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

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 18-40 18-III.F. VOUCHER ISSUANCE Initial Search Term [Notice PIH 2024-30] For Mainstream vouchers, HUD waived 24 CFR 982.303(a), which requires an initial search term of at least 60 days, and established an alternative requirement that the initial search term for a Mainstream voucher be at least 120 days. The initial 120-day term also applies when a family chooses to move to a new unit with continued assistance inside or outside the PHA’s jurisdiction. When issuing a Mainstream voucher, the PHA also must provide a current listing of available accessible units known to the PHA and, if necessary, otherwise assist the family in identifying an accessible unit. SAHA Policy The initial voucher term for all Mainstream vouchers, including those issued when a family wishes to exercise portability, will be 120 days. Voucher Extension [Notice PIH 2024-30] The PHA’s administrative plan must describe the PHA’s policies for granting extensions to the initial 120-day voucher term and provide clear instructions to families on the procedures for requesting an extension. If a family requires additional time, the PHA is required to provide an extension as a reasonable accommodation. PHAs must adopt an extension policy for Mainstream vouchers that includes the following:  Each extension must be for a minimum of 90 days;  The PHA must approve the first extension request, regardless of how the request is made (written or verbal) or when it is made, as long as the request is made on or before the expiration date of the voucher and is consistent with applicable requirements (subsequent requests should be processed in accordance with the PHA’s administrative plan); and  The PHA must, on at least one occasion after voucher issuance, notify the family prior to the expiration of the initial term to remind them of the expiration date, the process for requesting an extension, and to inquire if the family is in need of assistance with their housing search. EXHIBIT 1