Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.13.033
Increase in HBS and FAP Rates Effective in January, 2014
November, 2013
PURPOSE
This informational bulletin contains information regarding the increases in the Home-Based Support Services Program (HBS) and Family Assistance Program (FAP) monthly and annual maximum amounts that will be effective on January 1, 2014.
Monthly and Annual Service Maximums
As you may be aware, the Social Security Administration has announced a rate increase of 1.5% to $721, effective January 1, 2014, for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) individual benefits. This will affect the monthly and annual maximum amounts for HBS and FAP.
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 $1,420 per month. This amount will increase to $1,442 per month effective January 1, 2014. For those individuals who choose to use the flexible spending amount, the monthly maximum will be $2,884 with an annual maximum of $17,304.
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 $2,130 to $2,163 per month, effective January 1, 2014.
HBS service plans for the month of January 2014 may reflect service spending up to the new maximum amount. 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 authorizations should also be updated.
Families enrolled in the Family Assistance Program for Children with severe mental disabilities currently receive a monthly cash stipend of $710 per month. This amount will increase to $721 per month effective January 1, 2014. FAP checks for January, which should arrive by mid-February, will reflect the new amount.
