HUD PIH Notice § 2022-24
Stability Voucher Program (HUD PIH Notices)
HUD guidance — not codified law
In Force
Verified 10/14/2026 · Next check 10/21/2026
effective 10/6/2026FederalAffordable Housing ProgramsOperative Text
HUD PIH Notice § 2022-24
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, DC 20410-5000
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING
Special Attention of: Notice PIH 2022-24 (HA) (Corrected)
Directors of HUD Regional and Field
Offices of Public Housing; Issued: August 12, 2024
Agencies that Administer the Originally issued August 16, 2022
Housing Choice Voucher Program Expires: This notice remains in effect until
amended, superseded, or rescinded.
Subject: Stability Voucher Program (Corrected)
1. Purpose. This notice explains HUD’s non-competitive allocation strategy and program
requirements for the new Stability Voucher program. HUD is updating this notice to remove the
reference to “recently homeless” in the sample certification in Attachment I. Persons with the
status of “recently homeless” are not eligible for Stability Vouchers. There is no new funding for
Stability Vouchers as part of this correction. HUD is awarding up to $43,439,000 to support
approximately 4,000 new incremental vouchers. This funding opportunity is designed to
encourage a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. Stability
Vouchers (SVs) may assist households who are homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)), at-risk of homelessness, those
fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or
human trafficking, and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one
of the proceeding criteria. HUD is clarifying that persons who are fleeing or attempting to flee
human trafficking are an eligible category for SVs. (See definition of “homeless” in Section 9.)
HUD recently announced the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Supplemental Notice of
Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness (FR-6500-N-
25S), which promotes a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by
targeting efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness, particularly in communities with very high
levels of unsheltered homelessness and homelessness in rural areas.
HUD expects applicant communities to partner with health and housing agencies to leverage
mainstream housing and healthcare. These two funding opportunities present a first-of-its-kind
package of resources to help communities implement coordinated approach to ending
homelessness, including unsheltered homelessness and homelessness in rural areas.
2. Background. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) (2021 Act),
makes available $43,439,000 for new incremental voucher assistance under Section 8(o) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 for use by individuals and families experiencing or at-risk of
homelessness; those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, or human trafficking, and veterans and families that include a veteran family
member that meet one of the proceeding criteria.
www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov
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The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103 (2022 Act) further provides
that HUD may waive certain statutory and regulatory provisions to administer the SVs (except
for requirements related to tenant rights and protections, rent setting, fair housing,
nondiscrimination, labor standards and the environment) upon a finding that any such waivers or
alternative requirements are necessary to facilitate the use of funds made available for SVs.
Additional funds may become available for award under this notice, because of a public housing
agency (PHA) determination to not accept an award (all or partial), or because of HUD’s efforts
to recapture funds, use carryover funds, or because of the availability of additional appropriated
funds. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints.
3. Summary of Allocation Formula. Under the 2021 Act, SV funding must be awarded to
PHAs that partner with eligible Continuums of Care (CoCs) or other entities serving the targeted
population. Consistent with the requirements of the 2021 Act, HUD will award tenant-based
SVs to PHAs who self-identify to HUD their interest in receiving an allocation and demonstrate
a strategy to coordinate assistance with services available in the community.
SV awards will follow a two-step process:
a. Eligible PHAs will respond to this notice with an email. See Section 5 of this notice for
detailed instructions.
b. Based on a relative need formula, that uses estimates of households experiencing or at
risk of homeless by geography, registered PHAs will receive an invitation to apply for a
specific number of SVs.
4. Determination of Awards. HUD is asking PHAs to demonstrate a strategy to pair SVs with
services available in the community.
HUD recently announced a NOFO, FR-6500-N-25S. This funding opportunity is designed to
promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.
HUD is encouraging PHAs to partner with CoCs to support efforts to address unsheltered
homelessness, including committing available vouchers and public housing units to these efforts.
HUD seeks to prioritize PHAs to receive SVs who are partnering with CoCs on this effort. SVs
must serve eligible populations as described in Section 8 of this Notice.
HUD will prioritize PHAs based on the criteria specified in the section below. Relative to
applications received, HUD’s first priority for award will be provided to PHAs in communities
selected under HUD’s FR-6300-N-25S who demonstrate a commitment to partner with the
CoC(s) serving the PHA’s geographic area to pair SVs with services available in the community.
Given the limited funds available under this notice, HUD expects to first award funding to
communities in Prioritization Category 1. After funding Prioritization Category 1, HUD will
consider PHAs outlined in Category 2 below. Any remaining funds will be provided to PHAs in
Category 3 below. In allocating funding to PHAs within each Category, HUD expects to use the
estimated homeless need and at-risk of homelessness need of the PHA’s county, similar to the
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approach taken for the Emergency Housing Voucher program.
Applicants seeking prioritization under Categories 1 and 2 must submit a completed Letter(s) of
Commitment described in Section 5 of this notice.
Prioritization Category Prioritization Criteria
1 Partnering CoC selected under FR-6300-N-25S,
and
PHA submits a Letter of Commitment from Partnering CoC in
the geographic area with their application for an SV allocation.
NOTE: The Partnering CoC MUST have an existing referral
partnership with a Victim Service Provider (VSP) and Veteran
Service Organization (VSO) in the geographic area.
2 Partnering CoC not selected under FR-6300-N-25S,
and
PHA submits Letters of Commitment from partnering CoCs,
VSPs, or VSOs in the geographic area with their application for
an SV allocation.
This notice is designed to direct SVs to PHA’s partnering with Continuum’s of Care and Victim
Service providers to implement coordinated approaches to reduce the prevalence of
homelessness, improve service engagement and promote housing stability while ensuring
geographical need of assistance.
