Learn about Congregate Housing

What should I look for in a congregate home?

The mission of the Congregate Housing Services Program is to provide support services and state subsidies to eligible residents of low and moderate income senior housing who, due to advanced age or chronic health conditions, need daily help with activities such as meals, housekeeping, and personal services. The Your State Department of Aging contracts with housing and senior service provider organizations, such as local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, or housing management companies to operate a Congregate Housing Services Program for eligible residents of designated buildings. Eligible residents are those who are at least 62 years of age and are in need of assistance in one or more activities of daily living. The general program provides daily meals, weekly housekeeping of each participant's apartment, and personal assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and laundry. See housing list of sites.

Eligibility

The cost of the Congregate Housing Services Program varies by site. To be eligible to be a participant and receive congregate housing services, an individual shall: be 62 years old or older; be physically or mentally impaired; need assistance with one or more of the essential activities of daily living; need one or more of the congregate housing services available in the facility; and be able to function in the facility if provided with those services. There is an asset test, an income test and a functional test to qualify for the Congregate Housing Services Program.

How do I pay for Congregate Housing Services Program

Individual program participants contribute to the cost based on a sliding scale. State subsidies are available for eligible residents of participating sites who require financial assistance. An individual's income may not exceed 60% of the State median income and assets may not exceed $27,375 for an individual, or $35,587 for a couple.