Texas Disability Housing Assistance: Securing Your Accessible Home

Securing safe, affordable, and accessible housing is a fundamental need. For many Texans with disabilities, this search can be a complex and overwhelming process. A wide array of Texas disability housing assistance programs exists, but they are spread across federal, state, and local agencies, each with its own rules and application procedures.

This creates a challenging landscape for individuals and families trying to find the right support. The path to a stable home requires a clear understanding of legal rights, available financial aid, supportive living options, and the specific local organizations that serve as the gateway to these resources.

From rental vouchers that provide choice in the private market to specialized grants for home modifications, a network of support is available to empower independent living.

Foundational Housing Rights for Texans with Disabilities

Before seeking specific assistance programs, it is essential to understand the powerful legal protections that safeguard individuals with disabilities in the housing market. These rights form the bedrock of all interactions with landlords, property managers, and housing providers, ensuring equal access and opportunity. Asserting these rights is the first and most crucial step in securing and maintaining stable housing.

The Fair Housing Act (FHA): A Bedrock of Protection

The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) is the primary law that makes it illegal for housing providers to discriminate against any person based on disability. This protection is comprehensive and applies to most housing transactions, including renting and sales.

• Core Protections: Under the FHA, a landlord or seller cannot refuse to rent or sell to a person, impose different terms or conditions, or otherwise make housing unavailable because of a disability. This protection extends not only to the individual with a disability but also to anyone associated with them, such as a family member or roommate.
• Defining Disability: The law defines disability broadly to include a wide range of conditions. This includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. The definition covers psychological disorders, emotional and mental illnesses, learning disabilities, and chronic health conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

Key Rights in Practice: Accommodations vs. Modifications

The FHA grants two powerful rights that are critical for tenants with disabilities: the right to a reasonable accommodation and the right to a reasonable modification. While they sound similar, they address different types of barriers.

Reasonable Accommodations (Changing the Rules)

A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that is necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their home. It does not involve structural changes but rather flexibility in how things are done.

Common examples include:

• Assistance Animals: Granting an exception to a "no pets" policy for a service animal or a documented support animal needed for a disability.
• Parking: Assigning a specific, accessible parking space for a resident with a mobility impairment, even if parking is typically first-come, first-served.
• Rent Payments: Adjusting the rent due date to align with the monthly distribution of Social Security or disability income to avoid late fees.
• Unit Transfers: Allowing a tenant with a mobility impairment to transfer to an available ground-floor unit.

Reasonable Modifications (Changing the Structure)

A reasonable modification is a structural change made to an existing premises to make it more accessible for a person with a disability. Under the FHA, the tenant is generally responsible for the cost of making modifications to their individual unit. Landlords, however, are typically responsible for paying for modifications to common areas.

Examples of reasonable modifications include:

• Installing grab bars in a bathroom.
• Widening doorways to allow for wheelchair access.
• Installing a ramp to the entrance of the dwelling.

The Request and Response Process

These rights are not automatic; they must be requested. The law places the initial burden on the individual to inform the housing provider of their need. To do so effectively, it is best to submit a request in writing that clearly explains the disability-related need for the requested change. A letter from a doctor, therapist, or social worker can serve as supporting documentation.

Once a request is made, the housing provider has a legal obligation to engage in an "interactive process" to discuss the request and cannot simply ignore it. In Texas, a response is generally required within a reasonable time, not to exceed 14 calendar days. A request can only be legally denied if it would impose an "undue financial and administrative burden" on the housing provider or would "fundamentally alter" the nature of their services.

When Your Rights Are Violated: Seeking Advocacy and Legal Support

If a housing provider ignores a request, issues an unfair denial, or retaliates, there are organizations dedicated to enforcing these rights.

• Disability Rights Texas (DRTx): As the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for Texas, DRTx is a primary resource. Their housing advocacy team can provide legal assistance, help with self-advocacy, and represent individuals in discrimination cases.
• Filing a Formal Complaint: A formal complaint of housing discrimination can be filed with either the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). It is critical to act quickly, as complaints must be filed within one year of the discriminatory act.
• Local Legal Aid: In urgent situations, such as receiving an eviction notice, individuals should immediately contact their local legal aid organization or the Texas Lawyers Referral Hotline at 1-800-252-9690 for assistance.

