Finding 1164697 (2025-003)

Income Eligibility Audit Finding Response: Over-Income Eligibility Determination Finding: During the audit review, it was identified that the Authority erroneously assigned a unit to a potential tenant whose initial income exceeded the program's income eligibility threshold. Although the applicant's income subsequently decreased prior to move-in, the Authority acknowledges that eligibility should have been confirmed and properly documented before final unit assignment. The tenant vacated the unit within six (6) months of occupancy. Authority Response: The Meridian Housing Authority (MHA) acknowledges the error in processing the applicant's income eligibility determination and recognizes that the assignment did not fully comply with HUD's established income verification and eligibility requirements. The Authority has reviewed the circumstances surrounding this incident and has determined that the error resulted from a timing and documentation oversight during the final verification phase. Corrective Action Taken: I. Immediate Case Review: The applicant's file was reviewed to verify all documentation and identify procedural gaps that led to the incorrect eligibility determination. 2. Staff Retraining: All occupancy and eligibility staff have been retrained on HUD income eligibility requirements, verification standards, and documentation retention procedures. 3. Revised Verification Protocol: The Authority has implemented an additional pre-move-in eligibility verification checkpoint to confirm applicant income status immediately prior to lease execution, and integration of a final income eligibility checklist into all applicant files. 4. Supervisory Review Requirement: A management-level review and approval is now required for all move-in certifications where an applicant's income falls near the program threshold. 5. Monitoring and Compliance Audit: Internal quality control reviews will be conducted quarterly to ensure continued compliance with HUD eligibility and verification standards. Anticipated Completion Date: Cunently in progress and will be completed by 3/31/2026 and ongomg. Contact Person: Ronald J. Turner, Sr. 2425 E Street, Meridian, MS 39301 601-693-4285