Everyone needs a safe and stable home to live a good, independent life. This is a major concern for individuals who deal with significant health challenges. To overcome this problem, New York State implemented a Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver program, which provides compassionate care at home and offers housing subsidies for eligible participants. This housing subsidy program is one of the many services that come under the NHTD waiver program to ensure that people have independent lives in their community with the compassionate care they deserve. We will guide you properly on what the eligibility criteria are and how to apply for the NHTD Housing Subsidy program to get an independent home. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years.
What is the NHTD Program’s Housing Subsidy?
To understand the NHTD Program’s Housing subsidy, first, we need to understand the NHTD waiver program. This program is a New York initiative for residents with disabilities and seniors to get home and community-based services to ensure they can live within their community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility. Medicaid-eligible participants take part in this program and can live independently with the care services offered through the program.
Under this program, a rental subsidy is given to eligible participants to pay for housing costs. As the program recognizes that a person’s safety and good quality of life depend on having their own home in the community. This financial assistance is designed to fill the gap between a person’s income and the cost of renting a small apartment in their local area, making them independent and an achievable reality for their life journey.
Eligibility Requirements for the NHTD Housing Subsidy
To receive financial aid assistance under the NHTD program, you need to fulfill its eligibility criteria. First, you should be an active participant in the NHTD waiver program. This also means you already met the basic program eligibility criteria, which include being eligible for Medicaid and requiring a nursing home level of care. Besides being an active participant, other criteria requirements are as follows:
Housing Status:
This subsidy is allotted to individuals who need assistance to either secure or maintain their housing. You may be eligible if:
You’re transitioning from an institutional setting (like a nursing home or hospital) back into the community and need a house.
Currently living in a community with a bad housing situation or on the verge of losing the home due to affordability problems.
Financial contribution:
To get this financial aid, participants are expected to pay a part of their income for their housing costs. This is usually around 30% of their monthly income. This housing subsidy is designed to cover the remaining part of the rent, but to a certain extent.
Housing Unit Requirements:
To meet the standards for the subsidy, the apartment and home should meet the program standards requirements, such as:
Rent must be reasonable: The Total rent should be as per local market rates. This will be determined by comparing the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for that specific area. If the rent is significantly higher than the local market rate, then the subsidy will not be allotted.
Unit must be appropriate: The size of the house must be appropriate for the person to live independently. For example, having the space for a person’s bedroom apartment.
Landlord agreement: Your landlord must agree to participate in the program policy by accepting the subsidy payment directly from the paying agency and signing a lease with you.
Application Process for the Housing Subsidy
After checking your eligibility, you can apply for this service. For the application process, you work with your NHTD service coordinator to complete the process and receive the subsidy. Here are the steps of the application process for the housing subsidy:
Get an assessment with your service coordinator: The process for this service starts with a conversation with your service coordinator about your housing situation and financial needs. They will guide you on whether a housing subsidy is appropriate for you or not. If appropriate, they assess your eligibility.
Finding a suitable apartment: If you don’t have housing already, you should look for a suitable apartment in your community. Your service coordinator will help you and guide you in this process. Make sure you look for units with rents around or close to Fair Market Rent in your area to maximize the benefit of the subsidy.
Completing the housing subsidy packet: Once you find a good apartment, talk with your service coordinator to assist you in discussing the process with the landlord to complete the application form. This form usually involves:
- A request for lease approval.
- A form for the landlord to fill out their necessary information.
- A copy of the proposed lease.
- Income verification documents are used to calculate the amount you pay from your pocket.
Submission and approval: Your service coordinator will submit your completed form to the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) for review. Then, RRDC verifies all the requirements, like that the unit is appropriate, the rent is reasonable, and the lease terms are acceptable.
Lease signing and subsidy payments: Once the RRDC approves the subsidy, you can sign the lease with your landlord. The subsidy payment will be directly sent to your landlord each month starting from next month. You should also be responsible for paying your part of the rent to the landlord. Your service coordinator will ensure this process works seamlessly for all parties responsibly.
Your partner in securing a home
We believe that everyone wants a place they can call “home” where they can go and feel safe. With the NHTD housing subsidy, it is possible for eligible participants to live independently while managing their health in their own home. The process may seem complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our mission is to ensure that you get compassionate, safe, and reliable support.
While your service coordinator is your dedicated partner who looks after the housing and services you need, we are here to assist with every step from understanding this service to applying to the day when you can move into the new home. Contact us now on 718-922-9200 to get assistance to understand everything about the NHTD waiver program and the services you should choose for your journey to independence with a good quality of life. You can also send an email to us at info@HouseCallshc.org for more information. Our goal is to help you find the best support for your needs.
