Planning guide

Adult housing and living arrangements

The range of models for where an adult with a disability can live, and how they are usually funded.

Common models

Living with family, with support services coming in.

Supported living in the person's own home or apartment, with staff for the hours needed.

Shared living or host homes, where the person lives with a family or roommate who is paid to provide support.

Group homes and provider-run residences with shared staffing.

Intentional or planned communities designed for adults with disabilities.

How it is paid for

Services often come from Medicaid waivers, while rent and daily living costs come from SSI, earned income, family contributions or housing assistance programs. Housing vouchers and affordable-housing lists can have long waits.

Why start early

Visiting options, joining lists and trying short stays while family support is strong is far easier than searching under pressure. It also helps the person have a say in where they want to live.

Questions worth asking

What housing models exist near us, and which match the support my family member needs?
Which lists should we join now?
How do rent and services get funded separately?

Official source

State developmental disability agencies ↗

The agency that funds and lists supported living options.

Add your ZIP code in the calculator to see your state's resource.