If you are 62 or older and have a very low household income, Section 202 may provide an affordable housing option in Hawaii. The program is designed for older adults and combines income-qualified housing with rental assistance and supportive services.
At Hawaii Affordable Properties, Inc. (HAPI), we understand that affordable housing programs can be difficult to navigate. Since 1992, we have built more than 30 years of experience administering affordable housing and rental assistance programs. We manage more than 4,000 apartments across 33 projects statewide, with residential properties on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.
This guide explains how Section 202 housing works, who may qualify, how to apply, and how Section 202 compares with other affordable senior housing options in Hawaii.
What Is Section 202 Housing?
Section 202 is a federal HUD program that supports affordable housing for very low-income adults age 62 and older. Eligible properties can receive Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs), which help cover eligible operating costs beyond the resident’s required contribution toward rent.
For eligible residents, rent is generally based on 30% of adjusted household income. The exact calculation depends on the applicable HUD requirements and the property’s program structure.
Section 202 housing is also designed to support independent living. Participating communities may connect residents with services such as transportation, meals, housekeeping, healthcare resources, or other community support. Services vary by property.
Section 202 assistance is tied to participating properties. As an applicant, you do not receive a capital advance yourself. Instead, you apply to a property that participates in the applicable program and meet that property’s eligibility and tenant-selection requirements.
For the federal program overview and current guidance, you can review HUD’s Section 202 information.
Who Qualifies for Section 202 Housing?
Section 202 eligibility generally depends on age and household income. At least one adult household member must generally be 62 or older, and household income must fall within the applicable very low-income limit.
Income limits vary by location and household size, so do not assume that qualifying for one property means you qualify for another.
Here is what you should confirm before applying:
| Requirement | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Age | At least one adult household member generally must be 62 or older |
| Income | Household income generally must be below 50% of AMI |
| Household size | Income limits vary based on the number of people in the household |
| Rent | Eligible residents generally contribute 30% of adjusted income |
| Property participation | The community must participate in the applicable Section 202 program |
| Availability | Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee an immediately available unit |
You may need to provide documentation showing your age, household members, income, assets, Social Security or retirement benefits, and other information required by the property.
Hawaii properties can use different income limits and funding programs, so check the requirements for the community you are considering.
How to Apply for Section 202 Housing
There is not one application that automatically places you on every Section 202 waitlist. HUD directs prospective residents to contact individual participating properties or their owners and managers.
A typical application process looks like this:
1. Identify appropriate properties.Start with your preferred island, household size, income, and housing needs.
2. Confirm the program.Make sure the property actually participates in Section 202 or another affordable housing program that fits your circumstances.
3. Check application status.Ask whether applications are currently being accepted and whether the property maintains a waiting list.
4. Gather your documents.Be prepared to provide age, income, asset, household, and other information requested by the property.
5. Submit a complete application.Follow the property’s instructions carefully. Missing information can delay the eligibility review.
6. Keep your contact information current.Update your mailing address, phone number, and email if they change while you are waiting.
7. Respond to requests promptly.If the property asks for additional information, respond within the timeframe it provides.
HUD’s Resource Locator can also help you identify HUD-assisted housing resources. After finding a property, contact the property directly for current availability and application instructions.
Section 202 vs. Other Affordable Senior Housing Options
Section 202 is only one part of Hawaii’s affordable housing system. The right option depends on your age, income, location, and whether assistance is tied to a specific property or provided through another type of program.
| Housing option | How it works | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Section 202 | Affordable supportive housing for eligible older adults | Designed specifically for very low-income seniors |
| Section 8 | Rental assistance through eligible voucher or project-based programs | Rules depend on the type of Section 8 assistance |
| LIHTC | Income-restricted housing under federal tax-credit requirements | Not the same as a tenant-based voucher |
| Public Housing | Affordable housing operated through a public housing agency | Eligibility and availability vary by agency |
| Rural Development | USDA-supported affordable housing programs | Can be relevant in eligible rural communities |
A senior-restricted apartment is not automatically a Section 202 property. Some communities use LIHTC, Section 8, Rural Development, HOME, public housing, or combinations of funding sources.
