New HUD self-certification rules make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to get housing assistance. Homeless individuals can now self-certify their income to streamline the Housing Choice Voucher process. This change facilitates quicker access to housing assistance and faster entry into stable, healthy homes. This notice applies to public housing agencies (PHAs) administering the HCV, PBV, or Public Housing programs.
“HUD is doing all we can to support communities’ actions to end homelessness and transition into affordable homes,” says HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.
HUD aims to simplify eligibility determination and stop unnecessary delays with self-certification. Previous paperwork requirements made the process long. The unhoused often struggle to provide essential paperwork. They may find it difficult to provide social security cards or pay stubs, which are typically mandatory for housing vouchers. Self-certification reduces the red tape and enables quicker aid.
HUD’s self-certification waivers allow for immediate preliminary acceptance into the voucher program based on the following:
self-reported income,
disability status,
and other relevant information.
This provisional approval speeds up assistance! However, housing agencies must verify the income within 90 days to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Housing Choice Vouchers are essential tools in fighting homelessness. They help low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to find decent, safe rental housing. Vouchers help reduce homelessness on the federal, state, and local levels. The new flexibility offered by HUD can benefit communities experiencing significant or rising homelessness rates.
Self-certification is a proactive solution for housing agencies. Agencies should update their application and verification processes swiftly to incorporate these new flexibilities. Training staff to handle self-certification and to perform timely verifications within the 90-day window will be crucial.
