Overview
The majority of people with developmental disabilities receiving OPWDD supports and services live independently in the community in homes that are not certified by OPWDD. This means that the lease or mortgage is controlled by the person or people living in the home and that the home is not certified or licensed by OPWDD or controlled by an OPWDD provider.
Examples of uncertified homes include:
A person’s own home
Living in the home of a family member
A boarding arrangement such as a rented room in someone else’s home
A rented apartment where you live by yourself or with roommates
A house, townhouse, condominium, mobile home or other dwelling owned by you or another person
Whether you want to live at home with your family or in a home in your community, OPWDD and your care manager can help you find the right fit for you and your needs.
Depending upon your needs and situation, you could receive services from OPWDD in any of the above living arrangements to help support you to be as independent as possible. Examples of services may include housing subsidy payments (not available in a boarding arrangement), adaptive technology, modifications to your home or family vehicle to meet your physical needs, staffing support to help meet your habilitative goals and community integration needs, or a paid neighbor to help support you in case of emergencies.
If you need assistance living independently in the community, speak to your Care Manager, if you have one, or contact the OPWDD Infoline to speak with a representative from your region of the state who can help connect you to the right supports.
OPWDD Housing Subsidy (Rental Assistance)
Housing subsidies may be available to you if you live on your own or with roommates in an apartment or private home.
The amount of a housing subsidy is decided using a formula that considers things like your income, the county you live in, the number of people who will be living in your home, and the number of bedrooms in the home.
To receive a subsidy, you must comply with certain requirements like contributing towards your rent and living in an allowable housing unit. The full list of requirements can be found in the Housing Subsidy ADM.
Talk to your Care Manager if you have one or contact the OPWDD Infoline to talk to a representative from your region of the state to see if you qualify for a housing subsidy.
Supportive Housing (Apartment Complexes with Some OPWDD Support on Site)
Integrated Supportive Housing is when housing developers build affordable housing projects with dedicated units for people who receive OPWDD services. There is an OPWDD provider who partners with the landlord to assist you if you are eligible for one of the OPWDD units. Additionally, OPWDD provides housing subsidies for you once you move into a unit.
The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative is a type of supportive housing for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. OPWDD participates in this state program operated by the Office of Mental Health and provides support services and Housing Subsidies for tenants with developmental disabilities who live in housing supported by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
If you are interested in exploring affordable housing opportunities near you, you should speak with your Care Manager if you have one or contact the OPWDD Infoline to talk to a representative from your region of the state.