DSPD is the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities, a division of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. DSPD administers Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that pay for supports like supportive living, host homes, day programs, respite, and supported employment for eligible Utahns with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

What is the Community Supports Waiver?

The Community Supports Waiver is the Utah Medicaid HCBS waiver most often used to fund placements like Aspen's. It covers a broad range of residential, day, employment, and respite services. Eligibility runs through DSPD intake, and authorization is set by a person-centered planning process led by your DSPD support coordinator.

How long is the DSPD wait list?

Utah's DSPD wait list has historically run several years long for most applicants. The actual wait varies by needs assessment, age, and the size of legislative funding. Once a person is selected from the wait list, they begin a formal needs assessment and authorization process that can take several months to translate into an actual placement. Aspen does not control wait list placement; your DSPD support coordinator does.

How much does supportive living cost in Utah?

Industry estimates put the all-in annual cost of 24-hour supportive living in Utah between roughly 90,000 and 140,000 USD per resident, depending on staffing intensity and medical complexity. When the placement is funded by a Medicaid HCBS waiver, the family pays nothing additional for waiver-covered services. Where waiver coverage is not in place, Aspen offers private-pay arrangements at published rates and will tell you the dollar amount before any agreement.

What is the difference between a group home and supportive living?

The terms are often used interchangeably in Utah. In practice, group homes and supportive-living homes both refer to single-family homes shared by adults with disabilities and staffed around the clock. Aspen's homes are single-family homes on residential streets in Salt Lake County, with one to three roommates per home. We use the term 'supportive living' because it more accurately describes ordinary domestic life with the right supports, rather than a clinical setting.

What is ICF/IID and how is it different?

ICF/IID stands for Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. ICFs are larger congregate-care facilities licensed under federal Medicaid rules with required medical staffing levels and a specific institutional payment model. Aspen Living does not operate ICFs. We operate single-family homes funded primarily through Utah's HCBS waivers, which are the alternative to institutional care.

Can my family member live with you if they are not yet on a waiver?

Yes, in two situations. First, on a private-pay basis, with rates published in advance. Second, in respite care or day program participation under self-direction or interim funding while waiver authorization is being completed. Talk to your DSPD support coordinator and to us at the same time so we can map a path that works.

Do you accept residents who use challenging behaviors?

Yes. We support residents whose history includes behaviors that other providers may consider challenging. We do not promise we are the right home for every person, and we are honest if we think another provider is a better fit. Our staff are trained in positive behavior support and we expect a person-specific behavior support plan to be part of every placement.

Do you serve people who are nonverbal?

Yes. Communication style is part of intake conversation, not a barrier to placement. We use augmentative and alternative communication tools, sign, picture exchange, and whatever else works for the person. The goal is that residents are heard, not that they speak in a particular way.

Resources

Utah housing programs and support resources for adults.

Q: How do I get started?

If you are a family member, the fastest path is to call us or fill out the intake form on the contact page. We respond within one business day. If you are a DSPD support coordinator, the for-case-managers page lists current openings and a referral form.

A plain-language guide to the programs that can help pay for housing, cover deposits, or supplement income for adults who need community living support in Salt Lake County.

Plain-language summary

Several Utah and federal programs can help cover housing costs for adults who need supportive community living. The most relevant for Aspen Living residents is the HRSS Waiver, which can cover security deposits. Residents pay rent from their own income or benefits. Other programs like Targeted Adult Medicaid (TAM), Adult Expansion Medicaid (AEM), and assistance through Utah DWS or Utah Community Action may also apply depending on your situation.

What is the HRSS Waiver?

HRSS stands for Housing Related Services and Supports. It is a Utah Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver designed to help individuals transition into or maintain stable community housing. For Aspen Living residents, the HRSS waiver can cover move-in costs such as security deposits and utility setup fees. It does not pay ongoing rent; rent is paid by the resident from income, SSI/SSDI, or other benefits.