HUD will utilize the following data and indicators during the selection process to ensure the
statutorily mandated factors of ensuring geographical need of such assistance and public housing
agency administrative performance are taken into consideration in the selection of participating
communities:
a. Homeless and at-risk of homelessness need.
HUD will focus on “homeless need” and “at-risk of homelessness.” These measures will
also serve as a proxy for relative need regarding the eligibility categories that includes
those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,
stalking and human trafficking.
HUD is defining geographical need as the total count of persons experiencing
homelessness (whether sheltered or unsheltered) in the PHA geographic area. HUD will
use January 2020 CoC Point-in-Time (PIT) homeless data for this measure.
For at-risk of homelessness need, HUD will utilize data from the American Community
Survey on rental households with incomes less than 30 percent of Area Median Income
(AMI).1 HUD will use data sets on households living in overcrowded units (1.01 or more
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The McKinney-Vento definition of ‘at-risk’ of homelessness for households specifies that they have incomes of
less than 30 percent of Area Median Income in addition to one or more other characteristics that put them at risk of
homelessness.
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persons per room) and/or without compete kitchen or; and for those households that in
addition to meeting the income and housing condition criteria are also severely rent
burdened (paying more than half their income for rent).
To construct need measured for PHAs, HUD will convert data to the county level. ACS
at-risk of homelessness data are only available at the county level. However, the PIT
homeless data are available at the Continuums of Care geographies that can vary from a
place within a county to being multiple counties. HUD will evaluate the PIT
homelessness data to the county level using a county-to-CoC crosswalk based on the
renter share in each county with income less than 30 percent of AMI.
b. PHA administrative capacity
PHAs, as required by the Act, must demonstrate the capacity to successfully administer
the SV program. Therefore, PHAs must not have any major unresolved program
management findings from an Inspector General audit, HUD management review, or
Independent Public Accountant (IPA) audit for the PHA’s HCV program, or other
significant program compliance issues that were not resolved, or in the process of being
resolved, as determined by HUD, prior to this notice’s application deadline.
Additionally, applicants must resolve all outstanding civil rights matters to HUD’s
satisfaction prior to this notice’s Registration of Interest deadline, provided that all
applicable legal processes have been satisfied.
If a PHA is unsure whether these criteria are met, they should contact the PHA’s HUD
Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Field Office point of contact.
5. Registration of Interest. Funding availability under this notice is available to PHAs who
demonstrate a strategy to coordinate assistance with services available in the community. CoC
collaboration is a critical tool in identifying resources and developing solutions to challenges that
eligible families experience. PHAs are encouraged to consult with their partnering CoC(s)
serving the PHA’s geographic area to discuss their intention of submitting an application under
this notice.
PHAs interested in an allocation of SVs will respond via email. The email requirements are as
follows:
Interested PHAs must send an email response to StabilityVouchers@hud.gov.
The Subject Line of the email must be “Stability Voucher Registration of Interest”
followed by the PHA code (i.e., SA002).
The body of the email must identify the name(s) of the partnering CoC serving the PHA’s
geographic area and the CoC number. For example: Metropolitan Denver CoC, CO-503.
PHAs partnering with more than one CoC.
Letter of Commitment from the partnering CoC(s) indicating a commitment to
collaborate with the PHA to i.) refer eligible families to the PHA through Coordinated
Entry for SVs; ii.) pair CoC-funded supportive services with SVs; and (iii.) collaborate
with other stakeholders to develop a prioritization plan for SVs.
See Section 10.b. for additional information on how to ensure that victim service organizations
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are included in these partnerships.
All Registrations of Interest must be transmitted no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time on October 20, 2022.
After a successful email transmission to StabilityVouchers@hud.gov, the sender will receive an
“auto-reply” message, confirming receipt of an email. If you do not receive an “auto-reply”
confirming receipt, your email was not received, and the agency will not be considered for an
award. Faxes and hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Note: receipt of an “auto-reply”
message does not validate whether or not the response is complete. Please review the notice in
its entirety to ensure all requirements are met.
HUD may extend the Registration of Interest deadline upon receipt of a PHA initiated request if
there is a presidentially-declared disaster in the applicant PHA’s area. If these events occur,
HUD will post a notice on its website establishing the new, extended deadline for the affected
applicant.
In determining whether to grant a request for an extension based on a presidentially-declared
disaster, HUD will consider the totality of the circumstances including the date of an applicant’s
extension request (how closely it followed the basis for the extension), whether other applicants
in the geographic areas are similarly affected by the disaster, and how quickly power or services
are restored to enable the applicant to submit its Registration of Interest.
6. Invitation of PHAs.
Selected PHAs will receive an invitation via email to apply for a specific number of SVs. This
number is the maximum number of vouchers being offered to the PHA. PHAs may choose to
apply for fewer vouchers. Additional instructions, including the deadline for response, will be
included in the invitation letter.
7. PHA Eligibility. To be eligible to receive an SV funding allocation, a PHA must currently
administer the HCV program through an existing Consolidated Annual Contributions Contract
(CACC) with HUD. Non-profit agencies that only administer HCV Mainstream vouchers are
not eligible to receive an SV allocation.
8. Household Eligibility. In order to be eligible for an SV, a household must meet one of four
eligibility criteria:
a. Individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness;
b. Individuals and families at risk of homelessness;
c. Individuals and families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence,
stalking, sexual assault; and
d. Veterans and families that include a veteran family that meet one of the preceding criteria
(1-3).
In general, the verification that the family meets one of these four eligibility categories is
conducted by the CoC, or another partnering agency that makes direct referrals to the PHA. The
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CoC, or other direct referral partner must provide supporting documentation to the PHA of the
referring agency’s verification that the family meets one of the four eligible categories for SV
assistance.
