want a clear answer to what “low income” means when it comes to assisted living. The reality is that eligibility depends on the specific program, the state where your loved one lives, their marital status, and their financial situation.
In 2026, the federal poverty guideline is $15,960 for an individual ($1,330 per month) and $21,640 for a couple ($1,803 per month).[03] In Alaska and Hawaii, the poverty guideline is slightly higher due to higher cost of living in those states.
For the purposes of public assistance, a low income is often defined as one that’s at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline. In most states, this amounts to $23,940 in annual income for an individual and $32,460 for a couple.
Instead of one universal cutoff, different programs use their own income and asset limits to determine who qualifies for help.
Here’s a general comparison of common programs that are designed to help people who have low incomes:
| Program | Financial guidelines for an individual | What it helps cover |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid long-term care | Income: $2,982/month or less Assets: $2,000 or less[04] | Personal care services in assisted living |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Income: $994/month Assets: $2,000[04] | Basic living expenses |
| HUD housing programs | Income: typically 50% or less of the local area median income Assets: rules vary[05,06] | Rent and housing costs |
| VA Aid and Attendance benefit | Income: $2,424/month or less Net worth (annual income plus assets): $163,699[07] | Any expenses, including care services and room and board |
These figures are general estimates and may change each year. Financial eligibility requirements vary by program, state, and personal circumstances.
While these numbers can help you estimate eligibility, they don’t tell the full story. For example:
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage and long-term care coverage for various groups of people with low incomes. While Medicaid doesn’t pay for room and board in assisted living communities, it may cover some personal care services for residents if the community accepts Medicaid as a form of payment. To qualify for Medicaid, a senior must meet both medical and financial requirements.
The specific amount that Medicaid will pay for care services varies for each individual and state. Certain states may impose copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other similar charges for nonemergency services based on an individual’s income.[08] And because eligibility is based on a person’s income and assets, Medicaid may be a good option for seniors whose finances are dwindling due to paying for care.
“I encourage people who aren’t receiving Medicaid benefits, but who think they might need it in the future, to consider communities that accept Medicaid payments because if and when they do need that financial help, they aren’t looking for a new place to live when they make that transition to public assistance,” says May.
Medicaid coverage for assisted living services varies widely by state, including eligibility criteria, availability, what services are covered, and how programs are structured. Many states offer Medicaid programs that help cover care services in assisted living communities, such as Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Service (HCBS) waivers.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits that may help low-income veterans and their surviving spouses pay for assisted living. The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment added to a Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension to assist in covering the costs of care and housing. Applicants must meet specific service, financial, and clinical requirements to qualify. These tax-free funds can be used at the beneficiary’s discretion, including for services, rent, meals, and personal items in assisted living.[09]
The Social Security Administration provides retirement and other benefits that can be used to offset the cost of assisted living.
The average monthly Social Security retirement payment of $2,071 in 2026 isn’t enough to pay the total cost of assisted living.[10] However, Social Security retirement benefits can be combined with other services and aid programs to help pay for the assistance your loved one needs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and optional state supplements (OSS) can provide additional income for seniors with limited means.[11] Individuals who have a disability and have not reached their full retirement age may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).[12]
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers three housing programs that may help seniors who have low incomes cover the cost of rent in certain housing and care settings. Keep in mind that these programs often have long waiting lists, so it’s important to plan ahead and apply as soon as your loved one is eligible.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, helps low-income individuals pay rent but doesn’t cover care services in assisted living. In some cases, vouchers may be used in assisted living settings if the community accepts them and separates housing from care costs.
People may qualify for this program if they make less than 50% of the median income for the area where they live, though many vouchers are prioritized for those with even lower incomes. Qualified individuals are responsible for finding their own housing, and they can live in any place where the property owner agrees to participate in the program.[05]
The Section 202 program was developed to help seniors age 62 and older who have low incomes live independently through supportive services and affordable housing. Operated by nonprofit organizations, Section 202 housing allows qualifying seniors to pay as little as 30% of their income toward rent, with the remainder subsidized by the federal government. [06]
Section 202 properties may have an on-site service coordinator who can connect residents with supportive services, such as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).[06]
HUD Section 811 helps low-income, nonelderly individuals with disabilities afford rental housing and access supportive services.[06]
Availability varies by state and program. To learn more or apply, contact your local public housing authority or state housing agency, which can provide information about available HUD programs in your area.
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Depending on your loved one’s needs, there may be affordable alternatives to an assisted living community. Consider the following common options as a stand-alone solution or combine several of them to meet your family’s needs.
Seniors who want to remain at home may be able to use Medicaid, Medicare (coverage is limited), or nonprofit programs to help cover in-home care services. This can include help with daily activities, companionship, and transportation, depending on eligibility and location.
Living with family can reduce housing costs while providing built-in support. Some families may also qualify for housing assistance or in-home care services to help offset caregiving responsibilities.
The homelike setting of residential care homes offers an intimate environment where residents can receive personalized care. While many of these communities provide similar services to larger assisted living facilities, they’re often a less expensive option.
Nonprofit organizations and local agencies may offer low-cost or free services to help seniors live independently. For example, in Denver, Colorado, the “Area Agency on Aging provides funding for senior care and services such as meal programs, transportation, and home health,” said Shannon Gimbel, regional manager at the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
There are community resources in most states and cities that can guide families through the process of finding and applying for assistance.
A good place to start is your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which can help you understand available programs, check eligibility, and connect you with local services. You can find your nearest AAA and other helpful resources using the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator.
If you’re unsure of where to start, Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom can help you explore payment options and the types of senior care your family can afford. They can also connect you with appropriate assisted living communities and home care agencies, all at no cost to your family.
Assisted living for low-income seniors with a mental illness refers to communities that provide housing, personal care, and support for residents with mental health conditions. These communities may offer structured routines, medication management, and coordination with mental health providers. Costs may be reduced through programs like Medicaid or other state and local assistance, depending on eligibility and location.
Low-income assisted living is a general term for affordable options, while subsidized assisted living typically refers to communities or programs where government assistance helps lower costs. Not all low-income options are subsidized, but subsidies can make assisted living more affordable for those who qualify.
Income-based senior living refers to housing where rent is adjusted based on a senior’s income, often through government programs or subsidies. In many cases, residents pay a set percentage of their income toward rent, such as 30%, with the remaining cost covered by programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) or HUD Section 202 housing.
Shrider, E. A., & Bijou, C. (2025, September). Poverty in the United States: 2024 (P60-287). U.S. Census Bureau.
Social Security Administration. (2026, April). Monthly statistical snapshot, March 2026.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2026, January). Poverty guidelines.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2025, December 9). CMCS informational bulletin – 2026 SSI, spousal impoverishment, and Medicare Savings Program resource standards.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing Choice Voucher applicant and tenant resources.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Description of multifamily programs.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025, December 18). Current pension rates for veterans.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Cost sharing out of pocket costs.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, July 18). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Social Security Administration. 2026 Social Security changes.
Social Security Administration. (2025, January). You may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Administration. Disability benefits: How does someone become eligible?
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