Official Site of The State of New Jersey
DDD believes that living in the community helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independent, full lives. When you need a place to live, your support coordinator can help you explore your options.
DDD offers rental subsidies to help people pay for housing. These subsidies are available whether you live in a home managed by a service provider or rent from a private landlord.
How the Subsidy Works
- You pay a portion of your income toward rent.
- The rental subsidy covers the rest, up to a maximum amount set by the State based on your county or zip code.
- The subsidy is paid directly to your provider or landlord.
Who Manages the Subsidies
DDD housing subsidies are available to eligible individuals. The Supportive Housing Connection manages DDD's rental subsidies.
DDD Resources
- Webinar Recording: Housing Subsidy Program
- Housing Subsidy Program Eligibility Determination Form.docx
- How to Find Housing: A Guide for Individuals Who Have Been Approved for an SHC Housing Voucher.pdf
- Published Rent Standards.pdf (effective May 11, 2026)
- Housing Assistance Policy.pdf
- DDD Rental Subsidy Agreement.pdf
- Housing Assistance FAQ.pdf
Other Resources
The Department of Human Services' Office of Licensing licenses certain residential programs to make sure providers meet quality standards.
Group homes and supervised apartments are licensed under state regulations (N.J.A.C. 10:44A). They are owned or leased by the service provider. If you live in one of these settings, you will receive support based on your individual needs.
Lease/Residency Agreement
In a provider-managed setting, you and the provider will sign a residency agreement or lease (usually every year) that should clearly explain:
- How much you will pay
- Your rights and responsibilities, and the rights and responsibilities of the landlord (the person or agency that collects rent from you)
Costs
When you live in a provider-managed setting (group home, supervised apartment), there are three costs that need to be paid to the managing provider.
- Rent In a provider-managed setting, rent is paid through a combination of a DDD housing subsidy (paid directly to the provider) and a 30% portion of the resident's monthly income. Monthly income includes the person's SSI benefits, employment wages, and, for some, distributions from a trust or other type of account.
- Services The direct support a resident receives in a provider-managed setting is paid through their tier budget. The service called "Individual Supports-Daily Rate" is entered into the person's service plan and the provider submits claims to Medicaid after they've delivered the service.
- Housing-Related Expenses These are expenses related to living in the home not included in the rent amount, like electricity or professional grass mowing. The provider determines what this amount will be.
The portion of these costs that you pay to the provider is called Individual Contribution. It will always include 30% of your income for rent. It will also include housing-related expenses that are shared equally by all the residents in the home, as well as any cost that may be specific to you. The provider should give you details of what your Individual Contribution will be paying for before you sign the lease or residency agreement.
For more information on the Individual Contribution in a provider-managed setting, see Guidance on Individual Funds Charged by Residential Providers.pdf.