9. Definitions. The following definitions always apply with respect to SV eligibility, regardless
of whether the PHA may have established another definition for any of these terms in its PHA
administrative plan.
At Risk of Homelessness means the population defined by 24 CFR 578.3.
Continuum of Care (CoC) has the meaning provided in 24 CFR 578.3.
Centralized or Coordinated Entry (CE) Assessment System has the meaning provided in 24
CFR 578.3. 24 CFR 578.7(a)(8) details the responsibilities of the CoC to establish and operate
this required system. In addition to the definition and responsibilities established in the Rule,
HUD posted on its website, CPD-17-01: Notice Establishing Additional Requirements for a
Continuum of Care Centralized or Coordinated Assessment System, establishing additional
requirements related to the development and use of a centralized or coordinated entry assessment
system. These systems help communities in assessing the needs, vulnerability level, and
program eligibility of people experiencing or imminently at risk of experiencing homelessness
and linking them to available housing programs in the community using standardized access,
assessment, prioritization, and referral processes. CE represents one of the opportunities for
PHAs to collaborate with their local CoC.
Dating violence means violence committed by a person:
a. Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the
survivor; and
b. Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration
of the following factors:
1) the length of the relationship;
2) the type of relationship; and
3) the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Domestic violence means the use or attempted use of physical abuse or sexual abuse, or a
pattern of any other coercive behavior committed, enabled, or solicited to gain or maintain power
and control over a survivor, including verbal, psychological, economic, or technological abuse
that may or may not constitute criminal behavior, by a person who:
a. is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the survivor, or other person similarly
situated to a spouse of the survivor;
b. is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
c. shares a child in common with the survivor;
d. is an adult family member of, or paid or nonpaid caregiver in an ongoing relationship of
trust with, a survivor aged 50 or older or an adult survivor with disabilities; or
e. commits acts against a youth or adult survivor who is protected from those acts under the
family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction.
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Economic Abuse is the term ‘economic abuse’, in the context of domestic violence, dating
violence, and abuse in later life, means behavior that is coercive, deceptive, or unreasonably
controls or restrains a person’s ability to acquire, use, or maintain economic resources to which
they are entitled, including using coercion, fraud, or manipulation to—
a. restrict a person’s access to money, assets, credit, or financial information;
b. unfairly use a person’s personal economic resources, including money, assets, and
credit, for one’s own advantage; or
c. exert undue influence over a person’s financial and economic behavior or decisions,
including forcing default on joint or other financial obligations, exploiting powers of
attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship, or failing or neglecting to act in the best
interests of a person to whom one has a fiduciary duty.
Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
means any individual or family who is –
a. experiencing trauma or a lack of safety related to, or fleeing or attempting to flee,
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous,
traumatic, or life-threatening conditions related to the violence against the individual or a
family member in the individual’s or family’s current housing situation, including where
the health and safety of children are jeopardized;
b. has no other safe residence; and
c. lacks the resources to obtain other safe permanent housing.
Homeless means the population defined by 24 CFR 578.3.
HUD is clarifying that persons who are fleeing or attempting to flee human trafficking qualify as
homeless under paragraph (4) of the homeless definition at 24 CFR 578.3. HUD considers
human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, to be “other dangerous or life-threatening
conditions that relate to violence against the individual or family member” under paragraph (4)
of the definition of homeless at 24 CFR 578.3. HUD will consider an individual or family as
homeless under paragraph 4 of the homeless definition under the following circumstances where
an individual or family: (1) is experiencing trauma or a lack of safety related to, or fleeing or
attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other
dangerous, traumatic, or life-threatening conditions related to the violence against the individual
or a family member in the individual’s or family’s current housing situation, including where the
health and safety of children are jeopardized; (2) has no other safe residence; and (3) lacks the
resources to obtain other safe permanent housing.
Sexual assault means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, Tribal, or State law,
including when the survivor lacks capacity to consent.
Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a
reasonable person to:
1) Fear for the person’s individual safety or the safety of others; or
2) Suffer substantial emotional distress.
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Technological Abuse means an act or pattern of behavior that occurs within domestic violence,
sexual assault, dating violence or stalking and is intended to harm, threaten, intimidate, control,
stalk, harass, impersonate, exploit, extort, or monitor, except as otherwise permitted by law,
another person, that occurs using any form of technology, including but not limited to: internet
enabled devices, online spaces and platforms, computers, mobile devices, cameras and imaging
programs, apps, location tracking devices, or communication technologies, or any other
emerging technologies.
Veteran means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was
discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. (38 U.S.C. § 101(2);
38 C.F.R. § 3.1(d).
Victim Service provider means a private nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to
provide services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or
human trafficking. This term includes rape crisis centers, sexual assault services programs,
battered women's domestic violence shelters, domestic violence transitional housing programs,
culturally specific domestic violence or sexual assault providers, and other programs. 2
10. Waivers and Alternative Requirements. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022
provided HUD with authority to waive certain statutory and regulatory requirements and
establish alternative requirements for funding made available through the Transportation,
Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021. Per the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, the Secretary may waive or specify alternative
requirements for certain provisions other than those related to tenant rights and protections, rent
setting, fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment. A summary of
the available waivers and alternative requirements is included as Attachment II to this notice
SVs are tenant-based vouchers under Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
Unless expressly waived below, all statutory and regulatory requirements and HUD directives
regarding the HCV program are applicable to SVs, including the use of all HUD required
contracts and other forms. The administrative policies adopted in the PHA’s written
administrative plan apply to SVs vouchers unless such local policy conflicts with the
requirements of this notice, or the waivers and alternative requirements outlined below.