Before you apply, confirm the program type, income limits, age requirements, rent calculation, accessibility features, and application process for that property.
Senior Housing Options Across HAPI’s Hawaii Communities
We manage affordable residential communities across Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. Our portfolio includes properties serving different household types and operating under different affordable housing programs.
That means you should not assume every HAPI senior community is a Section 202 property.
For example, our Big Island residential portfolio includes Ainakea Senior Residences, which is listed as Section 8 LIHTC, and Hualalai Elderly I, II, and III, which are listed as Rural Development/LIHTC communities. These examples are not Section 202 properties, so always check the program type shown on the individual property listing before applying.
Our Big Island portfolio also includes senior communities operating under other affordable housing programs. The available options and requirements vary by property.
We also manage residential properties on Oahu and Maui. If you are searching for senior housing on a particular island, review the individual community’s program information rather than assuming that the same eligibility rules apply throughout our portfolio.
When you contact a property, ask:
- What affordable housing program does the community use?
- What income limits apply?
- Is the property accepting applications?
- Is there a waiting list?
- What documentation is required?
- Are accessible units or reasonable accommodations available?
- How will the property contact you about your application?
These questions can help you focus on communities that fit your circumstances.
HAPI Tools for Planning Your Housing Search
We provide online tools that can help you prepare for the financial and practical side of your housing search.
| HAPI tool | How it can help |
|---|---|
| AMI Eligibility Checker | Check income eligibility information using Honolulu’s 2026 income limits based on household size and gross income. |
| Hawaii Real Cost Budgeter | Consider broader Hawaii living expenses when planning your housing budget. |
| Resource Compass | Find housing and community resources based on your needs and location. |
These tools are planning resources. They do not determine eligibility for a specific property or replace an eligibility decision by a housing provider or government agency.
Moving Forward With Section 202 Housing
If you are searching for Section 202 housing in Hawaii, start by identifying your household’s basic requirements:
- Your age and household composition
- Your current household income
- Your preferred island or community
- Your bedroom and accessibility needs
- The affordable housing programs you may qualify for
- Whether the properties you are considering are accepting applications
Then compare properties based on their actual program requirements.
Section 202 can be an important option for eligible seniors, but it is not the only affordable housing program available in Hawaii. A LIHTC, Section 8, Rural Development, or public housing community may also be worth considering depending on your circumstances.
At HAPI, we manage more than 4,000 apartments across 33 projects statewide. Since 1992, we have worked with affordable housing and rental assistance programs serving Hawaii communities.
Our residential properties span Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai, but program requirements differ from one community to another. Review the individual property information carefully before submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Section 202 Housing
1. Is Section 202 the same as Section 8?
No. Section 202 is specifically designed for affordable supportive housing for older adults. Section 8 can refer to different forms of rental assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based assistance. Confirm the exact program attached to the property you are considering.
2. What age do you have to be for Section 202 housing?
Generally, at least one adult household member must be 62 or older at initial occupancy. A property may also have additional eligibility requirements.
3. What income qualifies for Section 202?
Section 202 generally serves very low-income households with income below 50% of AMI. The applicable income limit depends on household size and the property’s location.
4. Does HAPI manage Section 202 properties?
We have experience administering HUD Section 202 and other affordable housing programs. However, not every HAPI senior community is a Section 202 property. Our senior housing portfolio includes multiple programs, so review the individual property’s program type before applying.
5. How do I apply for Section 202 housing in Hawaii?
You generally apply directly through the participating property or manager. Ask whether applications are currently being accepted, whether there is a waiting list, and what documentation you need to provide.
Find an Affordable Senior Home With HAPI
If you are looking for affordable senior housing in Hawaii, explore our residential properties to find communities that may fit your needs.
HAPI: Locally Owned and Trusted Since 1992.
