Supported Living Options

Supported Living Options

Purpose:
Provide Hub staff with clear, plain-language explanations of supervised and supported living settings available in Minnesota, along with links to trusted resources.

Q: What are supported living options?

A: Supported living options are housing settings where staff help people with daily living tasks. Support can range from occasional check-ins to 24-hour on-site assistance. These settings are designed for people who need help maintaining stability, safety, or independence.

Q: What types of supported living settings are available in Minnesota?

A: Common supported living options include:

• Housing Support (Group Settings)
For people with low income and a disability or disabling condition. Housing Support pays room and board in approved group settings and may pay for some additional services.
More information: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/services/support/housing-support/

• Waiver-funded residential services
People on disability waivers may access services in settings like:

• Adult foster care
• Community Residential Settings (CRS)
• Supervised living facilities
  These services offer staffing for daily living, medication support, meals, and community access.
  Learn more: https://mn.gov/dhs/waiver-reimagine/

• Assisted living
Primarily for older adults or people needing a higher level of support. Buildings must be licensed and provide services like meals, medication management, and staff on-site.
More information: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/assistedliving/

• Board and Lodge or other supervised housing models
Some counties contract with supervised settings that offer meals, room, board, and varying levels of staff support.

Q: Who qualifies for supported living options?

A: Eligibility depends on the program. It may be based on income (Housing Support), disability status (waivers), age (assisted living), or assessed need (support levels).
County or tribal agencies determine eligibility for most programs.

Q: How does someone apply for supported living options?

A:

• For Housing Support: Apply through the county or tribal human services office.
• For Waiver residential services: A MnCHOICES assessment is required. The county then works with the person to identify residential service options.
• For Assisted Living: People can apply directly to assisted living facilities.
• For Board and Lodge: Contact county human services for availability.

Additional guidance: https://mn.hb101.org/housing/

Q: How does a person decide which setting is right for them?

A: Encourage people to think about:

• How much support they need
• Whether they want a private room/apartment or shared space
• Their budget and program eligibility
• Location, community access, and personal preferences

Tools to help:

• Housing Benefits 101 – Housing Overview: https://mn.hb101.org/housing/
• Ways to Pay for Rent or Housing (PDF): https://mn.hb101.org/documents/Ways%20to%20Pay%20for%20Rent%20and%20Housing.pdf

Internal Notes (not visible to public)

• Clearly distinguish housing from services. Many supported settings involve a service provider delivering supports but do not guarantee housing itself.
• Do not tell callers which setting they “should” choose. Use person-centered questions to clarify what matters most to them.
• When callers request residential services, remind them that county/tribal agencies manage assessments, eligibility, and placement.
• Refer legal or landlord issues to HOME Line or legal aid resources.
• If the person is currently homeless or at risk, follow Hub homelessness procedures.