Housing Assistance for People with Disabilities

Finding affordable housing can be difficult for people with disabilities, who may have special housing needs or limited funds. However, there are a number of resources available to help:

Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York

The Center for Independence of the Disabled (CID-NY) is a primary resource. In addition to providing individuals with referrals and resources related to affordable and accessible housing, CID-NY  can provide assistance with applying for disability related programs. The phone number for the main intake line is 646-442-4186.

Medicaid Waiver Program

The Medicaid Waiver Program provides help for individuals who need managed long-term care to find housing in the community and the home services they need. In addition to housing, the program provides services such as meals and home care. For more information, contact the Regional Resource Development Center at 718-816-3555.

Home of Your Own Program

The Home of Your Own Program is a project of the New York Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to help individuals with developmental disabilities, their families who are income-eligible, and direct support professionals to find a home of their choice. The program and its network of partners provide counseling and resources for home ownership and other independent residential opportunities. Contact OPWDD at 518-473-1973.

Rent Freeze Program

New York City tenants with disabilities may qualify for the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program. Eligible people with disabilities living in rent-stabilized, rent-controlled, Mitchell-Lama and other eligible apartments can have their rent frozen and receive an exemption from future rent increases. Their landlords are provided with tax credits to make up the difference.

Affordable Housing Lotteries

In New York City, affordable housing lotteries are held for renovated or newly constructed buildings with subsidized apartments. Usually, 2 percent of the units in a development are set aside for people with visual and hearing disabilities, and 5 percent are set aside for people with mobility impairments. Call NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) at 212-863-7990.

Learn more about our services in special needs planning, special education advocacy, estate planning and elder law.