Item HA 03 - Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 18-23 While income-targeting does not apply to VASH vouchers, the PHA may include the admission of extremely low-income VASH families in its income targeting numbers for the fiscal year in which these families are admitted. SAHA Policy While income-targeting requirements will not be considered by SAHA when families are referred by the partnering VAMC, SAHA will include any extremely low-income VASH families that are admitted in its income targeting numbers for the fiscal year in which these families are admitted. Minimum Rent [FR Notice 8/13/24] PHAs must consider hardship circumstances before charging a minimum rent in accordance with 24 CFR 5.630(b). The PHA may choose to charge a lower minimum rent (including a minimum rent of $0) specifically for their VASH program regardless of the minimum rent policies established in their administrative plan for other HCV families. SAHA Policy SAHA will establish a minimum rent of $50 for VASH families. Screening [FR Notice 8/13/24] The PHA may not screen any potentially eligible family members or deny assistance for any grounds permitted under 24 CFR 982.552 and 982.553 with one exception: the PHAs is still required to prohibit admission if any member of the household is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program. Accordingly, with the exception of denial for registration as a lifetime sex offender under state law and PHA policies on how sex offender screenings will be conducted, PHA policy in Sections 3-III.B. through 3-III.E. do not apply to VASH. The prohibition against screening families for anything other than lifetime sex offender status applies to all family members, not just the veteran. If a family member is subject to lifetime registration under a state sex offender registration program, the remaining family members may be served if the family agrees to remove the sex offender from its family composition. This is true unless the family member subject to lifetime registration under a state sex offender registration program is the homeless veteran, in which case the family would be denied admission to the program [FR Notice 8/13/24]. Denial of Assistance [Notice PIH 2008-37] Once a veteran is referred by the VAMC, the PHA must either issue a voucher or deny assistance. If the PHA denies assistance, it must provide the family with prompt notice of the decision and a brief statement of the reason for denial in accordance with Section 3-III.F. Like in the standard HCV program, the family must be provided with the opportunity for an informal review in accordance with policies in Section 3-III.F. In addition, a copy of the denial notice must be sent to the VAMC case manager. EXHIBIT 1