Page 5

5

I. BACKGROUND

The Special Assistance In-Home Program (SAIH) provides an alternative to placement in a SA facility by providing a cash supplement to individuals who desire and are able to live at home safely with additional supportive services. Established in September 2000 as a demonstration project, SAIH became a permanent statutory program in 2007. In July 2012, Session Law (S.L.) 2012- 142 required participation in the SAIH program by all county departments of social services by February 15, 2013.

The 2007 legislation allowed the number of SA In-Home recipients to expand up to 15% of the total state-wide SA caseload. §108A-47.1. S.L. 2012 -142 allowed the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to waive the 15% limit. In December 2021, Session Law (S.L.) 2021-180 removed the limit on the number of allowable SA In-Home recipients.

II. BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Individuals who wish to receive an SAIH payment must be otherwise eligible for Special Assistance, have an FL- 2 indicating a need for licensed residential facility level of care (such as an adult care home or supervised living group home) signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, and have a case management assessment and service plan completed to identify what is needed for the individual to live safely at home with services and the SAIH payment.

III. COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION

The SAIH program requires a collaborative effort between the SA Income

Maintenance Caseworker (IMC) and the adult services case manager in determining if an applicant and/or beneficiary (a/b) meets all eligibility criteria. The provision of services enables the adult to remain in a Private Living Arrangement (PLA) safely. The eligibility criteria and the amount of the payment are determined by the SA IMC.

The determination of how the a/b’s needs will be met safely in the home is made by the Adult Services Case Manager. A SAIH Case Management Assessment and service plan is completed by the Adult Services Case Manager and is utilized to identify needs and services that may be offered to the adult.

To provide the best assistance for the recipient, it is imperative for the IMC to establish and maintain open lines of communication with Adult Services staff. SA-5000 I-III.