---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 8012"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "8012"
heading: "Hope for elderly independence"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/8012"
units:
  - "Chapter 89 — Congregate Housing Services"
---

# §8012. Hope for elderly independence

- (a) **Purpose—** The purpose of this section is to establish a demonstration program to test the effectiveness of combining housing certificates and vouchers with supportive services to assist frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons to continue to live independently. The demonstration program under this section shall terminate upon the expiration of the 5-year period determined by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2).
- (b) **Housing assistance—** In connection with this demonstration, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Housing and Urban Development may enter into contracts with public housing [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) to provide not more than 1,500 incremental vouchers and certificates under sections [1437f(b)](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=b) and [1437f(o)](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=o) of this title. A public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) may not require that a frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person live in a particular structure or unit, but the [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) may restrict the program under this section to a geographic area, where necessary to ensure that the provision of supportive services is feasible. At the end of the demonstration period, the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) shall give each frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person the option to continue to receive assistance under the housing certificate or voucher program of the [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1). In the demonstration, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) may also provide for supportive services in connection with existing contracts for [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) under sections [1437f(b)](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=b) and [1437f(o)](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=o) of this title.
- (c) **Supportive services requirements and matching funding—**
  - (1) **Federal, PHA and,1 individual contributions—** The amount estimated by the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) and approved by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) as necessary to provide the supportive services for the demonstration period shall be funded as follows:
    - (A) The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall provide 40 percent, using amounts appropriated under this section.
    - (B) The public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) shall ensure the provision of at least 50 percent from sources other than under this section.
    - (C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person shall pay 10 percent of the costs of the supportive services that the person receives, except that a frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person may not be required to pay an amount that exceeds 20 percent of the adjusted income (as the term is defined in [section 1437a(b)(5) of this title](/usc/42/1437a.md?p=b-5)) of such person and the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall provide for the waiver of the requirement to pay costs under this subparagraph for persons whose income is determined to be insufficient to provide for any payment.
    - (D) To the extent that the limitation under [subparagraph (C)](#c-1-C) regarding the percentage of income frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons may pay for services will result in collected amounts for any public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) of less than 10 percent of the cost of providing the services, 50 percent of such remaining costs shall be provided by the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) and 50 percent of such remaining costs shall be provided by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) from amounts appropriated under this section.
  - (2) **Provision of services for entire demonstration—** Each public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) shall ensure that supportive services appropriate to the needs of the frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons to be served under this demonstration are provided throughout the demonstration period. Expenditures for supportive services need not be made in equal amounts for each year, but may vary depending on the needs of the frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons assisted under this section. A public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) may use up to 20 percent of the Federal assistance provided for supportive services in each year of this demonstration and any amounts from any prior year in which the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) did not use 20 percent of the available Federal assistance.
  - (3) **Calculation of match—** In determining compliance with [paragraph (1)(B)](#c-1-B), an [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) may include the value of such items as the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) determines to be appropriate, which may include the salary paid to staff to provide supportive services, if such items have a readily discernible market value.
- (d) **Applications—** An application under this section shall be submitted by a public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall establish. The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall require that an application contain at a minimum—
  - (1) an application for [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) under [section 1437f of this title](/usc/42/1437f.md), if necessary, and a description of any such assistance already made available that will be used in the demonstration;
  - (2) a description of the size and characteristics of the population of frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons and of their housing and supportive services needs;
  - (3) a description of the proposed method of determining whether a person qualifies as a frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person (specifying any additional eligibility requirements proposed by the [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1)), and of selecting frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons to participate;
  - (4) a statement that the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) will create a [professional assessment committee](/usc/42/8002.md?p=7) or will work with another entity which will assist the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) in identifying and providing only services that each frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person needs to remain living independently;
  - (5) a description of the mechanisms for developing housing and supportive services plans for each person and for monitoring the person’s progress in meeting that plan;
  - (6) the identity of the proposed service providers and a statement of qualifications;
  - (7) a description of the supportive services the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) proposes to make available for the frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons to be served, the estimated costs of such services, a description of the resources that are expected to be made available to cover the portion of the costs required by [subsection (c)(1)](#c-1);
  - (8) assurances satisfactory to the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) that the supportive services will be provided for the demonstration period;
  - (9) the plan for coordinating the provision of [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) and supportive services;
  - (10) a description of how the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) will ensure that the service providers are providing supportive services, at a reasonable cost, adequate to meet the needs of the persons to be served;
  - (11) a plan for continuing supportive services to frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons that continue to receive [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) under [section 1437f of this title](/usc/42/1437f.md) after the end of the demonstration period; and
  - (12) a statement that the application has been developed in consultation with the area [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) on aging under title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 [[42 U.S.C. 3021](/usc/42/3021.md) et seq.] and that the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) will periodically consult with the area [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) during the demonstration.
- (e) **Selection—**
  - (1) **Criteria—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall establish selection criteria for a national competition for assistance under this section, which shall include—
    - (A) the ability of the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) to develop and operate the proposed [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) and supportive services program;
    - (B) the need for a program providing both [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) and supportive services for frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons in the area to be served;
    - (C) the quality of the proposed program for providing supportive services;
    - (D) the extent to which the proposed funding for the supportive services is or will be available;
    - (E) the extent to which the program would meet the needs of the frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons proposed to be served by the program; and
    - (F) such other factors as the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) specifies to be appropriate for purposes of carrying out the demonstration program established by this section in an effective and efficient manner.
  - (2) **Consultation with HHS—** In reviewing the applications, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall consult with the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Health and Human Services with respect to the supportive services aspects.