Statewide Rental Assistance and Voucher Programs

For many Texans with disabilities, the greatest barrier to housing is affordability. Several state and federal programs address this by providing rental subsidies, or vouchers, that help cover the cost of rent in the private market. These programs are "tenant-based," meaning the financial assistance is tied to the individual or family, allowing them to choose where they want to live.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The program is funded by HUD and administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

A participant receives a voucher and is free to find their own housing, including apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes. The PHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, and the tenant pays the difference, which is typically around 30% of their adjusted monthly income.

Eligibility is primarily based on income, but PHAs often give preference to applicants who have a disability. The biggest challenge with the HCV program is availability. Demand far exceeds supply, and most PHAs have long waiting lists that are often closed to new applicants. It is crucial to contact your local PHA directly to check the status of their waiting list.

TDHCA Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) administers the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, which is funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program. TBRA provides rental subsidies for up to 24 months, security and utility deposits, and is often paired with a self-sufficiency program to help households increase their economic stability.

A critical feature of this program is its dedicated funding for individuals with disabilities. Five percent of TDHCA's total annual HOME funding is specifically reserved to assist persons with disabilities statewide.

TDHCA does not provide assistance directly to individuals. Instead, it distributes funds to a network of local administrators, including non-profit organizations, city and county governments, and PHAs. To apply, you must find a local TBRA provider in your area using the "Help for Texans" search tool on the TDHCA website.

Project Access: A Bridge from Institution to Community

The Project Access program is a specialized initiative designed to help low-income Texans with disabilities transition out of institutional settings—such as nursing facilities or state psychiatric hospitals—and into their own homes. The program provides this support by utilizing Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers administered directly by TDHCA.

To be eligible, an applicant must meet all Section 8 criteria, have a permanent disability, and be a current or recent resident of a qualifying institution. The application process is distinct; applicants must submit a complete hard-copy packet with specific forms directly to TDHCA's Section 8 Division in Austin.

Recognizing that waitlists for permanent vouchers can be long, TDHCA actively coordinates the Project Access and TBRA programs to "accelerate relocation". An applicant on the Project Access waitlist may receive temporary rental assistance through a local TBRA provider to bridge the gap until their permanent voucher becomes available. Participating in the TBRA program does not cause an applicant to lose their place on the Project Access waiting list.

Mainstream Vouchers: Supporting Independent Living

Mainstream Vouchers are another specialized type of Housing Choice Voucher designed specifically to assist non-elderly persons (under age 62) with disabilities. This program serves individuals who may be transitioning out of institutional settings, are at serious risk of institutionalization, or are currently experiencing homelessness.

Like standard vouchers, these are administered by local PHAs. However, preference is often given to individuals who are referred by partner service agencies that can provide ongoing supportive services, ensuring a holistic approach to independent living.

Supportive Housing and Integrated Community Living

Beyond rental subsidies, Texas offers several housing models that integrate affordable housing with supportive services. These programs are typically "project-based," meaning the assistance is tied to a specific apartment or property. They are designed for individuals with significant disabilities who may benefit from having services coordinated with their housing to live successfully and independently in the community.

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA)

The Section 811 PRA program is a federal initiative administered by TDHCA that provides project-based rental assistance for extremely low-income adults with disabilities. The program links affordable, integrated housing with voluntary, long-term supportive services provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and its partners.

This program is not open to the public through a general application. Instead, it serves three specific target populations:

1. People with disabilities transitioning from institutions like nursing homes.
2. People with serious mental illness who need stable housing to engage in treatment.
3. Youth with disabilities who are exiting the foster care system.

The only way to access a Section 811 unit is through a referral from a "Qualified Referral Agent," typically a case manager at a Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) or a service coordinator at a Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA). The program is also geographically limited to eight metropolitan areas: Austin-Round Rock, Brownsville-Harlingen, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, El Paso, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, and San Antonio-New Braunfels.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is an evidence-based intervention that combines affordable housing with voluntary, comprehensive supportive services. It is designed for individuals and families who have experienced chronic homelessness and have a documented disabling condition, such as a serious mental illness or substance use disorder. The model operates on a "Housing First" philosophy, which recognizes that providing a stable home is the necessary foundation for a person to address other life challenges.