Eligibility for the HRSS waiver runs through Utah Medicaid. Your Medicaid case coordinator or housing navigator can help determine whether you qualify and how to apply. Contact us and we can point you to the right starting point.

Targeted Adult Medicaid (TAM)

Targeted Adult Medicaid is a Utah Medicaid program for low-income adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who do not qualify for other Medicaid categories. TAM covers basic medical services and may coordinate with other housing assistance programs. If your family member is not currently enrolled in Medicaid, TAM may be an entry point. Apply through Utah Medicaid at medicaid.utah.gov.

Adult Expansion Medicaid (AEM)

Adult Expansion Medicaid (also called Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act) covers adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. AEM provides full Medicaid benefits including physical and behavioral health coverage. Eligible adults can apply through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services at health.utah.gov or at benefits.utah.gov.

Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS)

Utah DWS administers a range of assistance programs including emergency rental assistance, utility assistance (HEAT and LIHEAP), housing stability programs, and employment support. If a resident has income instability or needs help covering a month of rent during a gap, DWS may have programs that apply. Start at jobs.utah.gov or call your local DWS office.

Utah Community Action

Utah Community Action (UCA) provides emergency housing assistance, rent and utility support, case management, and connection to other community resources for low-income individuals and families in Salt Lake County. UCA is often a faster path to emergency rental assistance than state programs. Find them at utahcommunityaction.org.

What does housing with Aspen Living cost?

Residents pay rent directly from their own income or benefits (SSI, SSDI, employment income, or other sources). The HRSS Waiver may cover the security deposit for eligible residents. There are no additional fees for housing-related services covered under the waiver. If you have questions about the specific rent amount or what you would be expected to pay, ask us on the first call.

External resources

FAQ

Questions people ask most.

What is the HRSS Waiver?

HRSS stands for Housing Related Services and Supports. It is a Utah Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver that can cover move-in costs like security deposits for eligible adults transitioning into community housing. It does not pay ongoing rent. Eligibility runs through Utah Medicaid.

Who pays rent at Aspen Living?

Residents pay rent directly from their own income or benefits. This includes SSI, SSDI, employment income, or other sources. The HRSS waiver may cover the security deposit for eligible residents. There are no other housing fees for waiver-covered services.

What is Targeted Adult Medicaid (TAM)?

TAM is a Utah Medicaid program for low-income adults ages 19 to 64 who do not qualify for other Medicaid categories. It covers basic medical services and may coordinate with housing programs. Apply at medicaid.utah.gov.

What is Adult Expansion Medicaid (AEM)?

AEM covers adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. It provides full Medicaid benefits including physical and behavioral health. Apply through health.utah.gov or benefits.utah.gov.

What can Utah DWS help with?

Utah DWS administers emergency rental assistance, utility assistance (HEAT and LIHEAP), and other housing stability programs. If you have a gap in rent or utilities, DWS may have a program that applies. Start at jobs.utah.gov or call your local DWS office.

What does Utah Community Action offer?

Utah Community Action provides emergency housing assistance, rent and utility support, and case management for low-income individuals in Salt Lake County. They are often a faster route to emergency help than state programs. Find them at utahcommunityaction.org.

Is there onsite staff at the home?

No. Aspen Living homes are shared housing. Residents manage their own daily lives, medications, and schedules. House management is reachable for questions or issues, but there is no live-in or around-the-clock staff.

What is the difference between supportive living and shared housing?

Supportive living in Utah traditionally refers to group homes with 24-hour staff. Aspen Living offers supportive shared housing, which is a different model: adults share a home, manage their own routines, and access community resources independently. It is a better fit for adults who do not require around-the-clock staffing.

How do I get started?

Call us at (385) 457-7753 or fill out the intake form on the contact page. We respond within 24 to 48 hours. If you are a case manager or support coordinator, see the For Case Managers page for current openings and the referral form.

When you are ready

Bring your questions.

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