.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
What is the income cutoff to live in assisted living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Private assisted living centers don’t have an income cutoff. If you can pay the rent and fees for the community, most centers will admit you as long as you meet their other requirements.
Low-income individuals aged 62 and older could qualify for subsidized assisted living through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program offers affordable assisted living homes for seniors. For this program, the household income cutoff is half your location’s Area Median Income. If you qualify, your rent will be no more than 30% of your adjusted income.
How much does assisted living cost?
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care survey, the average cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $4,500 per month. This cost includes room and board, but care may cost extra depending on the level of assistance you need. You can apply for Medicare or Medicaid to cover assisted living expenses related to health care and help with activities of daily living. Some communities may also charge additional fees, such as costs for specific amenities.
When you or a loved one needs assisted living, it’s important to consider the full cost of services, as well as available assistance programs, before making a final decision. The National Council on Aging notes that 70% of seniors cite cost as the most important factor when finding an assisted living community.