Housing for the Disabled in Maryland
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program is also known as Section 8. This program is federally funded but administered by each state, including Maryland. If you're disabled and have limited means, you may qualify for the program. If you do, you can choose any housing that is for rent and that will accept the vouchers, including apartments, single family homes and townhouses. The voucher is paid directly to your landlord, and you're responsible for the difference. You can apply at your local Public Housing Agency.
- Several programs provide mortgage or financing assistance to the disabled. The Homeownership Voucher Program works with those receiving Section 8 vouchers and converts the rental vouchers to mortgage payments. The Maryland Homeownership Program for Individuals with Disabilities requires the borrower, or a child of the borrower, to be disabled. A Certificate of Disability must be completed by a health professional. Maximum income guidelines exist as well as a maximum home cost and a minimum credit score of 600 that has been maintained for at least one year. You can apply with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
- Home modifications are for a home that you already own. Typically, these are funded privately, but there are loan programs and grants to help with the costs, along with several Maryland organizations that provide free labor and/or supplies. One loan program is the Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program, which provides a loan of up to $30,000 for items like wheelchairs, Scooters and other home modifications. Another is Special Loans Program, which provides low income loans to families with a low-to-moderate income for home modifications. For information on these and other programs, contact the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
- In addition to statewide resources, a number of county and city programs provide housing assistance to the disabled. Anne Arundel County, for example, has the Rebuilding Together program, which offers free home repairs to the elderly, low-income and the disabled. Howard County offers information and advice on barrier-free, low-income housing. Montgomery County offers special needs housing for the disabled as well as other vulnerable populations. Contact your county for more information on these or similar programs in your area.