DHS Expected to Introduce Housing Stabilization Services

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

Minnesota will soon become the first state in the nation to including house stabilization as a new state Medicaid benefit for people with disabilities and seniors.   

Including Housing Stabilization Services in Medicaid means that support for finding stable housing will soon become a part of health care. While this program is not focused on our settings, and there are several exclusions to eligibility, it may provide a new resource for individuals who have had challenges to have support and coaching to maintain residency.   

Housing Stabilization Services include two main services: 

Housing Transition Service:

• Helps people plan for, find and move into housing by:
• Developing an individualized housing plan
• Identifying and assisting in resolving barriers to accessing housing
• Supporting the person in applying for benefits to afford their housing
• Contacting prospective housing options for availability and information
• Supporting the person with tenant screening and housing assessment
• Helping to understand and negotiate a lease
• Identifying resources to cover moving expenses
• Ensuring the new living arrangement is safe and ready for move-in

Housing Sustaining Service

• Supports a person to maintain housing through:
• Prevention and early identification of behaviors that may jeopardize continued housing
• Assistance with the housing recertification processes
• Training on being a good tenant, lease compliance, and household management
• Supporting the person to understand and maintain income and benefits to retain housing
• Supporting the building of natural housing supports and resources in the community
• Housing sustaining services do not cover room and board