Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Housing Benefits for Individuals
with AIDS or HIV-Related Illnesses
© 1997-2006 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
________________________________________________________

Are there any special housing programs for individuals with AIDS or HIV-Related illnesses (AIDS individuals)?
Yes. The Department of Social Services (DSS) has a special program which pays cash benefits to AIDS individuals who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The allowance can be much higher than the shelter allowance paid to public assistance recipients.

How can I get housing benefits?
        You must meet the following criteria:

1) Active Temporary Assistance case.

2) You are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Bring your Court eviction papers or a statement from your landlord that you are behind in your rent and will be evicted or a statement from your case manager that it is not safe for you to live where you currently are residing.

3) You either have AIDS, or have tested positive for HIV and have an HIV-related illness. Bring your medical proof from a doctor (not a lab report).

4) You cannot find cheaper housing available. DSS must consider whether cheaper housing is:

1. Close to your family, friends, formal and informal care givers, and medical providers,

2. Appropriate for the provision of home care, and

3. Suitable given your medical condition and/or need for supervision and other support.

How do I apply for an enhanced shelter allowance?
        Go to the first floor of the Rath Building (95 Franklin Street) and tell them you want to apply for the enhanced shelter allowance.

How much of an enhanced shelter allowance will I get?
        The amount you will receive depends on your individual circumstances, including the number of people in your household, income and rent paid. DSS will pay for the actual rent. You should call our office if you have questions about the amount you should get.

If I get Food Stamps, will an enhanced shelter allowance result in a reduction of my Food Stamps?

        No.

What about confidentiality?
        According to New York State DSS regulations, DSS employees are not supposed to reveal information except for purposes of administering public assistance. Erie County DSS has been reminded of this obligation, especially as it relates to individuals with AIDS.

What if I have a problem in getting an enhanced shelter allowance?
        Call our office as early as you can after 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday (835-9474).

Are there any other benefits that are available?
        Yes. If you receive an "HIV Peer Education Stipend," the money you receive as a peer educator is excluded from income for Public Assistance purposes.

 

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