Updated Housing Support Rate Starting July 1

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Kelly Conrad

Formerly known as Group Residential Housing (GRH), Housing Support is a state-funded program that helps cover basic living expenses, primarily rent and raw food, for eligible individuals. Each year, the state recalculates the rate using a standardized formula tied to federal and state benchmarks that estimate the minimum income necessary for a person to live safely and independently in the community.

While the annual increase is relatively small, it reflects ongoing efforts to keep pace with rising costs and maintain access to essential housing supports. The program serves approximately 21,000 Minnesotans each month, many of whom face barriers to stable housing.

Rate Increase

Beginning July 1, 2026, Minnesota’s Housing Support program will see a modest rate increase. The maximum monthly room and board rate will rise by $29, bringing the new total to $1,221 per month. This updated rate will remain in effect through June 30, 2027, as part of the program’s annual recalibration.

For providers, including assisted living and other supportive housing settings, these incremental increases are important but often do not fully offset rising operational costs. Expenses related to staffing, food, utilities, and regulatory compliance continue to climb, placing pressure on providers to balance financial sustainability with their mission to serve high-need populations. While the annual adjustment helps maintain the program’s framework, it also highlights a broader challenge: ensuring Housing Support rates keep pace with the true cost of delivering quality, community-based care. Continued collaboration between providers and policymakers is critical to align future rate setting with the realities on-the-ground and to preserve access for those who rely on these services.

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Room and Board Rate	7/1/2026
	Group
Federal Benefit Rate	994
MSA general income disregard	-20
MSA general income supplement	81
Food Support (SNAP) equivalent	298
Personal Needs Allowance	-132
Room and Board Rate	1221