Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1) Income. A household's net household income
shall be determined in the manner specified in 760 CMR 7.00, Determination of Rents
in State-Aided Public Housing.
(2)
Program Participants shall be obligated to pay as their share of rent for a Contract
Unit, 25% of their Net Household Income if some or no utilities are included in the
Rent and 30% of their Net Household Income if all utilities are included in the
Rent. The value of the Voucher shall be the difference between the total Rent and
the Participant's share of Rent, provided that the total Rent may not exceed the
applicable Ceiling Rent.
(3)
Determination of Value of Voucher on Annual Basis. At least once in every 12 month
period, the Participant shall complete and file with the LHA a continued occupancy
form, providing accurate information as to income, employment, and composition. The
LHA shall then determine whether the Participant's Voucher value and share of Rent
should be adjusted, whether a Participant's authorized unit size is still
appropriate for Participant's needs, and whether the Participant is eligible for
continued program participation. If the Participant's share of the rent is adjusted,
the value of the voucher shall be appropriately adjusted. If the Participant
relocates, the Participant's income is subject to be fully redetermined at that
time.
(4) Changes in Voucher Value
Between Regular Redetermination Dates.
(a) When
monthly income of the household decreases, an increase in the value of the Voucher
shall be made when requested by the Participant. The changed Voucher value will be
effective on the next regular payment date following the report to the LHA and
verification of the lower income.
(b)
Participants shall inform the LHA of all increases in monthly income of the
household of 10% or more within 30 days of such increases. If the Participant's
Voucher changes because of the increased income, the changed Voucher value shall be
effective on the first payment date of the second month following submission of the
new income information. A Participant's failure to report an increase in gross
income shall be grounds for termination of program participation by the Participant
if such increase, if reported, would have resulted in a decreased Voucher value. In
the event that the Participant is not terminated, the Voucher value shall be
adjusted retroactive to the date such change would have taken effect had the
increase been properly reported, and the LHA may enter into a repayment
agreement.
(c) Participants shall inform
the LHA of all changes in household size and/or composition within 30 days of such
changes. At the time that the size of the household is reported, the net income and
Voucher value shall be reviewed and revised. If the Participant's net income has
decreased, the Voucher value shall be changed effective the first payment date
following the report and verification of change in household size. If the
Participant's net income increased, the Voucher value shall be changed effective on
the first payment date of the second month following the report of change in
household unless such change was not reported within the required 30 days. A
Participant's failure to report such a change shall be grounds for termination of
program participation by the Participant if the changes would have resulted, if
reported, in a decreased Voucher value. In the event that the Participant is not
terminated, the Voucher value shall be adjusted retroactive to the date such change
would have taken effect had the household change been properly reported and the LHA
may enter into a repayment agreement.
(d) Voucher values shall be adjusted whenever
necessary to comply with
760 CMR 53.00, other regulations,
or applicable law.
(5)
Verification of Income.
(a) Participant shall,
under the pains and penalties of perjury, provide complete, accurate and documented
verification for all income and deductions claimed for the household.
(b) Third party verification, in accordace with
Department guidelines, shall be obtained to determine net income of Participant's
household.
(c) Each Participant and each
member of the Participant's household shall provide the LHA with their social
security number.
(d) All LHAs shall
participate in any wage and bank match system required for the Program.
(e) A Participant's failure to comply with such
program requirements is grounds for termination from the Alternative Housing Voucher
Program.
