I received an eviction notice—what should I do first?

Call 211 for legal-aid referrals and ask your Area Agency on Aging about eviction-defense resources. HUD funds Eviction Protection legal services in many areas.

If you’re a low-income retiree struggling with rent or facing eviction, start with 211 (state/local emergency rent help), the CFPB renter help hub, and your local Public Housing Agency (Section 8). If available, also apply for LIHEAP to keep utilities on and contact an Area Agency on Aging for local senior-specific aid and case management. USAGov+2USAGov+2 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ACL Administration for Community Living

Bottom line: Make three calls today—211, your PHA, and the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116)—to open multiple paths at once. eldercare.acl.gov

Is Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) still available in 2025?

The federal ERA2 authority (American Rescue Plan) runs through September 30, 2025, with a closeout period after that for grantees to finish paying obligations. However, many states and cities stopped taking new ERA applications because their funds were fully used. That’s why “what else can I apply for?” matters right now. U.S. Department of the Treasury National Low Income Housing Coalition NCSHA

Source: U.S. Treasury & NLIHC, last checked: September 9, 2025. U.S. Department of the Treasury National Low Income Housing Coalition

Bottom line: Assume ERA is limited where you live. Apply elsewhere today rather than waiting for ERA to reopen. National Low Income Housing Coalition

Fast-track paths if ERA is closed where you live

Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) for seniors

What it is: A HUD program that caps your tenant payment at ~30% of your income, with the voucher covering the rest (up to local limits). Seniors are eligible, but waitlists can be long; check every nearby PHA (some lists open briefly). USAGov Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

How to start: Use USA.gov’s Section 8 guide and contact your local PHA. HUD.gov

Source: USA.gov/HUD, last checked: September 9, 2025. USAGov

Bottom line: HCV isn’t “emergency-fast,” but it’s the most sustainable rent help for retirees once you’re in. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Senior-specific rent relief (examples)

NYC SCRIE (Rent Freeze): Freezes rent for eligible seniors (62+, income ≤$50k) in rent-regulated housing. access.nyc.gov
NJ SRAP: State rental assistance with periodic lottery-based waitlist openings (e.g., Jan 2025 window). NJ.gov+1

Bottom line: Search your city/state for “senior rent freeze” or “senior rental assistance,” and apply during waitlist windows. access.nyc.gov NJ.gov

Utilities & arrears help (LIHEAP)

For many seniors, utility shutoffs trigger evictions. LIHEAP pays heating/cooling bills and arrears; use USA.gov’s guide or the LIHEAP finder to apply locally. USAGov LIHEAP

Source: USA.gov/LIHEAP Clearinghouse, last checked: September 9, 2025. USAGov

Bottom line: Keep utilities on while you work the rent side—LIHEAP is often faster than housing vouchers. USAGov

Rural seniors (USDA Rural Development)

In USDA-financed properties, Rural Rental Assistance ensures eligible tenants (often seniors) pay no more than ~30% of income in rent. Ask the site manager if your building participates or search for USDA-assisted housing. Recent FY25 policy updates aim to preserve RA as mortgages mature. USDA Rural Development

Bottom line: In rural areas, USDA RA can function like a built-in voucher—ask your property manager. USDA

Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)

HUD issued 70,000 EHVs during the pandemic for people who are homeless or at risk (including older adults). Availability is limited, but ask your Continuum of Care or PHA whether referrals are open. HUD.gov

Bottom line: If you’re at immediate risk, ask about EHV alongside HCV. HUD.gov

Step-by-step: apply in the right order (with checklist)

Call 211 and say: “I’m a low-income senior behind on rent; I need emergency rental assistance and eviction prevention.” Ask for local ERA successors, charities, and legal aid. USAGov
Contact your PHA about Section 8 and any local rent subsidies; ask to be added to multiple nearby waitlists. USAGov
Apply for LIHEAP to stop shutoff/arrears while you stabilize rent. USAGov
Call the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) to reach your Area Agency on Aging for case management and local senior aid. eldercare.acl.gov ACL Administration for Community Living
If you’re in NYC/NJ or similar, submit SCRIE/SRAP (or your state’s senior program) now if open. access.nyc.gov NJ.gov
If eviction is filed or threatened, ask 211/Eldercare for legal aid; HUD funds Eviction Protection legal services in many areas. HUD User
Document everything (calls, case numbers, notices). This helps with reasonable accommodation requests and court.

