The State Supplement program provides a monthly cash benefit for the low-income aged (65 and over), blind and disabled. Benefits are available to those who receive low income from Social Security, SSI, a pension, or Veterans’ Administration benefits. Individuals living in the community and in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and residential care homes are eligible.
Eligibility
One must be disabled, blind or 65 years and older to be eligible for this state administered and state financed program.
Gross income limits are 300% of the current Federal Poverty Level figures. Earned income and unearned income disregards are used in determining net income.
On January 1, 2012, the unearned income disregard is $302 for those living in the community. For those living in a licensed boarding home, the disregard is $209.70 and for those living and sharing with a non-relative, the disregard is $369.90.
Asset limits are $1,600 for a single person and $2,400 for an individual living with a spouse -- the same as for community Medicaid. Some assets are excluded in the assets determination in part or in full: a home (unlimited exclusion), a car (exclusion capped at $4,500), a burial allowance (exclusion capped at $1,800), etc.
Benefits
Benefit amounts vary based on an individual's needs and expenses. Rent and utility payments, and special needs - including telephone, laundry, special diets, and clothing - are taken into account. State Supplement can also pay for emergency housing and for the purchase or repair of some household appliances such as a stove or refrigerator.
Generally, an eligible applicant is an individual with a low income and high rent or mortgage. Those eligible for State Supplement benefits are also automatically eligible for Medicaid.
The State Supplement benefit pays for room and board at a residential care home -- a possible alternative to an assisted living facility. Those residents with unearned income are allowed to keep a total of $238.60 (2012 figure) of their income for personal use, which is a combination of unearned income disregard and personal standard of assistance amounts.
Food Stamp and Energy Assistance benefits are also possible to State Supplement recipients.
You may apply for State Supplement at your local Department of Social Services office.
