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Additional Info

Home / Programs & Resources /

Housing Project

Getting Started

Many parents of adolescents look forward to the day when their sons or daughters move out of the family home and into places of their own. This webpage will assist families as they begin to think about housing options for their child with a disability. Many housing options and supports for home living involve eligibility criteria, timelines, waiting lists, and limited availability to obtain services. One way to help your son or daughter find housing is to begin planning early.

Request for County Case Management

County case management helps families assess their son/daughter’s support and service needs and their eligibility for services, develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP), and receive the services their son or daughter needs. The case manager must assess and reassess the delivery, appropriateness, and effectiveness of services over time.

• County must appoint a case manager within 10 working days after receiving an application for services.
• Services are provided to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria defined by the state of Minnesota.
• Apply for these services while your son/daughter is still in high school.

See the Additional Information section to find your county's Social Services Department.

Where Does My Child Want to Live?

Because housing becomes an integral part of your child’s vision and lifestyle plan, it is best to begin by asking your child where he or she wants to live. If your child has not had an opportunity to understand the differences in housing options, you may want to visit various homes of friends, family, or others in your community. Consider the following questions before you visit:

• Where does your son/daughter want to live?
• Can he or she live alone or is support needed?
• How much support does your son/daughter need now?
• Will your son/daughter need to live close to family as part of his or her support system?
• Would your son/daughter like to live by him or herself or with roommates?
• What kinds of options are available in the community?
• What is the neighborhood like? Is the residence accessible? Is it affordable?
• Is it near transportation?

Linking Your Vision to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Process

While you and your child are considering the important factors of your vision and long-term goals, your child will be entering a school process called transition. According to federal law, transition planning must begin by age 16. In Minnesota, transition planning and services begin at age 14 or in ninth grade. Transition services are designed to help the student move from school to adult life. By starting to plan early, students will have enough time to explore interests and abilities in each transition area:

• Employment and employment supports
• Postsecondary education and training
• Independent living, if appropriate

Factors That Will Impact Your Housing Plan

It is often difficult to find a place to live that is affordable, accessible, and available. Additional support for young adults is often complicated and costly. Each individual and family is unique. There is no blueprint or model for securing housing and support.

Recent changes in funding regulations have increased consumer-driven supports and services. Individuals with disabilities now have a greater choice in where they can live. However, because of limited funding, eligibility requirements can be strict.

The following factors will impact your options:

• Your vision and plan
• Your son or daughter's resources—wages, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), county services, Medicaid home and community-based waivers
• Your personal resources—financial commitment, time, energy, networks
• Community resource options—low-income or Section 8 housing, availability of housing, community development, accessible housing
• State resources—financial support, state housing agency and planners, state disability resources

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