Author: Lauren Silverstone
Director of Housing Support Services at Maryland Inclusive Housing
Housing in the United States remains largely out of reach for adults living on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). As of early 2026, approximately 7.4 to 7.5 million Americans rely on SSI, a federal benefit that supports individuals who are older, have a vision impairment, or have a qualifying disability and very limited income. In 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple. About one-third of SSI recipients also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (learn more about the difference between SSI and SSDI benefits); however, even when these benefits are combined, income levels remain far below what is needed to afford stable, market-rate housing in most communities. These financial limitations continue to make housing for adults with disabilities especially difficult to obtain and sustain in many communities. Additional income from work or nonwork income like alimony, veterans benefits, and pensions are also counted against monthly SSI payments.
At the same time, rental costs continue to rise. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. ranges from roughly $1,495 to $1,641 per month, with significant regional variation—from under $1,000 in more affordable states to well over $3,000 in high-cost cities. When compared to SSI income levels, this creates a stark affordability gap.
Housing is generally considered affordable when it costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross income, a benchmark established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify “cost-burdened” households. In today’s market, however, this standard is increasingly difficult to meet—especially for individuals living on fixed incomes—forcing many to spend far beyond what is considered sustainable.
Due to the severe shortage of affordable housing, many adults with disabilities are left with limited options and may be placed in institutional settings such as group homes or assisted living facilities. These environments are often not fully integrated within the community and can experience high staff turnover, which may impact consistency and quality of care. For individuals seeking independence and community-based living, the lack of affordable alternatives presents a significant barrier.
Rental assistance programs can help bridge this gap, though access is limited. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program—formerly known as Section 8—serves approximately 2.2 to 2.4 million households nationwide, supporting around 5 million individuals. This program allows participants to rent in the private market while paying a reduced portion of their income toward housing. However, demand far exceeds availability. Waitlists are often closed, and when open, average wait times can range from two to five years, with some jurisdictions exceeding a decade.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties offer another pathway by providing reduced rents in exchange for federal tax incentives to developers. Even so, many of these units remain financially out of reach for individuals whose sole income is SSI.
Given these challenges, individuals and families often need to explore creative and supplemental strategies. Sharing housing with roommates can reduce monthly costs, and contributions to ABLE accounts (see note at end of this article for more about ABLE) can help cover disability-related expenses without jeopardizing SSI eligibility. In some cases, homeownership may also be a viable long-term solution, as owning a home does not impact SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Programs can assist with down payment and closing costs, helping to make this option more attainable.
Housing for Adults with Disabilities: Barriers and Pathways to Stability
Additional barriers to housing access include limited or no credit history, which can significantly restrict housing opportunities. Many individuals have not had the opportunity to establish credit, and even when a housing voucher is available, landlords may still deny applications based on insufficient credit history. Criminal background screening can also present challenges, as certain records may limit eligibility or lead to denial depending on landlord criteria and housing policies. In addition, barriers such as lack of identification and missing financial or verification documents can further delay or prevent access to housing altogether.
Housing specialists play a critical role in addressing these barriers and supporting successful housing outcomes. This may include connecting individuals to credit counseling services, referring eligible individuals to expungement clinics, assisting with obtaining required identification and verification documents, and supporting the submission of reasonable accommodation requests tied to disability-related needs to improve access to housing opportunities.
Importantly, securing housing is only one part of the process. Sustaining housing stability requires ongoing, individualized support. Wraparound services—such as assistance with budgeting, lease compliance, maintenance coordination, and tenancy skills development—are essential to supporting long-term success in the community. With the right combination of housing resources and support services, adults with disabilities can successfully obtain and maintain housing in the community, leading to greater independence, stability, and overall quality of life.
Note: An ABLE account is a savings account for individuals with disabilities that allows contributions to grow tax-free and be used for qualified disability expenses such as education, housing, transportation, health care, and personal support services. It does so without affecting federal benefits. You can also check out Get Your Stuff in Order: Reporting Changes and Preparing for SSI or SSDI Reviews