A PHA may request additional good cause regulatory waivers as established in PIH Notice 2018-
16 in connection with the use of the SVs, which HUD will consider and assess upon the request
of the PHA.
Required partnerships with the CoC and/or VSP and other organizations in the PHA’s
geographic area for direct referrals and services
SVs are a resource that communities can use to house individuals and families who are
2
The term "culturally specific" means primarily toward racial and ethnic minority groups (as defined in section
1707(g) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u-6(g)). 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8).
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experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual, stalking, or human trafficking, or have unstable housing, as
part of a community-wide plan to address homelessness. Like the Emergency Housing Voucher
(EHV) program, SVs have specific eligibility criteria focused on particularly vulnerable families.
To ensure priority of families for SVs that are most in need, PHAs are required to work with
community partners to determine the best use and targeting for the vouchers along with other
resources available in the community, in the same manner required for EHV. HUD’s CoC
program is authorized by subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11381-11389). The program is designed to promote communitywide commitment to
the goal of ending homelessness, provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and
local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals (including unaccompanied youth)
and families, and persons fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual, stalking, or human trafficking, while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to
homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promote access to and
effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families and optimize
self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
HUD is establishing an alternative requirement under which the PHA must enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CoC to establish a partnership with the CoC to
pair SVs with CoC-funded supportive services; and to collaborate with the CoC and other
stakeholders to develop a prioritization plan for these vouchers. The primary responsibility of
the CoC or the under the MOU is to make direct referrals of qualifying individuals and families
to the PHA and to identify any CoC-funded available supportive services that may be paired with
SVs.
In the MOU, CoCs are encouraged to outline any existing partnerships with health and
behavioral health care providers and agencies, state Medicaid agencies and agencies and
organizations that may be leveraged to provide ongoing tenancy and wrap-around supportive
services for those that may benefit from such services to maintain housing stability. All services
provided by the CoC must be outlined in the MOU and should demonstrate the community’s
strategy to coordinate assistance through available resources. HUD recommends that PHAs and
partnering CoCs seek a diverse range of supportive services by partnering with organizations
trusted by people experiencing homelessness.
PHAs that agree to accept an allocation must enter into an MOU with a partnering CoC within
90 days of the effective date of the ACC funding increment for the SVs. The PHA must provide
the MOU to HUD if requested to do so.
The MOU is a complete statement of the responsibilities of the parties and evidence of a
commitment of resources to the SV program. The MOU may be subsequently amended to add
or change the services that the CoC may provide but must always retain the direct referral
responsibility of the CoC. For ease of administration, PHAs with an EHV allocation may add an
SV addendum to their established EHV MOU.
The MOU must include at a minimum:
1. The PHA’s, CoC’s, and VSP’s commitment to administering the SVs in partnership.
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2. The goals and standards of success in administering the SVs.
3. The staff position for each organization that will serve as the lead SV liaison.
4. A listing of CoC-funded supportive services that will be paired with SVs.
5. All alternative waivers adopted by the PHA for the administration of SVs.
6. Any permissive prohibition policies agreed upon by the PHA and CoC.
7. The roles and responsibilities of the PHA and CoC, including but not limited to the CoC
making direct referrals of eligible families to the PHA through the CE process (CoC’s
may be required to update CE policies as required under 24 CFR 578.7(a)(c).).
8. A statement that all parties agree to cooperate with any program evaluation efforts
undertaken by HUD, or a HUD-approved contractor, including compliance with HUD
evaluation protocols and data sharing requests.
The EHV website includes many resources containing guidance on best practices for working in
collaboration with CoC.
Admissions process – Direct referrals from the CoC and other partnering organizations
PHAs must accept referrals for SVs directly from the CE process this will help ensure families
are able to get assistance quickly and eliminate the administrative burden on PHAs regarding the
determination as to whether the family meets the definition of a qualifying individual or family
for SV assistance. CoCs and their partners may also support applicants through the application
process and attend meetings with applicants and PHAs to aid individuals and families through
the admissions process. Direct referrals for SVs are not added to the PHA’s regular HCV
waiting list.
In general, families are issued SVs as the result of either: (1) the direct referral process from the
CoC CE process or other partnering organizations, or (2) a situation where the PHA makes an
SV available in order to facilitate an emergency transfer for victims of domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. PHAs are strongly encouraged to
utilize SVs as a resource to effectuate emergency transfers for a survivor of domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
The PHA must also take direct referrals from outside the CoC CE process if:
(1) the CE process does not have a sufficient number of eligible families to refer to fully lease
the PHA’s allocation of SVs, or (2) the CE process does not identify a sufficient number of
families that may be eligible for SV assistance because they are fleeing, attempting to flee,
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
In those instances, the PHA must enter into a partnership to receive direct referrals from another
entity (for example, a Victim Services provider that elects to not use the CE under 24 CFR
578.23(c)(9) or another homeless services provider (if there are not enough direct referrals
coming through the CE process), assuming there are such additional organizations that can
certify that an individual or family is homeless or at risk of homelessness, formerly homeless, is
an individual or family is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, or human trafficking. The PHA must enter an MOU with partnering referral
agency as described above in Section 10.a. Alternatively, the partnering referral agency may be
added to the MOU between the PHA and CoC.
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The referring agency must provide documentation to the PHA of the referring agency’s
verification that the family meets one of the four eligible categories for SV assistance. The PHA
must retain this documentation as part of the family’s file. HUD has attached to this notice two
examples of certifications that could be used to document the referring agency’s verification.
(See Attachment I).
