The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced new policy changes to better support homeless veterans. These changes aim to increase access to housing through the HUD-Department of Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.

Previously, veterans receiving VA benefits often faced difficulties qualifying for supportive housing because these benefits were counted as income, pushing them over the income limit for housing programs. Now, HUD will no longer consider these benefits as income, allowing more veterans to qualify for housing assistance.

HUD has also awarded $20 million to public housing agencies and made more competitive funding available to combat homelessness. This funding will enhance the HUD-VASH program by improving housing search assistance and landlord recruitment.

“No veteran should ever have to experience homelessness,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.“ This policy change will help veterans receiving disability benefits access the housing and services they need.”

Improving Access to Housing

The HUD-VASH Program pairs rental assistance from HUD with support services from the VA to aid homeless veterans. VA medical centers identify homeless veterans and refer them to public housing agencies, which then issue vouchers to eligible veterans and their families. VA staff provide additional support to help veterans find and maintain housing, and connect them to healthcare and employment services.

“The days of a veteran having to choose between VA benefits and housing support are over,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This change will help veterans nationwide and move us closer to ending veteran homelessness.”

New Policy Changes

The key changes include:

• Setting Initial Income Eligibility at 80% of Area Median Income: Public housing agencies will now use this higher threshold.
• Excluding Service-Connected Disability Benefits from Income Calculations: This new income definition could also be adopted by other housing programs.

HUD is working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to determine how this new income definition affects veterans seeking housing with Low Income Housing Credits. Guidance on this issue is expected soon.

Additional Enhancements

The revised HUD-VASH requirements also include:

• Non-Competitive Awards of Project-Based HUD-VASH Contracts: These can be awarded to housing projects on VA facilities serving HUD-VASH families.
• Exception Payment Standards: Approval of up to 140% of the Fair Market Rent as Reasonable Accommodations.
• Separate Minimum Rent Policies: Including the option for zero minimum rent for HUD-VASH participants.

The $20 million in funding will also help public housing agencies expand housing search assistance, recruit landlords, offer incentives and retention payments, assist with security deposits, and provide landlord-tenant mediation.

Since 2010, the HUD-VASH program has helped more than 200,000 veterans find permanent housing. The program’s support for homeless veterans has reduced veteran homelessness by more than 50%.