DOH Issues SSI COLA DAL for ACFs for 2023

Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) issued the annual Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) announcing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2023, along with this benefit chart issued by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The information is consistent with our Intelligence article issued last month.

The DAL includes the notice to residents and reminds of the requirement to provide residents 30 days notice for a rate increase, or 45 days if licensed as an assisted living residence (ALR). The DAL states, however, that “[t]he Operator may increase the rate with less than the requisite notice if the resident voluntarily agrees to such a rate increase in writing.” Members are encouraged to review the DAL to ensure compliance with all requirements.

As a reminder, this COLA is an adjustment only to the federal portion of the SSI benefit and the personal needs allowance. The State portion of the benefit, the State Supplement Program (SSP), remains stagnant. We continue to pursue our lawsuit against the State to increase the SSP.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828