For certifying eligibility for individuals and families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, CoCs and VSPs may
accept the survivors’ self-definition of “fleeing or attempting to flee” for purposes of meeting
eligibility for the SV as a person fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. Therefore, if an individual self-identifies as
fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, that individual would be eligible for a SV.
Additionally, the survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or
human trafficking can be a minor child.
Other than cases where a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking,
or human trafficking is requesting an emergency transfer, the PHA must refer a family that is
seeking SV assistance directly from the PHA to the CoC or other referring agency partner for
initial intake, assessment, and possible referral for SV assistance.
If at any time the PHA is not receiving enough referrals or is not receiving referrals in a timely
manner from the CoC’s CE process or other partner referral agencies (or the PHA and CoC
cannot identify any such alternative referral partner agencies), the PHA must enter into a formal
partnership with another entity, such as another homeless service provider and/or victim services
provider (such as a sexual assault, human trafficking, or cultural specific VSP), to receive
referrals.
This system should continue to allow for prioritization according to the standards set out in the
MOU between the referring organization and the PHA and should be easy to transition to the
CoC’s CE process when it comes online or is able to begin making referrals. Following
notification, HUD will provide additional guidance to the PHA on adoption of direct referrals
outside of the CE process if needed.
PHAs must inform families on the HCV waiting list of the availability of SVs by, at a minimum,
either posting the information to their website or providing public notice in their respective
communities. The PHA notice must describe the eligible populations to which the SVs are
limited and clearly state that the availability of these SVs is managed through a direct referral
process. The PHA notice must advise the family to contact the CoC (or any other PHA referral
partner, if applicable) if the family believes they may be eligible for SV assistance. In providing
this notice, PHAs must ensure effective communication with persons with disabilities, including
those with vision, hearing, and other communication-related disabilities. PHAs must also take
reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for persons with limited English proficiency (LEP).
(See Section 14– Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements - for more
information.)
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Effective communication is generally provided through the use of appropriate auxiliary aids and
services, such as interpreters, computer-assisted real time transcription (CART), captioned
videos with audible video description, accessible electronic communications and websites,
documents in alternative formats (e.g., Braille, large print), or assistance in reading or
completing a form. PHAs must also take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for
persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). To meet its LEP obligations, the PHA should
generally (1) conduct the four-factor analysis in accordance with the Final Guidance to Federal
Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI, Prohibition Against National Origin
Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons published on January 22, 2007 in
the Federal Register, at 72 Fed. Reg. 2732; (2) develop a Language Access Plan; and (3) provide
appropriate language assistance. Language assistance includes, but is limited to, oral
interpretation services, employment of bilingual staff, telephone service lines interpreters,
written translation services, and referrals to community liaisons proficient in the language of
LEP persons.
If the PHA has a preference for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,
stalking, or human trafficking for the regular HCV program, the PHA must refer any applicant
on the waiting list that indicated they qualified for this preference to the CoC, or the applicable
partnering referral agency. The CoC will determine if the family is prioritized (based on the
qualifying definition for SV assistance for those fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or another eligible category as
applicable) for an SV.
If the PHA has a homeless preference for the regular HCV program, the PHA must refer any
applicant on the waiting list that indicated they qualified for the homeless preference to the CoC.
The CoC will determine whether the family is eligible for an SV (based on the qualifying
definition for SV assistance for homelessness or another eligible category as applicable). The
CoC will also determine if the family is eligible for other homeless assistance through the CE
process.
With the exception of special admissions,3 the HCV regulations require that the PHA admit an
applicant as a waiting list admission. In order to implement the above alternative requirements,
HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.204(a), which requires that except for special admissions,
participants must be selected from the PHA waiting list and that the PHA must select participants
from the waiting list in accordance with admission policies in the PHA administration plan.
Separate waiting list for SVs
The HCV program regulations at 24 CFR § 982.204(f) provide that a PHA must use a single
waiting list for admission to its HCV program. It is possible that the number of applicants
referred by partnering agencies at a given time may exceed the SVs available for the PHA to
issue to families. HUD recognizes that requiring PHAs to utilize its existing HCV waiting list to
manage SV referrals will create unnecessary administrative burden, complications, and delays.
HUD is therefore waiving 24 CFR § 982.204(f) to establish an alternative requirement under
which the PHA shall maintain a separate waiting list for SV referrals/applicants to help expedite
3
A special admission (24 CFR § 982.203) is a non-waiting list admission that is only applicable if HUD awards a
PHA program funding that is targeted for families living in specified units.
13
the leasing process. Because the SV waiting list is based on direct referrals or emergency
transfer requests to the PHA from survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,
stalking, or human trafficking and not applications from the general public, HUD is also waiving
24 CFR § 982.206, which requires the PHA to give public notice when opening and closing the
waiting list. Under this alternative requirement, the PHA will work directly with its CoC, VSP,
and other referral agency partners to manage the number of referrals and the size of the SV
waiting list.
Local preferences
Under the HCV program, the PHA may establish a system of local preferences for the selection
of families. The PHA may have an existing set of local preferences for its HCV program that
understandably does not align with the specific targeted purpose of the SVs. Furthermore, the
PHA, in conjunction with the CoC and other referral partners, may wish to establish preferences
specifically designed for SV admissions that the PHA would not want to apply to its regular
HCV waiting list. Excluding SVs from the PHA’s normally applicable local preference system
will simplify program administration and ensure that SVs are not being prioritized based on
preferences designed for the broad universe of HCV eligible applicants rather than the subset of
families that qualify for SVs.
HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.207(a) and establishing an alternative requirement that the local
preferences established by the PHA for HCV admissions do not apply to SVs. The PHA may
choose, in coordination with the CoC and other referral partners, to establish separate local
preferences for SVs, or may simply choose to not establish any local preferences for the SV
waiting list.
