Finding Text
Assistance Listing Number/Federal Program/Granting Agency: ALN 14.871/14.879 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher/Mainstream Vouchers Programs (Housing Voucher Cluster) Criteria: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program requires the Authority to obtain and document in the file third-party verification of assets, income, expenses and other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income as a condition of admission or continued occupancy. Statement of Condition: During our test of compliance over the HCV program, which has a population of over 250 tenant files, we noted 1 exception out of 25 tenant files tested. A third-party of verification documented annual child support income $7,696 annually. However, only $3,207 was included in the income calculation on Form 50058. Questioned Costs: below $25,000. Cause: The omission was due to oversight by the Housing Authority as well as a lack of training and understanding related to properly calculating and reporting income. Effect or Possible Effect: The error resulted in tenant portion of rent and Housing Assistance Payments to be miscalculated. Perspective: One instance of noncompliance was identified within a sample of 25 HAP vouchers totaling $29,006 from a universe of over 250 applicable vouchers, which is a statically valid sample. This indicates a potentially systemic issue within the income verification process, not just an isolated error. Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the Housing Authority provide targeted refresher training to staff and reviewers specifically on identifying and properly recording non-wage income sources (such as child support) to ensure these amounts are consistently included in the income calculation. Views of Responsible Officials: Agree.