Any low-income senior who is eligible for SSI payments and resides in an assisted living community that accepts Medicaid can apply for supplemental SSI payments through the state to cover monthly living expenses. While SSI payments are handled through the federal government, Louisiana's Bureau of Health Services Finances and Contractors takes applications for supplemental SSI payments.
The amount of monthly supplemental SSI payments vary depending on your total monthly income. To determine if you're eligible for supplemental SSI payments, the amount of your monthly SSI payments and any other monthly income you have is deducted from the standard income amount determined by the state. If your income is still below the state's standard after your monthly income is deducted, Louisiana gives you supplemental SSI payments.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Receive monthly SSI payments
- Fall below the state's preset monthly income standards
- Reside in an assisted living community that accepts Medicaid.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, contact your nearest Bureau of Health Services Finances and Contractors office or your local Social Security office.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It's important to note that not all assisted living communities in Louisiana accept the same forms of payment. You should check with your community before applying for assistance to determine what type of payments they accept. You should also check with your assisted living facility to see if they offer discounted rates to low-income seniors.