In establishing any local preferences for the SV waiting list, the preference may not prohibit SV
admissions from any of the four qualifying categories of eligibility. The preference system
prioritizes the order in which families on the SV waiting list are assisted but does not allow the
PHA to refuse to accept a referred family that meets one of the four SV eligibility categories, or
otherwise delay issuance of an available voucher to that eligible family in order to “hold” the
voucher for a future referral of a preference holder. The PHA must ensure any local preferences
do not discriminate on the basis of any federally protected classes and cannot utilize criteria or
methods of administration which would result in discrimination. See Section 14 –
Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Requirements for more information on applicable
federal civil rights requirements. The HCV program regulations at 24 CFR § 982.207(b) allows
a PHA to adopt and implement a residency preference in accordance with the non-discrimination
and equal opportunity requirements listed at 24 CFR § 5.105(a). Given the fact that many
individuals and families in the targeted populations may not necessarily qualify as a “resident”
due to their housing circumstances, and the direct referral /CE aspect of SV administration, it is
not appropriate to apply residency preferences for SV admission. Consequently, HUD is
waiving 24 CFR § 982.207(b) and establishing an alternative requirement under which a PHA
may not apply any residency preference to SV applicants.
Restrictions on PHA denial of assistance to an SV applicant
The HCV program regulations at 24 CFR § 982.552 and § 982.553 cover the grounds under
which a PHA may deny an applicant admission to the program and in certain cases is required to
14
do so. These grounds include the following:
If any member of the family has been evicted from federally assisted housing in the last
five years
If a PHA has ever terminated assistance under the program for any member of the family
If any member of the family has committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or
criminal act in connection with any Federal housing program
If the family currently owes rent or other amounts to the PHA or to another PHA in
connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance under the 1937 Act
If the family has not reimbursed any PHA for amounts paid to an owner under a HAP
contract for rent, damages to the unit, or other amounts owed by the family under the
lease.
If the family breached an agreement with the PHA to pay amounts owed to a PHA, or
amounts paid to an owner by a PHA.
If the family engaged in or threatened abusive or violent behavior toward PHA personnel.
If the family has been engaged in criminal activity or alcohol abuse as described in CFR
§ 982.553.
HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.552 and § 982.553 in part and establishing an alternative
requirement with respect to mandatory and permissive prohibitions of admissions for SV
applicants. The SV alternative requirement is as follows:
Mandatory Prohibitions
(1) The PHA must apply the standards it established under 24 CFR § 982.553(a)(1)(ii)(C) that
prohibit admission if any household member has ever been convicted of drug-related criminal
activity for manufacture or production of methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted
housing to SV applicants.
(2) The PHA must apply the standards it established under 24 CFR § 982.553(a)(2)(i) that
prohibit admission to the program if any member of the household is subject to a lifetime
registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program to SV applicants.
Permissive Prohibitions
The PHA may prohibit admission of a family for the grounds stated below. The PHA may
choose not to prohibit admission for these grounds or may establish a more permissive policy
than the PHA’s policy for admission to the regular HCV program. The PHA may not establish a
permissive prohibition policy for SV applicants that is more prohibitive than the policy
established for admissions to the regular HCV program. The PHA policy on SV permissive
prohibitions must be described in the PHA’s administrative plan.
If the PHA intends to establish permissive prohibition policies for SV applicants, the PHA must
consult with its CoC partner to understand the impact that the proposed prohibitions may have on
referrals and must take the CoC’s recommendations into consideration. The PHA must not deny
SV applicant admission or otherwise exclude an SV applicant based on arrest records only.
15
PHAs are encouraged to consider the circumstances in which any conduct has occurred, the
length of time since the offense, the nature and severity of the offense, and any supporting
information, (e.g. an engagement with supportive services, participation in treatment
activities/program, whether criminal activity was related to intimate partner violence, other
evidence of rehabilitation, etc.) and any supporting information, (ex. an engagement with
supportive services, participation in treatment activities/program, whether criminal activity was
related to human trafficking victimization, etc.) when determining whether past/recent criminal
activity merits a permissive prohibition. The PHA policy on SV permissive prohibitions must be
described in the PHA’s administrative plan. Determinations must be made based on an
individualized assessment of relevant mitigating information. 4 Before denying SV applicant
admission because of a criminal record, the PHA must offer that individual the opportunity to
provide evidence of mitigating circumstances or that the record is inaccurate. The permissive
prohibitions are:
1) If the PHA determines that any household member is currently engaged in, or has
engaged in within the previous 12 months:
a) Violent criminal activity.
b) Other criminal activity which may threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful
enjoyment of the premises by other residents or persons residing in the immediate
vicinity.5
2) If any member of the family has committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or
criminal act in connection with any Federal housing program within the previous 12
months.
3) If the family engaged in or threatened abusive or violent behavior toward PHA personnel
within the previous 12 months.
HAs are reminded that they must use and rely on objective, accurate, and reliable evidence when
making determinations. PHAs may not rely on records of arrest alone when making eligibility
determinations. In recognition that criminal records databases may not be current, PHAs are
reminded of their obligation to use accurate and reliable information to make determinations.
Affording individuals an opportunity to be heard prior to an adverse determination consistent
with 24 CFR § 982.554, is required as families may have relevant information that may not be as
easily obtainable through other means.
4
See Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal
Records by Providers of Housing and Real Estate-Related Transactions (April 4, 2016), available at https:
//www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HUD_OGCGUIDAPPFHASTANDCR.PDF at 7 (“individualized
assessment of relevant mitigating information beyond that contained in an individual’s criminal record is likely to
have a less discriminatory effect than categorical exclusions that do not take such additional information into
account. Relevant individualized evidence might include: the facts or circumstances surrounding the criminal
conduct . . . evidence that the individual has maintained a good tenant history before and/or after the . . . conduct;
and evidence of rehabilitation efforts.”)
