Increases in the Home-Based Support Services Program (HBS) - DD.18.002

Purpose:

This informational bulletin contains information regarding the increases in the Home-Based Support Services Program (HBS) monthly and annual maximum amounts that will be effective on January 1, 2019.

Monthly and Annual Service Maximums

As you may be aware, the Social Security Administration has announced a rate increase of 2.8 % to $771 effective January 1, 2019, for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) individual benefits. This will determine the monthly and annual maximum amounts for HBS.

In the HBS Program, children ages 3 to 17 and young adults who are between the ages of 18 and 21 and enrolled in a Special Education program, currently receive services up to $1,500 per month. This amount will increase to $1,542 per month effective January 1, 2019. For those individuals who choose to use the flexible spending amount, the monthly maximum will be $3,084. The annual maximum is $18,504.

In the HBS Program, the maximum amount for adults ages 22 and older, and adults ages 18 - 21 who are no longer in Special Education, will increase from $2,250 to $2,313 per month effective January 1, 2019. The annual maximum is $27,756.

HBS service plans for the month of January 2019 may reflect service spending up to the new maximum amounts. Any adjustments made to accommodate the increase in service amounts must be included in service plans and service agreements. For those individuals who employ their own personal support workers, fiscal/employer agent service agreements should also be updated.

Effective Date

January 1, 2019