To participate in CHESS, a person must be 18 years old or older and be eligible for Medicaid. In addition, CHESS eligibility is determined by:
- A person’s chronic medical conditions, including substance use disorder
- Currently homeless
- Behavioral health diagnosis
- At least 2 critical needs
Critical needs are defined as the need for assistance or with one or more of the following activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs):
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Transferring
- Meal Preparation
- Shopping
- Medication Management
- Healthcare Coordination
- Transportation
- Housework
- Managing Finances
- Maintaining Housing Stability
- Behavioral Health Management
How does CHESS help?
This program provides chronic disease management and wellness education in addition to pre-tenancy supports (help with locating and securing housing), tenancy sustaining supports (help with maintaining successful tenancy), non-medical transportation, covered under Medicaid. Housing Vouchers are being prioritized for CHESS participants who are homeless and on the by-name list. The CHESS staff will help a participant apply for the housing voucher.
Who will I work with?
While working with CHESS, you will have a team of people helping you through the process. Each person has different skills that are valuable to helping you find and maintain housing. Here is a brief list of agencies and staff members you will work with:
- Department of Social Services (DSS):
DSS is the Medicaid authority and determines eligibility for CHESS. DSS also oversees eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, and CASH assistance programs.
- Beacon Health Options Connecticut (Beacon):
Beacon operates under the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership and has key operational responsibilities for CHESS including assessment for eligibility, authorization of services and outreach.
- Intensive Case Manager (ICM):
The Beacon ICM will complete the assessment and help you through the initial steps.
- Supportive Housing Provider (SHP):
The SHP agency will partner with DSS and Beacon, and has two staff members who will help with your recovery plan and providing services.
- Supportive Housing Assessor:
This person will complete a Housing Assessment and develop your Person-Centered Recovery Plan.
- Supportive Housing Direct Service Provider:
This person will help you find housing, maintain that housing, and will provide the day-to-day services to help support you through CHESS.
- Peer Support Specialist:
This person is someone with lived experience and may be involved to help support you through the process.
How does a CHESS application process begin?
If you would first like to learn more about CHESS, please call 2-1-1 or the Department of Social Services (888)-992-8637.
When you are ready to apply, you can submit an application online at www.ctchessdss.com, or call 2-1-1 to connect with a Coordinated Access Network (CAN).