5
Please see PIH Notice 2015-19. The purpose of PIH 2015-19 is to inform PHAs and owners of other federally
assisted housing that arrest records may not be the basis for denying admission, terminating assistance or evicting
tenants, to remind PHAs and owners that HUD does not require their adoption of “One Strike” policies, and to
remind them of their obligation to safeguard the due process rights of applicants and tenants. See also Office of
General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by
Providers of Housing and Real Estate-Related Transactions (April 4, 2016), available at
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HUD_OGCGUIDAPPFHASTANDCR.PDF (overviewing how applying
criminal records screening too broadly may implicate fair housing liability for housing providers).
16
In addition, PHAs must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities,
which may include making an exception or adjustment to a criminal background screening
policy or practice, when such exception or adjustment may be necessary to afford a person with a
disability the equal opportunity to access the HCV program in accordance with the Fair Housing
Act, Section 504, and the ADA.
Unlike regular HCV admissions, PHAs may not deny an SV applicant admission regardless of
whether:
Any member of the family has been evicted from federally assisted housing or the PHA has ever
terminated assistance under the program for any member of the family.
The family currently owes rent or other amounts to the PHA or to another PHA in
connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance under the 1937 Act.
The family has not reimbursed any PHA for amounts paid to an owner under a HAP
contract for rent, damages to the unit, or other amounts owed by the family under the
lease.
The family breached an agreement with the PHA to pay amounts owed to a PHA, or
amounts paid to an owner by a PHA.
The family would otherwise be prohibited admission under alcohol abuse standards
established by the PHA in accordance with 24 CFR §982.553(a)(3).
The PHA determines that any household member is currently engaged in or has engaged
in during a reasonable time before the admission, drug-related criminal activity.
Similar to the HUD-VASH program and EHV program, HUD is eliminating the PHA’s
permissive prohibitions for SV admissions for drug-related criminal activity. The eligible
populations of homeless and at-risk of homelessness individuals and families may include
individuals struggling with drug addiction, and that addiction may be one of the root causes of
their homelessness. As demonstrated by the “Housing First’ model, providing the individual
with safe housing may be a critical first step in helping the individual recover from addiction.
Consequently, prohibitions based on criminal activity for the eligible SV populations regarding
drug possession should be considered apart from criminal activity against persons (i.e., violent
criminal activity). Further, the Department remains concerned about the potential discriminatory
effect that reliance on drug-related criminal activity history as grounds for denial of admission
may pose for the SV program.
For further information on the use of criminal histories and the Fair Housing Act, please see
HUD’s Office of General Counsel Guidance on the Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to
the Use of Criminal Records by Providers of Housing and Real Estate-Related Transactions,
issued on April 4, 2016.
The PHA must still deny admission to the program if any member of the family fails to sign and
submit consent forms for obtaining information in accordance with 24 CFR part 5 as required by
24 CFR § 982.552(b)(3) but should notify the family of the limited SV grounds for denial of
admission first.
When adding a family member after the family has been placed under a HAP contract with SV
17
assistance, the regulations at 24 CFR § 982.551(h)(2) apply. Other than the birth, adoption, or
court-awarded custody of a child, the PHA must approve additional family members and may
apply its regular screening criteria in doing so.
Income verification at admission
Under the HCV program, PHAs must determine whether an applicant family’s income exceeds
the applicable income limit as established by HUD in the jurisdiction where the family wishes to
lease a unit. While the verification hierarchy described in Notice PIH 2018-18 applies to income
determinations for applicants, the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system generally is not
available for verifying income of applicants.
The program regulations under 24 CFR § 982.201(e) requires that the PHA must receive
information verifying that an applicant is eligible within the 60-day period before the PHA issues
a voucher to the applicant. For verification purposes, Notice PIH 2018-18 states that third-party
generated documents be dated within 60 days of the PHA’s request.
For households experiencing homelessness and other SV eligible families, documentation may
not be readily on-hand and may be difficult to obtain quickly. Accepting self-certifications and
allowing for the delay of receipt of documentation and/or third-party verification will allow the
CoC/VSP/partnering agency to assist the family in obtaining the necessary documentation
without unduly delaying the family’s housing assistance.
HUD is waiving the third-party income verification requirements for SV applicants and,
alternatively, allowing PHAs to consider self-certification as the highest form of income
verification at admission. Applicants must submit an affidavit attesting to reported income,
assets, expenses, and other factors which would affect an income eligibility determination.
Additionally, applicants may provide third-party documentation which represents the applicant’s
income within the 60-day period prior to admission or voucher issuance but is not dated within
60 days of the PHA’s request. For example, a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit letter
that was issued in November 2020 to represent the applicant’s benefit amount for 2021 and was
provided to the PHA in September 2021 would be an acceptable form of income verification. As
a reminder, the PHA may also use the SSI benefit letter as proof of disability.
Once HUD makes the EIV data available to PHAs under this waiver and alternative requirement,
the PHA must: review the EIV Income and Income Validation Tool (IVT) Reports to
confirm/validate family-reported income within 90 days of the submission date; print and
maintain copies of the EIV Income and IVT Reports in the tenant file; and resolve any income
discrepancy with the family within 60 days of the EIV Income or IVT Report dates.
Prior to admission, PHAs must continue to use HUD’s EIV system to search for all household
members using the Existing Tenant Search. The PHA may be required to deny assistance to
household members already receiving assistance from another program.
