HUD Section 202 apartments
HUD's Section 202 program supports apartment buildings with services for very low-income people aged 62 or older, and rent is tied to income. You apply at each building, not at HUD. Most buildings have waiting lists, so apply to several.
Official source: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly (HUD) · HUD Resource Locator
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income families, elderly persons, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing in the private market, with part of the rent paid directly to the landlord. Local Public Housing Agencies run the program, so you apply through the agency where you want to live.
Official source: Housing Choice Voucher tenants (HUD)
Nonprofit and faith-based housing organizations
These nonprofit organizations, some of them faith-based, build or manage affordable apartments for older adults in California. Each building has its own application and waiting list, so contact the building or the organization. SeniorProven has no relationship with them and does not check their buildings.
Official source: Christian Church Homes (CCH) · Mercy Housing California · Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) · HumanGood Affordable Housing · The Salvation Army Silvercrest (Santa Rosa)
Paid help at home: IHSS
In-Home Supportive Services provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind and disabled people. You need to live in California in your own home or a residence of your choice, not in a licensed care facility, and have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination. You apply at your county IHSS office; a county social worker visits and sets the hours.
Official source: In-Home Supportive Services (CDSS)
Free counseling
HICAP gives free, confidential one-on-one counseling about Medicare and long-term care insurance: 1-800-434-0222. The California Aging and Adult Information Line connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging: 1-800-510-2020.
Official source: HICAP
Rules and amounts change. This page is general information, not advice about your case. Confirm with the agency before you decide. Checked against the official pages on Nov 10, 2026.
More help paying
Paying for assisted living in California with SSI or Medi-Cal
What SSI/SSP pays in a licensed care home in 2026, how Medi-Cal's Assisted Living Waiver works and where it is offered, and who can join PACE.
Medi-Cal and nursing home costs in California: 2026 rules
Medi-Cal can pay for long-term nursing home care for people who qualify. Since January 1, 2026 it counts assets again: the limit, what is not counted and the look-back on gifts.
Veterans: help paying for senior care in California
VA pension with Aid and Attendance for veterans and surviving spouses who need daily help, and the state Veterans Homes of California, where fees are a share of income.