Checklist: What to gather before you apply (senior edition)

Government ID(s); Social Security card(s).
Proof of income: Social Security/SSI award letter, pension, recent bank statements.
Lease (or proof of tenancy) and rent ledger showing what’s owed.
Utility bills and shutoff notices (for LIHEAP).
Eviction papers (if served) or landlord notice.
Proof of hardship: medical bills, disability documentation, job loss, caregiving.
Contact list: PHA, 211 caseworker, elder services, legal aid.

Bottom line: Applying everywhere at once with a complete packet is the fastest path to an approval.

Comparison table: which program fits your situation?

Program	Who it helps	What it pays	Speed	Where to apply	Key limits
ERA (if open locally)	Renters behind on rent/utilities	Rent/arrears, utilities, some fees	Varies; many portals closed	Local ERA portal via CFPB finder/211	ERA2 authority ends 9/30/2025; funds scarce
Section 8 (HCV)	Very-low-income seniors	Rent gap so you pay ~30% of income	Slow (waitlists)	PHA	Must find a unit + landlord acceptance
LIHEAP	Low-income households	Heating/cooling bills & arrears	Often faster	Local LIHEAP agency via USA.gov	Utility-only (not rent)
SCRIE/State senior programs	Eligible seniors (e.g., NYC 62+, ≤$50k)	Freezes rent (no increases)	Moderate	City/state agency	Only in certain jurisdictions; housing type limits
USDA Rural RA	Tenants in RD-financed properties	Caps rent ≈30% of income	Ongoing	Property/USDA RD	Only where property has RA
EHV (limited)	Homeless/at-risk (incl. older adults)	Voucher like HCV	Limited/varies	PHA + referrals	Scarce, targeted

Sources: Treasury/CFPB, USA.gov, HUD, USDA RD, NLIHC/NCSHA (last checked: Sept 9, 2025). U.S. Department of the Treasury USAGov+1 HUD.gov USDA National Low Income Housing Coalition

Bottom line: If ERA is unavailable, pair LIHEAP + a voucher application + any senior program to stabilize now and long-term. USAGov+1

Eviction-prevention moves retirees should take this week

Stay in communication with your landlord; offer a payment plan referencing pending aid (case numbers help).
Ask for reasonable accommodation if disability affects rent-payment timing (e.g., fixed-benefit deposit date).
Get legal help early. HUD’s Eviction Protection Grant Program funds local legal-aid orgs. Ask 211/Eldercare to connect you. HUD User
Document delivery of all notices (keep envelopes). Show good faith with partial payments.

Bottom line: Even before you’re approved, documented good-faith efforts can slow or stop an eviction. HUD User

Eligibility basics: income, documentation, and common denials

Income rules vary: HCV targets very low income; ERA (where open) focused on COVID-era hardships; senior programs have specific age/income caps (e.g., SCRIE ≤$50k). USAGov access.nyc.gov
Payment standard: HCV generally aims for ~30% of income from tenant. ERA/LIHEAP pay eligible charges directly to landlord/utility. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau USAGov
Common denials: missing documents, duplicate applications, lease not in applicant’s name, income slightly over threshold, not in rent-regulated housing (for SCRIE). access.nyc.gov
If denied: ask for appeal/reconsideration; request reasonable accommodation if a health condition affected your ability to submit.

