HA Item 05 -Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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. Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 . Page 11-9 New Family and Household Members Requiring Approval With the exception of children who join the family as a result of birth, adoption, or court- awarded custody, a family must request PHA approval to add a new family member [24 CFR 982.551(h)(2)] or other household member (live-in aide or foster child) [24 CFR 982.551(h)(4)]. Although the PHA must verify aspects of program eligibility when any new family member is added, the Streamlining Final Rule removed the requirement that PHAs conduct a reexamination of income whenever a new family member is added. The PHA may state in policy that an income reexamination will be conducted. If a change in family size causes a violation of Housing Quality Standards (HQS) space standards (see Chapter 8), the PHA must issue the family a new voucher, and the family and PHA must try to find an acceptable unit as soon as possible. If an acceptable unit is available for rental by the family, the PHA must terminate the family’s HAP contract in accordance with its terms [24 CFR 982.403]. SAHA Policy Families must request SAHA approval to add a new family member, live-in aide, foster child, or foster adult. This includes any person not on the lease who is expected to stay in the unit for more than 30 cumulative calendar days during any 12-month period, subject to lease terms. Requests must be made in writing and approved by SAHA prior to the individual moving into the unit. Family must also receive written approval from the owner to add a new member. If owner does not approve new member, SAHA may issue a new voucher to move. SAHA will not approve the return of adult family members who have left the assisted unit to establish a separate family unit. SAHA will review requests for additional adult family members and only grant as a reasonable accommodation. SAHA will not approve the addition of a new family or household member unless the individual meets SAHA’s eligibility criteria (see Chapter 3) and documentation requirements (see Chapter 7, Part II). SAHA will not approve the addition of a foster child or foster adult if it will cause a violation of HQS space standards. However, if the foster child/children are blood related to the head of household, SAHA may grant additional bedrooms. If SAHA determines an individual meets SAHA’s eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, SAHA will provide written approval to the family. If the approval of a new family member or live-in aide will cause overcrowding according to HQS standards, the approval letter will explain that the family will be issued a voucher and will be required to move. If SAHA determines that an individual does not meet SAHA’s eligibility criteria or documentation requirements, SAHA will notify the family in writing of its decision to deny approval of the new family or household member and the reasons for the denial. SAHA will make its determination within 14 calendar days of receiving all information required to verify the individual’s eligibility. EXHIBIT 1