Use this checklist before making a decision

Compare housing costs, accessibility, assistance programs, home-repair options, neighborhood needs, and the tradeoffs of moving or remaining at home. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Calculate total monthly housing cost, including rent or mortgage, utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance, association fees, and transportation.
  • Check entrances, bathrooms, stairs, lighting, door widths, flooring, emergency exits, and space for mobility equipment.
  • Verify the status of a housing program or waiting list directly with the property or agency.
  • Review healthcare, pharmacy, grocery, transit, caregiver, and social-service access near the address.
  • Get written estimates before paying for repairs or modifications.
  • Before moving, compare taxes, insurance, climate risks, support networks, and legal protections—not only housing prices.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Utility Bills, Energy Assistance, and Shutoff Protection, Accessible Transportation and Medical Travel, Assistive Technology, Medical Equipment, and Home Modifications.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.