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People with Disabilities Living in the US Face Urgent Barriers to Housing

Disabled people living in households across the United States are experiencing disproportionate rates of housing insecurity due to a unique set of barriers and federal assistance programs are failing to meet their needs. The Kelsey and Urban Institute are proud to release this national needs assessment that quantifies the number of disabled people impacted by barriers of housing affordability, accessibility, and service-enriched, quality community-based housing. From the 2021 Current Population Survey, the research explores the current characteristics and living situations of housed disabled people, as well as their ability to access federal housing assistance and other support programs.

People are seen crawling up the steps of the US. Capitol

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People are seen crawling up the steps of the US. Capitol

People with Disabilities Living in the US Face Urgent Barriers to Housing

Learn Center Resource
Black and white photo of capitol crawl, in which two people, one dark shinned and one light skinned are crawling up the US capital steps. Photo taken during the fight for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Key Factsheet Highlights

  • 18 million disabled people living in the United States are eligible for housing assistance but are not receiving it
  • 7 million disabled people live with an adult head of household who is a relative. 52 percent of these heads of household are 55 or older, compared with 41 percent of heads of households without a disabled member
  • Only 32 percent of low-income disabled people receive SNAP benefits and 37 percent receive Medicaid

Key Questions Explored

  • What are the Characteristics of the Disabled Population?
  • What Types of Households Do Disabled People Live In?
  • How Many Disabled People Living in the US Receive Housing Assistance?
  • Who Is Missing?

Recommendations Include

  • Tenant and project-based vouchers
  • Development subsidies and incentives targeting housing that includes homes for people with disabilities that are inclusive, integrated, affordable, and accessible
  • Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), including housing-related services
  • Piloting funds and programs for new community-based housing models that are inclusive of people with disabilities
  • More comprehensive and inclusive research on the need for disability-forward housing

Click here to read the full factsheet and methodology from The Kelsey & Urban Institute.