Source: USA.gov/HUD/NYC DOF & CFPB pages, last checked: September 9, 2025. USAGov access.nyc.gov Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Bottom line: Eligibility = age + income + housing type + paperwork. When in doubt, apply and appeal. USAGov

Avoid scams + get free help (counselors & navigators)

Never pay for a Section 8 spot or “guaranteed approval.” Apply only via your PHA or official sites. USAGov
Use CFPB’s resources for renters and find HUD-approved counselors. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) connects you to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that can help with applications, benefits checks, and case management. eldercare.acl.gov ACL Administration for Community Living

Bottom line: If someone asks for upfront fees, walk away and use .gov resources and AAAs. USAGov

Key resources & who to call (bookmark this)

211: Ask for emergency rental assistance & legal aid in your county. USAGov
CFPB Renter Help: Step-by-step renter guidance, links to local programs. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
USA.gov Rental Assistance: Section 8, public housing, subsidized housing overview. USAGov
LIHEAP help: Utility assistance & reconnection resources. USAGov
HUD Seniors page: Affordable options for older adults. HUD.gov
PHA locator: Contact local housing authority for vouchers and openings. HUD.gov
Eldercare Locator (AAA): 800-677-1116 for senior-specific help. eldercare.acl.gov

Disclaimer

This article provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Housing rules vary by state/city and can change. Always confirm details with your local agency or a qualified attorney/advocate.

FAQs

Q: Is Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) still available in 2025 for seniors?

ERA2 runs through September 30, 2025, but many local programs have stopped taking new applications. Call 211 and check the CFPB renter hub to see what’s open in your area.

Q: How can retirees apply for Section 8 vouchers (HCV)?

Contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) to join waitlists and learn about openings. Seniors are eligible, and your share of rent is typically about 30% of income.

Q: What rent help can seniors get if utilities are past due?

Apply for LIHEAP to cover heating/cooling bills and arrears—often faster to approve than housing aid. Use USA.gov or the LIHEAP finder to locate your local agency.

Q: Is there a program that freezes rent for seniors?

In New York City, SCRIE freezes rent for eligible seniors in rent-regulated housing (for example, age 62+ with income limits). Other cities or states may offer similar programs.

Q: Where can rural retirees get rent help?

In USDA-financed properties, Rural Rental Assistance limits rent to roughly 30% of income. Ask your property manager or USDA Rural Development office about availability.

Q: Who can help me fill out applications for free?

Call the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) to reach your Area Agency on Aging for benefits screening and application help.

1) Is Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) still available in 2025 for seniors?
ERA2 runs through Sept 30, 2025, but many local programs have stopped taking new applications. Call 211 and check the CFPB renter hub to see what’s open in your area. U.S. Department of the Treasury National Low Income Housing Coalition USAGov

2) How can retirees apply for Section 8 vouchers (HCV)?
Contact your local Public Housing Agency to join waitlists and learn about openings. Seniors are eligible, and your share of rent is typically about 30% of income. HUD.gov Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

3) What rent help can seniors get if utilities are past due?
Apply for LIHEAP to cover heating/cooling bills and arrears—often faster to approve than housing aid. Use USA.gov or the LIHEAP finder. USAGov

4) Is there a program that freezes rent for seniors?
In New York City, SCRIE freezes rent for eligible seniors in rent-regulated housing (e.g., 62+, ≤$50k income). Other cities/states may have similar programs. access.nyc.gov

5) Where can rural retirees get rent help?
In USDA-financed properties, Rural Rental Assistance limits rent to ~30% of income. Ask your property manager or USDA RD office about RA availability. USDA

6) Who can help me fill out applications for free?
Call the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) to reach your Area Agency on Aging; ask for benefits screening and application help. eldercare.acl.gov

7) I got an eviction notice—what should I do first?
Call 211 for legal aid referrals and ask your AAA about eviction defense resources. HUD funds Eviction Protection legal services in many areas. HUD User

Emergency Rent Help for Low-Income Retirees (2025)