Programs & Services

Residential State Supplement Program

What is RSS?
The Residential State Supplement Program, or RSS, provides a cash supplement to low-income aged, blind or disabled adults who need supervision of their daily activities, but who do not require the skilled or intermediate nursing care provided in a nursing home. The cash payment supplements an individual's income, so that they can live in a congregate setting.

The Residential State Supplement (RSS) Program helps individuals...

• who need assistance or supervision of their daily living activities;
• whose medical condition is not so severe that they need nursing home level of care, but who do need a protective level of care;
• who are willing to move into, or who already live in, a certified adult foster home, licensed adult care facility or residential care facility;
• age 18 or older, blind or disabled;
• who meet financial eligibility guidelines for Ohio's Medicaid program;
• who are residents of Ohio.

What are the benefits of RSS?

• Medicaid coverage for health care;
• Case Management by an RN or LSW;
• Monthly cash supplement to assist with payment of rent;
• Room and board, plus the services available at the licensed or certified home. Services may include housekeeping, laundry, personal care, transportation, social and recreational activities.

What happens after an individual enrolls in RSS?
Once enrolled in RSS, participants receive a subsidy from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The amount of the subsidy depends on the individual's income and the type of facility in which they will live. The subsidy, along with the recipient's other income, must be used to pay for accommodations and services received. In addition, the recipient receives a monthly allowance for personal needs.

RSS subsidy payments are sent directly to the recipient, not the facility in most cases.

Each individual enrolled in the RSS Program has an assigned Case Manager from the Area Agency on Aging. The Case Manager monitors the individual's living arrangements and advocates for their on-going needs.

What types of housing are available through RSS?

An Adult Foster Home is a private home for one or two adult residents. These are certified by the Area Agency on Aging.

Adult Family Homes are for three to five adults, and are licensed by the Ohio Department of Health.

Adult Group Homes are for 6 to 16 adults, and are also licensed by the Ohio Department of Health.

A Residential Care Facility is for 17 or more adults, and is licensed by the Ohio Department of Health.

A Community Alternative Home for three to five adults, licensed by the Department of Health.

An Adult Residential Facility for one or two adults, licensed by the Department of Mental Health.

A Certified Apartment or Room used to provide mental health services, certified by the Department of Mental health.

The RSS Case Manager may assist RSS participants in selecting the most appropriate living arrangement to meet their needs. It is the responsibility of the participant, his/her family, or authorized representative to select the facility that best meets his/her needs.

How does an individual apply?
Individuals apply through the PASSPORT Program at 1-800-686-7367. The number of individuals enrolled in the program is limited by guidelines established by the State. Although the assessment for eligibility is performed by the Area Agency staff, financial eligibility is determined by the County Department of Job and Family Services.