Finding Text
Statement of Condition – For the Low Rent Public Housing, we reviewed 40 tenant files (recertification files and new tenant files) for fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. We reviewed 14 files for tenants who moved out during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. The selected files represented a sample of all files in the three AMPS. We noted 1 instance in which social security income was incorrectly calculated in determining total tenant income.
Criteria – Per the Public Housing Occupancy Guidebook (Section 3.9), “The gross amount of social security benefit income, prior to Medicare or other deductions, must be counted as income…”.
Effect – For the file referenced above, outdated social security benefits were included in the calculation. As a result, total annual income was understated. The net effect of this error was an understatement of tenant rent of $29 per month.
Cause – Incorrect procedures were followed in regards to calculating total tenant income.
Recommendation – Procedures surrounding tenant rent calculation processes should be strengthened.
Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions – The Authority agrees with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan on page 78.