  - (3) **Funding limitations—** No more than 10 percent of the assistance made available under this section may be used for programs located within any one [unit of general local government](/usc/42/11851.md?p=12).
- (f) **Required agreements—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) may not approve any assistance for any program under this section unless the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) agrees—
  - (1) to operate the proposed program in accordance with the program requirements established by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2);
  - (2) to conduct an ongoing assessment of the [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) and supportive services required by each frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person participating in the program;
  - (3) to ensure the adequate provision of supportive services, at a reasonable cost, to each frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person participating in the program; and
  - (4) to comply with such other terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) may establish for purposes of carrying out the program in an effective and efficient manner.
- (g) **Definitions—** For purposes of this section:
  - (1) The term “demonstration period” means the 5-year period referred to in [subsection (a)](#a).
  - (2) The term “[elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person” means a person who is at least 62 years of age.
  - (3) The term “frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person” means an [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) person who is unable to perform at least 3 activities of daily living adopted by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) for purposes of this program. [Owners](/usc/42/13641.md?p=4) may establish additional eligibility requirements (acceptable to the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2)) based on the standards in local supportive services programs.
  - (4) The term “[professional assessment committee](/usc/42/8002.md?p=7)” means a group of at least 3 persons appointed by a public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) which shall include at least 1 qualified medical professional and other persons professionally competent to appraise the functional abilities of the frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) in relation to the performance of activities of daily living.
  - (5) The term “public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1)” has the meaning given such term in [section 1437a(b)(6) of this title](/usc/42/1437a.md?p=b-6). The term includes an Indian Housing Authority, as defined in [section 1437a(b)(11)](/usc/42/1437a.md?p=b-11)[^2] of this title.
  - (6) The term “[Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2)” means the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Housing and Urban Development.
  - (7) The term “supportive services”—
    - (A) means assistance, that the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) determines—
      - (i) addresses the special needs of frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons; and
      - (ii) provides appropriate supportive services or assists such persons in obtaining appropriate services, including personal care, case management services, transportation, meal services, counseling, supervision, and other services essential for achieving and maintaining independent living; and
    - (B) does not include medical services, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2).
- (h) **Multifamily project demonstration—**
  - (1) **In general—** In addition to the demonstration program authorized by the preceding provisions of this section, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall conduct a demonstration in one Federal region, subject to the terms and conditions of this subsection, to determine the feasibility of using [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) under [section 1437f of this title](/usc/42/1437f.md) to assist [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons who may become frail to live independently in housing specifically designed for occupancy by such persons in sufficient proportion to achieve economies of scale in the provision of services and facilities.
  - (2) **Section 1437f allocation—** From amounts provided pursuant to [subsection (j)](#j) and subject to availability in appropriation Acts, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall enter into a contract with a public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) to provide [housing assistance](/usc/42/13641.md?p=3) under [section 1437f(b) of this title](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=b) to assist [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons in at least 75 percent of the units in a single housing [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) with more than 100 units.
  - (3) **Section 1437f terms—** The assistance payment contract under [section 1437f of this title](/usc/42/1437f.md) shall be attached to the structure and shall be in an initial term of 5 years. The contract shall (at the option of the public housing [agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) and subject to availability of amounts approved in appropriations Acts) be renewable for 3 additional 5-year terms. Rents for units in the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) assisted pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the rent limitations in effect for the area under [section 1437f of this title](/usc/42/1437f.md) for [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) for the [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) receiving loans under [section 1701q of title 12](/usc/12/1701q.md).
  - (4) **Supportive services—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall allocate, for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) assisted pursuant to this subsection, a reasonable portion of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization for funds for supportive services in [subsection (k)](#k), based on the estimated number of [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) residents who will be frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) individuals during the 5-year period beginning on the date of initial occupancy of the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2). Grants for supportive services may be used to assist any occupant in the demonstration [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) who is a frail [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) individual. Grants for supportive services under this subsection shall be subject to the other terms and conditions specified in this section.
  - (5) **Applications—** An application for assistance under this subsection may be submitted by any [unit of general local government](/usc/42/11851.md?p=12) with a population under 50,000 and shall contain such information as the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) deems appropriate.
  - (6) **Selection—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall select one application for funding under this subsection based on the following criteria:
    - (A) The number of [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons residing in the applicant’s jurisdiction.
    - (B) The extent of existing housing constructed prior to 1940 in the applicant’s jurisdiction.
    - (C) The number of [elderly](/usc/42/8002.md?p=3) persons living in adjacent [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) to whom the services and facilities provided by the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) would be available.
    - (D) The level of [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) and local contributions toward the cost of developing the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) and of providing supportive services.
    - (E) The [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2)’s contribution to neighborhood improvement.
- (i) **Report—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall submit to Congress an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of the demonstrations under this section. The report shall include a statement of the number of persons served, the types of services provided, the cost of providing such services, and any other information the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) considers appropriate in evaluating the demonstration.
- (j) **Section 1437f funding—** The budget authority available under [section 1437c(c) of this title](/usc/42/1437c.md?p=c) for assistance under sections [1437f(b)](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=b) and [1437f(o)](/usc/42/1437f.md?p=o) of this title is authorized to be increased by $38,288,000 on or after October 1, 1992, and by $39,896,096 on or after October 1, 1993. The amounts made available under this subsection shall be used only in connection with the demonstration under this section.
- (k) **Funding for services—** There are authorized to be appropriated for the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) to carry out the responsibilities for supportive services under the demonstrations under this section $10,000,000 to become available in fiscal year 1993, and $10,420,000 to become available in fiscal year 1994. Any such amounts appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
- (l) **Implementation—** Not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date that funds authorized for the demonstrations under this section first become available for obligation, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall by notice establish such requirements as may be necessary to carry out the demonstration programs authorized under this section.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. The comma probably should precede “and”.
[^2]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–625, title VIII, § 803, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4317; Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, § 605, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3806.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Older Americans Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (d)(12), is Pub. L. 89–73, July 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 218. Title III of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 3021 et seq.) of chapter 35 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3001 of this title and Tables.

