Throughout Vermont, there are subsidized senior apartments for people who are at least 62 years old or who have a disability. In general, these apartments charge 30 percent of the resident's gross income, which pays for rent and utilities. Income limits apply and change yearly. See our listings of Senior Housing & Licensed Facilities on our Resource page.
Waiting Lists: There is a great demand for senior subsidized housing, and each housing development keeps a waiting list of applicants. Waiting lists are updated regularly; it is the applicant's obligation to inform the housing management of any changes (e.g., address). Each development may have different preferences and priorities, which may dramatically affect waiting lists. Therefore, it may be difficult to tell applicants exactly where they are located on the waiting list.
Preferences: Some subsidized housing considers preferences, in addition to chronological date of application, in determining position on a waiting list. Preferences may include: (l) applicants paying more than 50 percent of their gross income for rent and utilities; (2) applicants currently living in substandard housing; (3) applicants who are involuntarily displaced. Not all subsidized housing developments offer preferences, but if the application requests information and you think you may meet a preference, you will need to fill out that section. If after completing the application your circumstances change and you believe you may qualify for a preference, contact the housing management where you sent the application. You should be prepared to verify your claim of qualifying for a preference.
OTHER RENTAL HOUSING
Other rental options may be more readily available (i.e., no waiting lists), and may offer services such as building security, emergency call buttons in each unit, meals, transportation to shopping or medical appointments, homemaker services, or on-site staff.
Affordable Housing: Some apartment buildings, while not regulated as strictly as subsidized housing, offer an affordable option for low and moderate income seniors. Rent is based on the person's income. Some number of units may also qualify for a subsidy.
Senior Apartments: Some apartment buildings rent exclusively to seniors, and may offer additional services, such as social activities.
Rooming houses provide single rooms in shared group residences. Preference is generally given to homeless persons or those with a disability.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Continuing Care Retirement Community: Residents enter into an agreement that guarantees life-long provision of housing, health services, long term care services, and social and recreational outlets. Costs include an initial entrance fee and monthly fees.
Condominium: Residents purchase individual condominium units, and pay a monthly service fee. Services may include meal(s), emergency call system, social activity, and housekeeping.
Mobile Home or Modular Home Developments restrict their residents to adults over a certain age. They may offer additional services, such as meals, or social activities.
SHARED HOUSING
Shared housing is a living arrangement where two or more unrelated people share a home or apartment to their mutual advantage. Each person has a private bedroom and shares common living areas, much like a family would. Benefits include reduced costs, security, and companionship. There are two types of shared housing: match-up and group shared residence. In match-ups, homeowners share their homes with homeseekers who pay rent. Many matches are intergenerational and/or entail the provision of services in exchange for a reduction in rent. Group shared residences involve a number of people living cooperatively in a single large dwelling. Services such as cooking, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance are often provided. Residents have a voice in decisions concerning the management and operation of the household.
