Finding Text
(2025-001) Eligibility Criteria - According to 24 CFR § 5.508 and Housing Choice Voucher program (Assistance Listing Number 14.871) requirements, the Authority must obtain and retain documentation establishing the citizenship or eligible immigration status of every applicant and participant. The Authority must not provide assistance to individuals who do not submit the required proof of citizenship/immigration status. Condition - Out of eight tenant files tested in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, one selection did not contain a citizenship declaration. Cause - The Authority did not obtain or retain appropriate citizenship of eligible immigration status documentation at the time of initial eligibility or during recertification, as required by federal regulations. Effect - Failure to obtain and retain proper documentation of citizenship or eligible immigration status increases the risk that federal housing assistance may be provided to individuals who are not eligible to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. This noncompliance could result in HUD requiring the Authority to repay federal funds and may negatively impact the Authority’s future funding and program participation. Questioned Costs - $28,584. Repeat Finding - This is not a repeated finding. Statistical Sampling - The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation - We recommend the Authority improve internal controls to ensure that documentation of citizenship or eligible immigration status is obtained and retained for all program participants. Additionally, the Authority should review all current participant files for similar issues and implement staff training on eligibility documentation requirements. Management’s Response - (a) Comments on the finding and recommendation - The Authority agrees with the finding. The Authority also agrees with the recommendations, please see below for action taken. (b) Action taken - The Authority will obtain the required citizenship documentation. (c) Planned implementation date of corrective action - Completed by December 31, 2026.