OVERVIEW:
The Residential State Supplement (RSS) program provides a cash supplement to low-income, blind and/or disabled adults. The cash supplement, along with the individual's personal resources, is intended to allow the individual to live in a more home-like, congregate setting. The bulk of the combined sources will go to the facility, though the individual does receive a monthly personal allowance.

RSS ELIGIBILITY:
There are both financial and level of care standards that must be met by every potential recipient. The Care Standards required are at least a protective level of care (i.e., limited daily assistance or supervision with such things as bathing, eating or dressing, but NOT the kind required in a nursing home); be eligible for a Medicaid card to pay for medical expenses; and, if under the age of 65, must have an established disability. Financial standards include: a person living in a congregate facility and having no more than $1500 in resources and receiving a monthly income of less than $874.00.

RSS SERVICES:
housing, three meals-a-day, laundry, housekeeping, transportation, social activities, limited personal care and supervision.

RSS APPROVED FACILITIES INCLUDE:
Adult Foster Homes (1 to 2 residents); Adult Family Homes (3 to 5 residents), Adult Group Homes (6 to 16 residents) and Residential Care Facilities (17 or more residents). The Adult Foster Homes are certified by the Area Agency on Aging; the other three are licensed by the Ohio Department of Health.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION:
There are a limited number of available vacancies in the RSS program. As vacancies occur, the Area Agency on Aging will select potential recipients from an established registrant list. Priority will be given to SSI recipients, especially in nursing facilities, followed by all others.

If selected, staff from the Area Agency on Aging will assess the potential recipient to insure that at least a protective level-of-care standard is met. Applicants who are level-of-care eligible must complete a Medicaid application and be determined financially eligible for reimbursement under the RSS program. Persons meeting both eligibility standards will be notified of their approval as an RSS recipient and assigned a Case Manager from the Area Agency on Aging. RSS clients may elect to remain in their approved facility or move to any approved facility in the State of Ohio.

For additional information, call the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (614)645-7250 or (800)589-7277

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