Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) is a benefit through Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (MA) program that helps adults with a disabling mental or physical condition—along with housing instability—find and maintain secure housing. It can also support moving costs, like a security deposit, furniture, or moving services—up to $3,000 in assistance.

Who qualifies for HSS?

• Must be 18 or older and enrolled in Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA).

• Must have a disabling condition, which may include long-term illness, mental illness, developmental or learning disabilities, or substance use disorder.

• Must be experiencing housing instability—like homelessness, being at risk of losing housing, or transitioning from a hospital or institutional setting.
  

  Visit the official DHS HSS page for full details—including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and available services

If you don’t already have a verified way of being deemed eligible for Housing Stabilization Services (HSS)—such as through:

• An approved waiver (like CADI, DD, EW, BI)

• A Coordinated Entry Assessment

• Being over 65 years old

…then you will need a Professional Statement of Need (PSN).

What is a PSN?

A PSN is a written statement from a qualified health care professional confirming that you have a disabling condition that affects your ability to find or maintain stable housing. This is a requirement from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for HSS eligibility.

The Primary Pathway to Housing Stabilization Services (HSS)

For many people in Minnesota, the most direct way to access Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) is through the Professional Statement of Need (PSN). This form is the primary assessment tool used by Minnesota DHS to verify eligibility across all three key needs-based criteria:

• Disabling condition (mental or physical)

• Housing instability

• Assessed need for service

The PSN is essential documentation that helps DHS determine HSS eligibility.

Other Accepted Assessment Pathways

There are two other ways to qualify, which may be easier for some:

1. MnCHOICES or Long-Term Services Assessment

2. Coordinated Entry Assessment

These assessments are widely used across service providers to evaluate housing instability and supportive service needs.

By using one of these three valid pathways—PSN, MnCHOICES, or Coordinated Entry—you are more likely to meet eligibility requirements for HSS, covering services from consultation and moving support to sustaining services.

Once your assessment (like the PSN) is complete and submitted—alongside your Person-Centered Plan (PCP)—DHS reviews your information through the DHS‑7948 system, and you’ll receive notification of approval or denial.

1. What services do you offer and how will they help me specifically?

Not all providers give the same level of help. Ask for examples of how they’ve helped clients find or keep housing.

2. How often will we meet and how will we communicate?

Find out if they meet in person, by phone, or online, and how quickly they respond to calls, texts, or emails.

3. Do you help with both finding housing and keeping it?

Some providers focus more on one part of the process. Make sure they can help you long-term, not just with the move.

4. What is your process for covering moving expenses or other benefits?

Ask how they handle the $3,000 moving expense benefit (if you’re eligible), what items or services are covered, and how quickly they can approve and order things.

5. How do you handle problems or concerns if something isn’t working?

Good providers have a clear process for complaints or changes in your plan. Ask how you can share concerns and what steps they take to fix issues.