San Diego County has opened a third round of applications for its Shallow Rental Subsidy Program, offering $500 a month in rental assistance to low-income older adults who are struggling with housing costs.

The county said the new round will continue accepting applications until 195 qualified households are accepted. Monthly payments to landlords are expected to begin in early 2027, according to the County News Center.

The program is open to adults age 60 and older who are at risk of losing housing. To qualify, applicants must be severely rent burdened and have a household income at or below 30 percent of the area median income.

For Santee and East County renters on fixed incomes, the program is one more safety-net option at a time when housing costs remain a pressure point across the region. County officials said the program launched as a pilot in 2023 after data showed that one-quarter of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County were older adults.

Residents with questions can email AHHSseniorprogram@equitablesolutions.com with their full name and contact information or call (619) 780-3684. The county said funding for the third round was approved through budget actions tied to the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.