Page 989

COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 07/2021

MSA HOUSING ASSISTANCE

0023.24

MFIP, DWP, SNAP, GA, GRH: No provisions.

MSA: MSA Housing Assistance is a recurring special need payment for clients whose housing costs exceed 40% of the unit’s gross income. The amount of the MSA Housing Assistance allowance is $397. This allowance amount is equal to half of the individual SSI federal benefit rate as of July 1st each year. See 0029.06.03 (Supplemental Security Income Program). If the client is eligible for MSA Housing Assistance the “living alone” assistance standard is always applied, regardless of living situation. 0020.21 (MSA Assistance Standards)

To be eligible for MSA Housing Assistance, an applicant must meet ALL the following requirements: ● Meet a basis of eligibility for MSA. See 0013.09 (MSA Bases of Eligibility).

● Be under the age of 65. A client under the age of 65 who is receiving MSA Housing Assistance and turns age 65 can continue to receive the allowance until subsidized housing becomes available.

● Have total shelter costs that exceed 40% of the unit’s gross income before application of this allowance. See SHELTER COSTS in 0002.61 (Glossary: Self...). Use actual utility expenses whenever possible.

AND

● Meet 1 of these conditions:

- Relocating to the community from an institution, intensive residential mental health treatment program, or GRH setting. See INSTITUTION in 0002.33 (Glossary: Independent...).

OR - Eligible for MA personal care assistance (PCA) services.

OR - A recipient of MA waiver services living in his or her own home or rented or leased apartment.

NOTE: A client in an institution may already be eligible for MSA, but would not be eligible to receive the MSA Housing Assistance allowance until after the move from the institution. A client in an institution and not eligible for MSA may become eligible upon discharge.

An MSA client who receives rental assistance or lives in subsidized housing is not eligible for MSA Housing Assistance.