What is the OPWDD housing subsidy?

OPWDD’s housing subsidy gives financial assistance to adults with IDD who want to live independently but need help affording housing.

Two people holding moving boxes with their belongings in front of illustrations of apartment buildings and an icon of a lease

Who can get a OPWDD housing subsidy?

To get a housing subsidy you have to apply for approval. These are the requirements:

Be OPWDD eligible
Be over 18 years old
Not be living in OPWDD run or certified housing
Not be receiving other rental assistance such as Section 8
Be legally and financially responsible for the home
- For renters, this means the person receiving the subsidy is on the lease.
  - The lease cannot be month-to-month.
- For home owners this means the person receiving the subsidy is on the deed.
Apply for all government assistance that you may be eligible for
- Social Security income, SNAP, HEAP and Section 8 housing vouchers

To learn more about OPWDD certified housing read our article “What is OPWDD certified housing?” or contact us at 1-800-762-9290.

What does a housing subsidy pay for?

The housing subsidy can help pay for the costs to live in a house or apartment such as:

Rent
Renter’s or homeowner’s insurance
Basic utilities (electric, gas, and heat)
Maintenance fees

How much money can I get for the housing subsidy?

The housing subsidy does not cover all of your rent. The subsidy amount depends on the part of the state you live in, what the typical rent or value of the housing is in your area, and your income. Expect to contribute about 30% of your income to rent.

For examples of how these calculations work, please see the OPWDD Administrative Directive Memorandum (ADM) 2022-3.

Can I live anywhere I want and get a housing subsidy?

Those who want to get a housing subsidy must choose a home that meets OPWDD’s requirements. These standards are to make sure that the home is livable and safe, and that the home itself allows an individual to live independently in the community.

To meet OPWDD quality standards the home should:

Be a legal housing unit
Be a sturdy building that is in good condition
Have an accessible exit in case of an emergency
Have a kitchen with a working stove or microwave oven, sink, and refrigerator
Have a bathroom with a working toilet, sink and shower or bathtub

To meet OPWDD independent living standards, the home should:

Be available for anyone to rent or own;
Not have more than four adults who are not related to each other living in the same unit;
Be part of the broader community. In other words, living in this home will not make the individual isolated or separated from individuals without disabilities.

There is also an inspection every year to make sure that the home continues to be safe to live in and meet these requirements.

Find a complete checklist of these requirements in the OPWDD Administrative Directive Memorandum (ADM) 2022-3 Attachment A.

Can I get a housing subsidy if I have Self-Direction?

Yes, individuals who are already getting Self-Direction can get a housing subsidy. You can include the subsidy in your Self-Direction Budget.

Do you know what Self-Direction is? If not, please see our other article, “What is Self-Direction?”

How can I get a housing subsidy?

You will need to work with your care manager to request the housing subsidy through the Developmental Disabilities Regional Field Office (DDRO).

Step 1: Get Preliminary Approval

The preliminary approval is to confirm that you are eligible to receive the subsidy. For this step, you will need to work with your care manager or assigned CCO staff to submit the following documents.

OPWDD Housing Subsidy Application Attachment C
Subsidy Budget Template and Instructions
Self-Direction Budget (if this applies to you)
Life Plan
Staff Action Plan (if you have one)
Other documents as requested by the DDRO
- For example: Proof of income or benefits. If you are getting help from a family member or friend with your bills they may ask for a written letter from them for proof.

Step 2: Find a place to live

Once OPWDD provides the preliminary approval you have 90 days to find a place to live. If you cannot find a place within the 90 days you can request an extension.

For more information about how to find a place to live visit the New York State Housing Resource Center (NYHRC).

Step 3: Get Final Approval

Once you have identified a place to live and signed a lease agreement, you will need to have the apartment inspected and submit documents for final approval. Final approval means that not only are you eligible but that your home meets OPWDD’s quality standards.

Note: The housing subsidy will not be paid until you receive final approval.

Participation Agreement Attachment B
Copy of the Lease Agreement
Housing Quality Checklist Attachment A
Amended Self-Direction budget (if this applies to you)

Can I live with someone else?

You can live with a roommate or a person of your choosing. However the housing subsidy will only cover your portion of the rent and the other person would be expected to pay their share of the rent. OPWDD also requires pre-approval if you are moving into a building with 5 or more people who are receiving the OPWDD Housing Subsidy and the building is developped or controlled by a service provider or group of families.

What if I get denied?

If you get denied you have the right to challenge the decision. You can request a dispute resolution meeting. This is a meeting with you and the DDRO where you can explain why you disagree with the decision and give additional information.

If the DDRO still decides to deny the housing subsidy, you can write an appeal that goes to the OPWDD Central Office for the commissioner to review.

If you would like someone to help you advocate at a dispute resolution meeting contact IDDO at 1-800-762-9290 or visit our Get Help page.