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26-149 Transitional Rent Benefit Now Available for Medi-Cal Members with Behavioral Health Needs

Date: 03/03/26

A critical bridge to lasting housing stability: What providers need to know about Transitional Rent

Effective January 1, 2026, eligible Medi-Cal members can now receive up to six months of Transitional Rent assistance to support housing stability. This benefit is designed for individuals with significant behavioral health needs who are experiencing — or at risk of — homelessness. It helps bridge the gap between vulnerable living situations and long-term housing by supporting members transitioning from institutional care, incarceration or the child welfare system.

Please note, Transitional Rent cannot be used to cover past-due rent.

Transitional Rent is more than temporary relief — it’s a critical bridge to lasting housing stability.

Benefit coverage and limitations

  • Covers up to six months of rental assistance in approved housing settings. Members may not exceed a combined six months of Transitional Rent, Recuperative Care and Short-Term Post-Hospitalization Housing within a rolling 12-month period.1
  • Services may include Housing Deposits Community Support to recover costs not included in Transitional Rent.

Referral process

Step 1 – Determine eligibility

Because the benefit is narrowly defined, please explain it accurately to members to avoid confusion or unrealistic expectations.

Eligibility criteria

Members are eligible for Transitional Rent if they meet all of the following criteria:

1 Clinical risk factor requirement: Must have one or more of the following qualifying clinical risk factors: 

A Meets the access criteria for Specialty Mental Health Service

B Meets the access criteria for Drug Medi-Cal or Drug Medical Organized Delivery System

AND

2 Social risk factor requirement: Experiencing or at risk of homelessness

AND

3 Individual must meet one of the following requirements from C, D or E:

C Transitioning population requirement:

- Transitioning out of an institutional or congregate residential setting

- Transitioning out of a carceral setting

- Transitioning out of interim housing

- Transitioning out of Recuperative Care or Short-Term Post-Hospitalization Housing

- Transitioning out of foster care

OR

D Experiencing unsheltered homelessness

OR

E Eligible for Full-Service Partnership (FSP)

For more information on eligibility criteria, see the Authorization Guide for Transitional Rent for details at CalAIM Resources for Providers > Forms & Tools > Community Supports (CS).

Step 2 – Create a Housing Support Plan

  • Describe a plan to pay for housing after Transitional Rent ends. This requirement depends on the type of setting where the member will use Transitional Rent.
  • If a member will receive Transitional Rent in an interim setting, the county’s behavioral health agency must confirm that the member is eligible for and can transition to Behavioral Health Services Act Housing Interventions at the end of the Transitional Rent period if no other long-term option is available.
  • If a member will receive Transitional Rent in a permanent setting, the Housing Support Plan must describe the program or payment source the member will use after Transitional Rent ends and whether the source is confirmed or being explored. (Note: If the funding source is not confirmed, Health Net*, on behalf of CalViva Health, may reject the request for Transitional Rent authorization.)
  • The Housing Support Plan must be informed by the member’s preferences and developed in a way that is culturally appropriate and trauma-informed.

Note: Any entity can support a member to create a Housing Support Plan. However, if a member needs support with any elements in step 2, submit a referral through Findhelp for a housing transition and navigation provider. The housing navigator will assess the member’s needs, help gather missing information or provide alternative options.

Step 3 – Refer to Transitional Rent provider if steps 1 and 2 are complete 

Refer the member to a contracted Transitional Rent provider available at CalAIM Resources for Providers > List of Transitional Rent Providers. The Transitional Rent provider will review documentation and additional requirements and submit a Transitional Rent Authorization Form to the Plan.

Training resources

Training materials are available at CalAIM Provider Training & Webinars.

Requesting services

Transitional Rent requires prior authorization. Only contracted Transitional Rent providers should submit a Transitional Rent Authorization Form with supporting documentation via:  

Routine request turnaround: Seven calendar days.

Find the latest guides and referral forms

The authorization guide and authorization form for Transitional Rent are available on the CalAIM Resources for Providers page. Go to Forms & Tools > Community Supports (CS) to access the latest guides and forms.

Member Services

Members who need help with Transitional Rent should call the Member Services number on the back of their member ID card.

Need help? Contact us

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact CalViva Health at 888-893-1569. Behavioral Health providers can call 844-966-0298.


1For more information, refer to the Community Supports Policy Guide Volume 2, April 2025, available on the California Department of Health Care Services website at Enhanced Care Management & Community Supports Resources.

 

This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, Community Supports (CS) Providers, Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.

This information applies to Medi-Cal in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties.



Last Updated: 03/03/2026