HCV Essentials-Presentation

Presentation - HCV Essentials
Pdf Summary
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) provides comprehensive training materials on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, designed for new and current staff, supervisors, and housing professionals. The training covers essential aspects of the HCV program, including program goals, key stakeholders, eligibility, income calculation, compliance, and termination procedures.<br /><br />The HCV program aims to assist low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities in securing affordable, decent housing in the private market while promoting housing choice and inclusive communities. Affordable housing, as defined by HUD, means housing costs should not exceed 30% of a household’s gross monthly income.<br /><br />Key roles include Congress, HUD, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), program participants, and property owners, each responsible for various program aspects from funding to tenant screening and compliance. Family obligations entail accurate reporting of income and household changes, timely rent payments, and maintaining unit quality. Owners must ensure safe housing, enforce leases, and comply with HUD and PHA requirements.<br /><br />Program compliance is governed by federal regulations such as the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), HUD Notices, Guidebooks, and local Administrative Plans. Fair housing laws are fundamental, with protections under the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and provisions for Limited English Proficiency.<br /><br />Eligibility requires meeting definitions of family, income limits based on Area Median Income (AMI), and citizenship status, with specific exclusions for certain full-time students and mandatory denial criteria including drug-related criminal activity or sex offender registration.<br /><br />Income calculations include earned, unearned, and asset income, following HUD’s verification hierarchy and allowing deductions for dependents, elderly/disabled status, childcare, and medical expenses to determine adjusted income. Rent calculations consider rent reasonableness, utility allowances, total tenant payment (TTP), and payment standards to ensure affordability, with PHAs responsible for briefing participants on program requirements.<br /><br />Ongoing compliance involves annual and interim reexaminations, family moves, and managing terminations with due process including informal hearings. Upcoming HOTMA-related changes will affect definitions, income exclusions, asset restrictions, and deduction adjustments.<br /><br />The training concludes with exam guidance, certification information, and participant resources for effective HCV program administration.
Keywords
Housing Choice Voucher
NAHRO training
affordable housing
HUD regulations
program compliance
income calculation
family eligibility
tenant obligations
PHA responsibilities
fair housing laws