Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) is a statewide rental subsidy and transitional housing support service program for high-need Medicaid beneficiaries. The funding was made available as part of the Medicaid Redesign Team’s Supportive Housing Workgroup initiative to help address the needs of eligible Medicaid participants in transitioning from nursing home settings or preventing nursing home placement.

Eligible participants of the program are those enrolled in Medicaid who are in need of nursing home level of care, who are homeless or unstably housed, and who have spent at least one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive days in a nursing home over the most recent two-year period and who have the ability to live safely in the community.

The OHS subsidy is modeled after the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver subsidy programs in that the individual is required to pay 30% of their monthly income, less allowances. There will also be funding available for “community transition services” which includes security deposits, moving expenses, utility payments and household establishment purchases.

NYAIL is partnering with member ILCs to staff housing specialists across the state to provide outreach to, and assist eligible individuals with OHS program enrollment.

Olmstead Housing Subsidy Referral Form.

List of Regional Contacts. 

OHS informational brochure for participants and social workers.

OHS informational brochure for existing landlords and tenants.

Olmstead Housing Database

For more information, please contact:

Valerie Brennan
Director of Housing Programs
155 Washington Ave, Suite 208
Albany, NY 12210
Phone: 518-465-4650 x110
Fax 518-465-4625
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.