Section 1437a(b)(11) of this title, referred to in subsec. (g)(5), was repealed by Pub. L. 104–330, title V, § 501(b)(1)(D), Oct. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 4041, and a new section 1437a(b)(11), defining “public housing agency plan”, was enacted by Pub. L. 105–276, title V, § 506(4), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2524.

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, and not as part of the Congregate Housing Services Act of 1978 which comprises this chapter.

### Amendments

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–550, § 605(c)(1), substituted “determined by the Secretary” for “beginning on November 28, 1990”.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 102–550, § 605(c)(2), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “The term ‘demonstration period’ means the period beginning on November 28, 1990, and ending upon the termination date under subsection (a).”

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 102–550, § 605(a), amended subsec. (j) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (j) read as follows: “The Secretary may provide assistance under sections 1437f(b) and 1437f(o) of this title in connection with the demonstrations under this section, in an amount not to exceed $34,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, and $35,500,000 for fiscal year 1992, subject to the approval of sufficient amounts in appropriations Acts under section 1437c of this title.”

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 102–550, § 605(b), amended subsec. (k) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (k) read as follows: “There are authorized to be appropriated for the Secretary to carry out the responsibilities for supportive services under the demonstrations under this section, $10,000,000 to become available in fiscal year 1991, and $10,400,000 to become available in fiscal year 1992, and remain available until expended.”