Access to PSH is not managed through a traditional housing application. Instead, individuals are typically assessed and referred through their community's "Coordinated Entry" system, which is a centralized process for all homeless services in a given area. Non-profit organizations like Volunteers of America Texas are major providers of PSH across the state.

Group Homes and Community-Based Residences

For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who require a higher level of support, Texas offers several residential options, primarily funded through Medicaid.

• HCS Group Homes: The Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver program funds group homes where three to four individuals with IDD live together in a community setting. A certified provider agency furnishes 24-hour staff support for daily living skills, medication administration, and behavioral support.
• Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IID): ICFs are residential facilities that provide 24/7 supervision, treatment, and nursing services for people with IDD. These can range from small, six-person homes to larger, state-run facilities known as State Supported Living Centers.
• Other Residential Models: A variety of other housing options exist, including supervised apartments, host home/companion care arrangements, and private-pay residential communities, each offering different levels of independence and support.

Home Modification, Repair, and Ownership Pathways

For Texans with disabilities who already own a home or have a stable rental but need to improve its accessibility, several grant and loan programs can provide the necessary funding. These programs focus on removing physical barriers, eliminating health and safety hazards, and promoting long-term stability.

Amy Young Barrier Removal (AYBR) Program

The AYBR program is a state-funded initiative administered by TDHCA that provides one-time grants of up to $22,500. These funds are used to pay for accessibility modifications to a person's home, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or remodeling bathrooms.

Eligibility is open to both homeowners and renters whose household income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI) and includes a person with a disability. TDHCA does not accept applications directly. An individual must use the "Help for Texans" portal on the TDHCA website to identify and contact the specific AYBR administrator for their city or county to apply.

Texas HOME owner Rehabilitation Assistance (HRA) Program

Part of the federally funded HOME program, the HRA program provides financial assistance for the substantial rehabilitation or complete reconstruction of substandard, owner-occupied homes. Similar to other HOME programs, TDHCA reserves 5% of its HRA funds specifically to assist homeowners with disabilities anywhere in the state.

To qualify, homeowners must meet income limits and apply through a local administrator—a city, county, or non-profit organization—that has an active agreement with TDHCA to manage HRA projects. The application process is thorough and often involves income verification, a title search, and a detailed property inspection.

Housing Grants for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several powerful grants to help veterans and service members with certain severe service-connected disabilities to buy, build, or modify a home. Applications for these grants are made directly to the VA.

• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: This grant provides up to $121,812 (for FY 2025) for veterans with qualifying disabilities, such as the loss of more than one limb, to create a fully adapted home.
• Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: This grant offers up to $24,405 (for FY 2025) for veterans with other qualifying conditions, such as the loss of both hands or severe burns, to adapt a home.   
• Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant: This grant allows an eligible veteran to use funds to adapt a family member's home where they are living temporarily.

Pathways to Homeownership

For those dreaming of owning a home, some assistance programs can help turn that goal into a reality.

• HCV Homeownership Program: In some areas, families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program can use their voucher to help pay for a monthly mortgage instead of rent. This option is often linked with participation in a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.
• Texas Bootstrap Loan Program: This unique self-help housing program assists very low-income families by providing a 0% interest loan of up to $45,000. In return, the family must provide at least 65% of the labor needed to build their home, known as "sweat equity".

Your Local Connection: Navigating Resources by Region

While many housing programs are funded at the state or federal level, the front door to access them is almost always local. The most successful approach is to identify and connect with the key organizations serving your specific city, county, or region.

Starting Your Search: Statewide Navigators

Before diving into regional specifics, two statewide resources serve as excellent starting points for anyone, anywhere in Texas.

• 2-1-1 Texas: This free, confidential service from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is the universal information and referral hotline. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website, you can connect with a specialist who can provide information on local housing assistance, emergency shelters, and utility payment help.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): ADRCs are designed to be a "no wrong door" single point of entry for older adults and people with disabilities seeking long-term services and supports. Their staff are trained to help individuals navigate complex systems, understand their options, and assist with applications.

Regional Resource Hubs

The following is a breakdown of key local and regional entities that administer housing programs.

