CurrentHealth NetPolicy N/A

Housing Deposit authorization for housing supports

Governs eligibility, documentation, authorization, allowable uses, limits, and provider requirements for one-time housing deposit and move-in supports for Medi-Cal members within applicable Health Net/CHPIV programs.

Policy Summary

PayerHealth Net

PolicyHousing Deposit authorization for housing supports

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeNo material changes

Effective DateN/A

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionRequest Housing Deposit items within 30 calendar days of the lease move-in date (utility statements allowed up to 60 days).

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

$6,000Total lifetime maximum per member

12 monthsInitial authorization duration

30 daysMove-in request timeframe

Once (+1 possible)Service availability during demonstration

HO044 U2Billing code referenced

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Primary coverage criteria

Members qualify when ALL of the following eligibility, necessity, documentation, timing, and limit conditions are met:

ALL of the following

Member meets ONE of the following eligibility criteria:
- Received Housing Transition Navigation Services in counties that offer this service.
- Prioritized for permanent supportive housing or rental subsidy via the local Coordinated Entry System or similar system.
- Meets HUD definition of homeless (24 CFR §91.5) and is receiving enhanced care management; OR is highly vulnerable (one or more serious chronic conditions, serious mental illness, institutionalization, exiting incarceration, or requiring residential services because of substance use disorder).

ALL of the following

All requested services and goods are documented as reasonable and necessary in the member's individualized housing support plan.

ALL of the following

Submitted Housing Deposit Referral Form and housing support plan documenting the need and reasonable necessity of requested items.
Lease agreement (when applicable).
Medi‑Cal DME denial letter when goods requested would otherwise be DME but are not available via Medi‑Cal.
Invoices or receipts for cleaning/pest services or other purchased items.
Security Deposit Exemption Form when applicable; other verification documents as needed.

ALL of the following

Items requested upon move-in must be requested within 30 calendar days of the lease move-in date (utility statements may be limited to 60 days).
Initial authorization is for 12 months; extensions require submission of a new authorization and referral form and are approved in 90‑day increments.

ALL of the following

Providers must have experience and expertise providing housing‑related services and supports in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner; use best practices and appropriate provider types (e.g., supportive housing providers, county agencies, public hospital systems, social service agencies).

Authorization, Frequency, and Documentation Requirements

Prior Authorization

Authorization duration and move-in timing

Initial authorizations are valid for 12 months. Upon move-in, request any post-move Housing Deposit items within 30 calendar days of the lease move-in date; utility statements are allowed up to 60 days from the move-in date. If an extension is needed, submit a new authorization and referral form — extensions are approved in 90‑day increments.

Initial authorization duration: 12 months
Post-move item request window: within 30 calendar days of lease move-in date
Utility statement exception: up to 60 calendar days from move-in date
Extensions require a new authorization/referral form and are approved in 90‑day increments

Prior Authorization

Frequency of service and pre-move requests

Housing Deposit services are generally available once during the demonstration period. A second approval may be granted only one additional time and requires documentation demonstrating changed conditions that justify a second approval. Providers may request some items (for example, application fees or goods) prior to move-in.

Services available once during the demonstration period
One additional approval possible with documentation of changed conditions
Pre-move requests allowed for certain items (e.g., application fees, goods)

Documentation Required

Required documentation for authorization

Providers must submit the Housing Deposit Referral Form and supporting housing plan documentation; required supporting documents include the lease agreement, Medi-Cal DME denial letter (if applicable), invoices (e.g., cleaning/pest service), and the Security Deposit Exemption Form when necessary. All services and goods must be identified as reasonable and necessary in the member's individualized housing support plan.

Housing Deposit Referral Form
Housing support plan and supporting documentation
Lease agreement
Medi‑Cal DME denial letter (if applicable)
Invoice for cleaning or pest service
Security Deposit Exemption Form (if necessary)
All items must be documented as reasonable and necessary in the housing support plan

Definitions

Housing Deposit (definition)

DefinitionOne-time supports and funds to identify, coordinate, secure, or fund services and modifications necessary to establish a basic household, based on an individualized housing support plan

Included usesSecurity deposits, setup fees/deposits for utilities or service access, utility arrears, first‑month utilities, application fees, goods for health and safety (e.g., air conditioner, heater, DME items when not available via Medi‑Cal), one‑time cleaning or pest eradication, minor habitability repairs

DocumentationRequires Housing Deposit Referral Form, housing plan, lease agreement, invoices, and other supporting documents as needed

Security deposit limit (legal reference)

Statutory limitCalifornia Civil Code section 1950.5 limits security deposits to one month’s rent (two months for small landlords in specified circumstances)

Policy applicationSecurity deposit requests under Housing Deposit must adhere to the limits in Civil Code §1950.5

Exceptions notedPolicy acknowledges the two‑month limit for small landlords as reflected in the statute

OpenPayer

Housing Deposit authorization for housing supports

Coverage Criteria

Coding and Limits

Authorization, Frequency, and Documentation Requirements

Definitions