Connect NowPublic benefitsMost public benefit programs are intended to be used for health care services. Since these services aren’t provided in independent living communities, money from those programs can’t be used to pay for independent living. However, some public benefits can help offset the cost of rent in independent living communities, such as: Housing assistance. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers housing vouchers to very low-income seniors under their housing choice vouchers program, formerly called Section 8. Seniors can use these vouchers to offset rent, but income requirements vary based on location, so seniors should contact their local HUD office. Note that not all independent living communities accept housing choice vouchers as payment.[02]Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Also intended for very low-income seniors, SSI payments provide an additional stipend for eligible older adults already receiving Social Security benefits. Generally, a single senior’s estimated net worth must be less than $2,000 or $3,000 for a couple.[03] You can begin the application process by calling Social Security representatives at 800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office.Planning for when independent living isn’t enoughPeople typically choose independent living when they’re active and healthy and desire a more social, maintenance-free lifestyle. New friendships, less stress, and special amenities are among the benefits older adults seek in independent living. Yet, as you continue to age and require more care, you may find that independent living no longer meets your needs. As you assess how to pay for senior living, you can be proactive by planning for what comes next, including understanding payment options for assisted living and payment help for memory care. Families also ask Can health insurance cover independent living costs?No, health insurance will not cover independent living costs since it doesn’t provide health care services like assistance with ADLs or dementia care. Does Medicaid pay for independent living?No, Medicaid will not pay for independent living. Medicaid only covers health care costs and independent living communities are not health care providers. If you come to need care, some communities may allow you to receive care onsite. Medicaid may cover some of those costs. Does long-term care insurance pay for independent living?No, long-term care insurance will not pay for independent living since they are not long-term care facilities. If you come to need care, some communities may allow you to receive care onsite. Medicaid may cover some of those costs. Does Medicare pay for independent living?No, Medicare will not pay for independent living because Medicare is a federal health insurance program and these communities do not provide health care services. If you come to need care, some communities may allow you to receive care onsite. Medicaid may cover some of those costs. Does the VA pay for independent living?Not directly, but veterans can use their retirement, VA pension, or VA disability funds to help offset their rent at an independent living community. If you come to need care, some communities may allow you to receive care onsite. Medicaid may cover some of those costs. Table of ContentsKey TakeawaysPersonal fundsInsurance policiesYour homeOther high-value assetsPublic benefitsPlanning for when independent living isn’t enoughRelated Articles SHARE THE ARTICLEReferencesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2024, September 11). When do I have to pay back a reverse mortgage loan?U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing choice voucher program: Section 8.Social Security Administration. Understanding supplemental security income SSI eligibility requirements — 2024 edition.Written bySusanna Guzman is a professional writer and content executive with 30 years of experience in medical publishing, digital strategy, nonprofit leadership, and health information technology. She has written for familydoctor.org, Mayo Clinic, March of Dimes, and Forbes Inc., and has advised Fortune 500 companies on their content strategy and operations. Susanna is committed to creating content that honors the covenant between patients and their providers.Read moreEdited byTori Newhouse is a Manager of Content Strategy at A Place for Mom. She has more than 15 years' experience in publishing and creating content. With a background in financial services and elder law, her passion is to help readers to plan ahead and plan for their ideal retirement. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Gordon College.Read moreReviewed byLucinda Ortigao is president of Cape Investment Consulting Inc. She is a certified financial planner and offers clients more than 25 years of comprehensive banking and wealth management experience, including estate and financial planning. Lucinda was a Senior Vice President, Client Advisor, SunTrust Bank — now Truist Bank — in the Private Wealth Management Division.Read moreLearn more about our Independent living in all states AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingThe information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites., Most people use personal savings to pay for their home in an independent living community, but there are other ways to cover the safety, security, and amenities and services that this senior living option provides. Additional payment sources commonly used to cover the $3,145 median monthly cost of independent living include income from a part-time job, retirement accounts, income from the rent , Independent living facilities may offer healthy meals, stimulating relationships with other residents, and amenities like exercise classes or hair salons. When considering how to pay for independent living, we may have some good news: certain options may make it a viable alternative..