Finding Text
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Housing Voucher Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 14.871/14.879 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: VA001, 2021 Award Period: 1/1/2021-12/31/2021 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Most PHAs devise their own application forms that are filled out by the PHA staff during an interview with the tenant. The head of the household signs (a) one or more release forms to allow the PHA to obtain information from third parties; (b) a federally prescribed general release form for employment information; and (c) a privacy notice. Under some circumstances, other members of the family are required to sign these forms (24 CFR sections 5.212 and 5.230). The PHA must do the following: 1) As a condition of admission or continued occupancy, require the tenant and other family members to provide necessary information, documentation, and releases for the PHA to verify income eligibility (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516). 2) For both family income examinations and reexaminations, obtain and document in the family file third party verification of (1) reported family annual income; (2) the value of assets; (3) expenses related to deductions from annual income; and (4) other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income or income-based rent (24 CFR section 982.516). 3) Determine income eligibility and calculate the tenant’s rent payment using the documentation from third party verification in accordance with 24 CFR Part 5 Subpart F (24 CFR section 5.601 et seq.) (24 CFR sections 982.201, 982.515, and 982.516). 4) Select tenants from the HCVP waiting list (see III.N.1, “Special Tests and Provisions – Selection from the Waiting List”) (24 CFR sections 982.202 through 982.207). 5) Reexamine family income and composition at least once every 12 months and adjust the tenant rent and housing assistance payment as necessary using the documentation from third party verification (24 CFR section 982.516). Condition: Of the 40 tenant files tested: - 1 instance where the sample selected could not be tested because the Authority could not locate the information - 2 instances where the annual family income and composition reexamination were processed late - 1 instance where the Authority could not locate the signed HAP contract therefore, that HAP amount per the 50058 could not be traced to the contract - 1 instance where the Authority could not locate the rent adjustment notice or lease. Questioned costs: $14,244 Context: Of the 40 tenant files tested, 4 files contained exceptions. Those 4 files contained 5 instances of findings. Cause: The Authority failed to implement the internal controls designed to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements were met. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with federal regulations regarding eligibility requirements determined by HUD. Errors in eligibility could result in incorrect HAP payments. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority: - Review and revise its eligibility determination procedures to ensure full compliance with HUD regulations. - Train staff on proper documentation and verification protocols for income, citizenship/immigration status, Social Security numbers, and student eligibility. - Conduct a file audit to identify and correct any improperly admitted tenants. - Update its Administrative Plan to reflect accurate eligibility screening procedures. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.