How to apply for Residential State Supplement (RSS) in Ohio

Who it's for

The Residential State Supplement (RSS) is a monthly state cash payment for adults who are aged, blind or disabled, get Medicaid, and need some help with daily activities such as bathing or dressing, but do not need a nursing home. The money is used with your own income to pay for room, supervision and personal care in an approved setting, such as a licensed adult care facility, a residential care facility, or a certified adult foster home. You must be at least 18, live in or be accepted to one of these settings, and your countable income must be below the program's monthly standard ($1,600 facility fee plus a $200 personal needs allowance). The payment makes up the difference between your income and that standard. Apply through your County Department of Job and Family Services with the RSS referral form and a Medicaid application if you do not already have Medicaid.

What you'll need

• Residential State Supplement (RSS) Referral for Enrollment (ODM 07120)
• Medicaid application, if you do not already have Medicaid
• Proof of all income (Social Security, SSI or SSDI)
• Proof of savings and other countable assets
• Level-of-care assessment showing you need help with daily activities

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Gather your Residential State Supplement (RSS) Referral for Enrollment (ODM 07120).
2. Gather your Medicaid application if you do not already have Medicaid.
3. Collect proof of all income, such as Social Security, SSI, or SSDI, and proof of savings and other countable assets.
4. Get a level-of-care assessment that shows you need help with daily activities.
5. Make sure you live in, or have been accepted to, an approved licensed or certified setting that accepts RSS.
6. Apply online through your County Department of Job and Family Services and submit the RSS referral form, your Medicaid application if needed, and your other required documents.

What to expect: After you apply, the County Department of Job and Family Services decides your income and resource eligibility. You also must meet Medicaid rules, have a level-of-care assessment, and move into an approved setting that accepts RSS. Enrollment also depends on program funds, so eligibility does not always mean you will be enrolled. People who need round-the-clock supervision for a cognitive impairment, or more than 120 days of skilled nursing in a year, do not qualify. If approved, benefits can continue while you stay eligible, but you will need to complete Medicaid renewals.

Renewals

ongoing while eligible (Medicaid renewal)