The annual re-calculation of the Housing Support, formerly Group Residential Housing (GRH), rate that covers rent and raw food for eligible participants has resulted in an increase of $18 per month. The new rate of $922 will be effective July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.   

Housing Support is a state-funded program that provides an income supplement to approximately 20,000 recipients each month to pay for rent and food. The amount of a Housing Support payment is based on a federal and state standard of what an individual would need, at a minimum, to live in the community. All of those supported by the program are at risk of institutional placement or homelessness.   

The rate is derived as shown below:

Room & Board Rate	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Federal Benefit Rate	721	733	733	735	750	771
MSA general income disregard	-20	-20	-20	-20	-20	-20
MSA general income supplement	81	81	81	81	81	81
Food Support (SNAP) equivalent	189	194	194	194	192	192
	971	988	988	990	1003	1024
Personal Needs Allowance	-95	-97	-97	-97	-99	-102
	876	891	891	893	904	922