Can I Afford My Rent?
Enter your income and expenses below. Get a clear answer in under a minute — plus real assistance programs for your state.
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This is a planning estimate, not financial advice. It never stores or sends your numbers anywhere.
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Why So Many Seniors Are Asking This Question
Rents have kept climbing while Social Security checks haven't kept pace with the real cost of housing, groceries, and healthcare. For a growing number of retirees, the math simply doesn't work on a fixed income alone — and that gap is what pushes people to delay medical care, skip meals, or risk losing their homes.
Knowing your exact numbers is the first step. From there, real programs exist — federal rent vouchers, energy assistance, property tax relief, and state-specific rebates — that can close part or all of that gap. Many go unused simply because people don't know they qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the affordability gap calculated?
We add up all your monthly income sources and subtract your housing costs and (if entered) everyday living expenses. What's left over — or missing — is your gap. We also flag it if your rent alone is above 30% of your income, a common affordability benchmark.
Is my information saved or shared?
No. Everything you enter stays in your browser for this session only. Nothing is saved, stored, or sent anywhere.
What if I don't qualify for any of the programs listed?
Eligibility rules vary by county and change over time, so treat this as a starting point, not a final answer. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging — they can screen you for programs beyond what's listed here.
Does HUD directly provide housing?
Not usually. HUD mostly funds local public housing agencies, which then manage vouchers and waitlists in your area. That's why wait times vary so much depending on where you live.