In a supported living arrangement, you must use your SSI or other income to pay your rent or mortgage, food, electricity, telephone, other utilities, and entertainment expenses.^[1]Section 4689(h) & (i). The regional center pays an SLS provider for the services and supports you want and need to live in your own home. But, before the regional center agrees to purchase any particular supported living service, your planning team will see if you can use “natural supports” (friends or family) and generic agencies.^[2]Section 4689(f). An example of a generic agency support is the county In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program which pays for people to provide you with care at home.^[3]See Disability Rights California‘s manual on IHSS, “IHSS Fair Hearing and Self-Assessment Packet.” It is available at our website at: www.disabilityrightsca.org/PUBS/501301.htm.

You will have more expenses when you are first moving into your own home. You (or your family or friends) have to pay the move-in expenses, including security deposits, furniture, and household items. But, if you cannot afford your move-in or ongoing expenses and it will save the state money, your regional center can pay moving fees, rental or utility deposits, furniture, or ongoing rent or utility costs.^[4]Title 17 Cal. Code Regs. section 58611(b). For this, the regional center executive director must state in writing that: (1) payment is needed to meet your unique and specific care needs as described in an IPP, and (2) your confirmed medical, behavioral, or psychiatric condition presents a health and safety risk to you or another person.^[5]Section 4689(i)(1)(A).

The regional center cannot pay your rent, mortgage, lease, or household expenses for over six months, unless it finds that doing so is necessary to meet your needs in your IPP. The regional center will review your need each quarter. Also, the regional center executive director must say each year in an IPP addendum you meet the two conditions for the exception.^[6]Section 4689(i)(1)(C).

Agencies and other resources that can help you plan your SLS services include:

• Your regional center – Some regional centers have SLS coordinators.
• Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – Call (916) 654-2140 and ask to speak with someone who knows about supported living services, or order a DDS supported living publication.
• Disability Rights California – Ask for publications on Supported Living Services.
• Connections for Information and Resources on Community Living (CIRCL) – This is a network of people with many years of experience with supported living. CIRCL helps people think about, start, and improve supported living services. Contact CIRCL at (626) 447-5477 or (530) 644-6653. Online see allenshea.com.
• California Supported Living Network (CSLN) – CSLN is a network of people and providers in California who advocate for quality supported living services. Contact CSLN at www.ccln.org or at (415) 505-5975.