Understand housing stabilization
What are housing stabilization programs?
If you’re seeking stability and support through Medicaid or insurance, housing stabilization programs covered by insurance can help you find and maintain safe, affordable housing while you build life skills and pursue recovery. These programs, often offered as part of home and community-based services (HCBS), provide planning, transition, and sustaining services designed to reduce homelessness and promote long-term stability.
In Minnesota, for example, Housing Stabilization Services is a Medical Assistance benefit that assists individuals with disabilities and seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to plan for, find, and keep housing in the community (Housing Benefits 101).
Why they matter for you
- Provide a person-centered plan to address your unique housing barriers
- Coordinate with case managers to integrate behavioral health and community support
- Offer temporary supports that empower you to live independently
- Complement other funded supports like housing support services covered by medicaid and life skills development covered by insurance
Explore covered services
Assessment and planning
Before you begin, a qualified provider completes an assessment to identify your housing needs and barriers. You and your waiver case manager or care coordinator collaborate to develop a person-centered plan that outlines goals, supports, and services needed to secure and sustain housing.
Transition and sustaining services
Once your plan is approved, you can access two primary service types:
- Housing transition services to help you move into a new home
- Housing sustaining services to keep you housed once you’ve settled
Moving expense reimbursement
You may qualify for a one-time reimbursement up to $3,000 for moving-related costs such as truck rental or hiring movers, provided these expenses are clearly outlined in your plan (Accend Services).
Remote support options
Up to 50% of your direct housing services can be delivered remotely via phone, video, or text, including check-ins, counseling, and problem-solving. In special cases, you can request up to 75% remote services if approved (Accend Services).
Check your eligibility
Medicaid or MA requirements
To enroll, you must have active Medical Assistance (MA) coverage. If you’re not yet enrolled, apply for MA through your state’s Medicaid office before requesting housing stabilization support.
Assessment and planning prerequisites
Only enrolled providers can submit the Housing Stabilization Services Eligibility Request Form (DHS-7948). You’ll need an approved person-centered plan and documentation of any barriers that justify your need for additional services.
Navigate the application
Submitting eligibility requests
Your provider completes the DHS-7948 form and sends it to the Department of Human Services. Once received, you’ll get an eligibility notification—often within days—that outlines your approved services and hours.
Using the MN-ITS system
In Minnesota, providers and case managers can verify your eligibility and service status through the MN-ITS Eligibility Look-Up. Log in to the MN-ITS portal to track approvals, service utilization, and hours remaining.
Maximize your benefits
Request additional hours
If you face multiple or complex barriers, you can request up to 150 extra hours of transition or sustaining services. Document your needs in writing and submit an “Additional Transition or Sustaining Unit Request” via the same DHS-7948 form (Minnesota Department of Human Services).
Coordinate with case managers
Your case manager plays a central role in blending housing supports with behavioral health, employment, and re-entry services. For more on integrated care, explore case management services covered by medicaid or behavioral health case management that accepts insurance.
Link with life skills and employment
Stable housing lays the foundation for success in other areas of your life:
- Sharpen daily living skills with independent living skills training covered by insurance
- Access job readiness and employment supports through employment support services with medicaid
- Pursue education and career growth via education and job assistance covered by insurance or vocational and education programs with medicaid coverage
Integrate holistic support
Community integration services
Beyond housing, you can engage in community-based activities that improve social connections and well-being. Check out community reintegration programs with medicaid and mental health community support services covered by insurance to stay connected.
Life skills and resource navigation
Pair your housing plan with ongoing resource navigation to address daily challenges. Learn more about resource navigation services covered by medicaid and holistic support services covered by insurance for comprehensive guidance.
Employment and education assistance
Build financial stability and personal growth by combining housing stabilization with job training and education:
- Employment support services with medicaid
- Education and job assistance covered by insurance
Plan for program changes
Upcoming sunset dates
Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program will end at 11:59 pm on October 31, 2025. After this date, no services under this benefit will be reimbursed by Minnesota Health Care Programs (Minnesota Department of Human Services).
Appeal and discharge rights
If you lose MA coverage or your plan changes, you have the right to appeal any discharge decision. Stay informed about deadlines and required documentation through your case manager.
Access beyond housing
Behavioral health case management
Your care plan can include ongoing support for mental health and substance use challenges. Explore medicaid case management and recovery support for integrated behavioral health coordination.
Holistic recovery support services
Pair housing assistance with wellness coaching, peer support, and life coaching. Check out insurance-covered life coaching and wellness support for well-rounded care.
Re-entry and independent living
If you’re re-entering the community from incarceration or residential treatment, specialized programs can help. Learn about medicaid re-entry and independent living programs and re-entry support programs covered by medicaid insurance.
With the right combination of housing stabilization, case management, and holistic supports, you can secure a stable home, strengthen your life skills, and thrive in your community. By leveraging insurance-covered programs, you’ll be empowered to move forward with confidence and build the future you deserve.