Houston and Harris County

• Public Housing Authorities: The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and the Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA) manage Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.
• Key Navigators: The Care Connection Aging & Disability Resource Center serves as a primary information hub for housing options in Harris County.
• Non-Profit Providers: Organizations like Catholic Charities and Volunteers of America Texas are major providers of supportive housing and other assistance programs.
• Program Availability: The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area is an eligible region for the Section 811 PRA program.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

• Public Housing Authorities: The Dallas Housing Authority (DHA), Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office, and Arlington Housing Authority are the primary administrators of voucher programs and public housing.
• County and City Programs: Dallas County offers a Welfare Assistance program providing temporary rent support for disabled residents awaiting other benefits. The City of Dallas administers the HOPWA program for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• Non-Profit Providers: Metro care Services is a key provider of permanent supportive housing linked to mental health services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Program Availability: The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area is an eligible region for the Section 811 PRA program.

Austin and Central Texas

• Public Housing Authorities: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) manage local voucher and public housing programs.
• Non-Profit Providers: Accessible Housing Austin! (AHA!) is a specialized non-profit that develops and manages affordable and fully accessible integrated housing for people with disabilities. Other organizations like Family Eldercare and the Mary Lee Foundation also provide special-needs housing.
• Key Navigators: The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area is the region's ADRC.
• Program Availability: The Austin-Round Rock metro area is an eligible region for the Section 811 PRA program.

San Antonio and Bexar County

• Public Housing Authority: Opportunity Home San Antonio administers a variety of programs, including Public Housing and specialized vouchers like Mainstream and HUD-VASH.
• Non-Profit Providers: San Antonio Independent Living Services (SAILS) is a Center for Independent Living that provides advocacy, information, and transition services.
• City Programs: The City of San Antonio's Neighborhood and Housing Services Department offers rental assistance programs to prevent eviction and promote housing stability.
• Program Availability: The San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area is an eligible region for the Section 811 PRA program.

El Paso and Far West Texas

• Public Housing Authority: The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HACEP, also known as HOME) is the primary local housing authority.
• Key Navigators: Project Amistad operates the region's ADRC, providing a one-stop shop for housing navigation and application assistance. Volar Center for Independent Living is another critical advocacy and resource organization.
• Non-Profit Providers: The Opportunity Center for the Homeless provides a wide range of permanent supportive housing options for individuals with disabilities. AYUDA Inc. offers home repair and modification programs.
• Program Availability: The El Paso metro area is an eligible region for the Section 811 PRA program.

The Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy Counties)

• Public Housing Authorities: Numerous local PHAs serve the region, including those in McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, and Edinburg.
• Key Navigators: The local ADRC serves Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties, providing a streamlined access point for benefits and housing information.
• Non-Profit Providers: Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL) and Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living provide crucial advocacy and transition services. The Westbrook Clinic offers specialized housing assistance for persons living with HIV.
• Program Availability: The Brownsville-Harlingen and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro areas are eligible regions for the Section 811 PRA program.

West Texas (Abilene, South Plains, etc.)

• Regional Housing Authorities: In more rural areas, regional authorities often serve multiple counties. The Abilene Housing Authority covers 20 counties in West Central Texas, and the South Plains Community Action Association administers voucher programs across 14 counties near Lubbock.
• Key Navigators: The West Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center (WCT-ADRC) is the primary information and referral service for a 19-county region around Abilene.
• Program Availability: These regional authorities administer specialized programs, including Mainstream Vouchers and Money Follows the Person vouchers for individuals transitioning from institutional care.

Conclusion

The journey to finding stable and accessible housing in Texas can be demanding, but it is far from impossible. A robust, albeit complex, network of programs and organizations is in place. They offer everything from rental subsidies and supportive living environments to grants for home modifications and pathways to homeownership.

The key to success lies in understanding that this system is not a single entity but a decentralized web of local providers. Each of these providers serves as a crucial access point to the assistance you need.

The primary avenues of support fall into several key categories. These include tenant-based rental assistance like the Housing Choice Voucher program, project-based supportive housing like the Section 811 PRA program, and grants like the Amy Young Barrier Removal program. Foundational legal protections under the Fair Housing Act guarantee equal opportunity for all.

While the sheer number of options may seem daunting, the path forward can be simplified to a clear and actionable first step. For any Texan with a disability beginning their housing search, the most effective starting point is to contact their regional Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or to dial 2-1-1. These two resources are designed to cut through the complexity, assess individual needs, and provide direct referrals to the specific local agencies that can turn the search for a house into the reality of a home.

Frequently Asked Questions