Housing for the Disabled in Louisiana

Disabled Louisiana residents have a variety of housing options in the state. There are subsidized apartments and homes, voucher programs, assistance securing a mortgage and down payment assistance. There are fair housing laws in place to protect the disabled from discrimination. These laws also guarantee a level of accessibility for those with limited mobility.

Baton Rouge and New Orleans both offer public housing to low-income residents, including the disabled. The Housing Authority of New Orleans offers its public housing to the elderly, the disabled and families with children. The income maximum is 80 percent of the average median income of New Orleans.

East Baton Rouge Parish has more than 1,153 public rental units across 14 sites as of 2019. Three of the sites are geared specifically to the elderly, handicapped or disabled families. Most of the units are close to public transportation. Eligibility is determined by income, credit history and criminal history. You can apply directly to the apartment community that interests you.

Section 8 vouchers are now called Housing Choice Vouchers. Vouchers are available through local public housing authority offices throughout Louisiana. To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher, you must be disabled, elderly or a family with children and a low income. The income maximum is based on the median income of each area and the size of your household. To apply, contact your local public housing authority office.

The Louisiana Housing Finance Agency offers low-income families, including the disabled, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Eligibility is based on the median income of your local area. The HOME/MRB program includes financing for part of the down payment and closing costs and requires your income to be less than 80 percent of your area's median income.

The MRB Assisted program also covers part of the down payment and closing costs, but has a higher interest rate and allows a higher income (140 percent of the local median income if the property is in a Targeted Area). To apply, contact the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency.

Public housing authority offices also offer the home ownership voucher program. This program is for those who are already receiving the Housing Choice vouchers, including the disabled. The agencies help to secure financing for a home, and your rental voucher becomes a mortgage voucher to help pay for your new home. For more information, contact your local public housing authority office.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers VA-backed loans for veterans. These include a competitive fixed rate, long repayment period and no down payment. Disabled veterans are also eligible for the Specially Adapted Housing Program, which is a grant that provides funds to help modify an existing home or purchase a new, accessible one. To apply for either of these programs, contact your local VA office.