PHAs are encouraged to incorporate additional procedures to remind families of the obligation to
provide true and complete information. PHAs that conduct eligibility determinations under this
waiver/alternative requirement will be responsible for addressing any material discrepancies (i.e.,
18
unreported income or a substantial difference in reported income) that may arise later.
Additionally, PHAs must take necessary enforcement actions if the tenant was never eligible due
to their income. Also, PHAs must initiate HUD-compliant payment plans for those whose
failure to report their income or part thereof was unintentional and does not make the tenant
ineligible for the program accordingly.
The adoption of this waiver does not authorize any ineligible family to receive assistance under
these programs. If a PHA later determines that an ineligible family received assistance, the PHA
must take steps to terminate that family from the program.
Eligibility Determination: Social Security Number, Citizenship, and Eligible Immigration
Status Verification
HCV applicants must disclose and document and PHAs must verify the social security numbers
(SSN) of each applicant. Applicant documentation may include a valid SSN card issued by the
Social Security Administration; an original document issued by a federal or state government
agency which contains the individual’s name, SSN and other identifying information; or other
evidence of the SSN as prescribed by HUD. Generally, a PHA may not admit an applicant until
the required documentation is provided to verify the SSN of each household member.
PHAs also must verify evidence of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for noncitizens
claiming eligibility for assistance. Each eligible household member must sign a declaration of
their status and eligible noncitizens must also provide supporting documentation, which must be
submitted by the time of the eligibility determination. Noncitizens with eligible immigration
status include VAWA Self-petitioners6 and human trafficking survivors and certain family
members.7 Documentation verifying U.S. citizenship may also be requested. Since eligibility
for assistance is limited to U.S. citizens and noncitizens who have eligible immigration status,
families in which not all members are U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status are only
eligible to receive pro-rated housing assistance based on the percentage of family members who
qualify for assistance.
Additionally, PHAs must verify each family member’s date of birth to verify identity and
determine age and disability status per 24 CFR § 5.403, if claimed. These family characteristics
impact the income and tenant rent calculations.
This documentation may not be readily on hand and may be difficult to obtain for individuals
and families experiencing homelessness. Accepting self-certifications and delaying the receipt
of documentation and/or third-party verification will allow PHAs to assist SV families more
quickly and provide time for the family (with assistance from the CoC or other partnering
agencies) to obtain the necessary documentation.
6
HUD Memorandum, Eligibility of Battered Noncitizen Self-Petitioners for Financial Assistance Under Section
214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 (Dec. 15, 2016); HUD Notice PIH 2017-02 (HA)
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioner Verification Procedures.
7
These include human trafficking survivors and family members who: (1) have a Certification Letter from the
Department of Health and Human Services (including T-1 nonimmigrants and Continued Presence recipients), (2)
are noncitizen minors who have received a Child Eligibility Letter from the Department of Health and Human
Services; or (3) are granted derivative T nonimmigrant status by USCIS (T-2 through T-6 nonimmigrant status).
19
HUD is consequently waiving the requirement to obtain and verify SSN documentation and
documentation evidencing eligible noncitizen status before admitting the family to the SV
program. PHAs may adopt policies to admit SV applicants who are unable to provide the
required SSN or citizenship documentation during the initial eligibility determination. As an
alternative requirement, such individuals must provide the required documentation within 180
days of admission to be eligible for continued assistance, pending verification, unless the PHA
provides an extension based on evidence from the family or confirmation from the CoC or other
partnering agency that the family has made a good-faith effort to obtain the documentation. If a
family member appeals secondary verification of immigration documents, PHAs are reminded
that assistance may not be delayed, denied, reduced or terminated on the basis of immigration
status pending the completion of the appeal as described in 24 CFR § 5.514(e).
Additionally, PHAs may accept self-certification of date of birth and disability status if a higher
level of verification is not immediately available. If self-certification is used, the PHA must
obtain a higher level of verification within 90 days of admission or verify the information in
EIV.
PHAs are encouraged to incorporate additional procedures to remind families of the obligation to
provide true and complete information. PHAs that conduct eligibility determinations under this
waiver/alternative requirement will be responsible for addressing any material discrepancies (i.e.,
erroneous SSNs) that may arise later and must take necessary enforcement actions accordingly.
The adoption of this waiver does not authorize any ineligible family to receive assistance under
these programs. If a PHA determines that an ineligible family received assistance, the PHA must
take steps to terminate that family from the program.
Inapplicability of Income Targeting Requirements
The PHA must determine income eligibility for SV families in accordance with 24 CFR §
982.201. However, the income targeting requirements of Section 16(b) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937 and 24 CFR § 982.201(b)(2) are waived and do not apply for SV families
so that participating PHAs can effectively serve individuals and families in all the eligibility
categories under the ARP who may be at a variety of income levels, including low-income
families. The PHA may still choose to include the admission of extremely low-income SV
families in its income targeting numbers for the fiscal year in which these families are admitted.
In conformance with normal program rules, PHAs may not deny admission to a family with zero
income and must consider hardship circumstances before charging a minimum rent in
accordance with 24 CFR § 5.630(b).
Use of recently conducted initial income determinations and verifications at admission
Some families that received time-limited housing assistance may have had their income recently
verified under that housing assistance program. Furthermore, families who are eligible for SV
assistance as survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human
trafficking may be currently assisted through other subsidized housing programs such as public
housing. PHAs may accept income calculations and verifications from third-party providers or
from an examination that the PHA conducted on behalf of the family for another subsidized
housing program in lieu of conducting an initial examination of income as long as the income
20
was (1) calculated in accordance with rules outlined at 24 CFR Part 5 and within the last six
months and (2) the family certifies there has been no change in income or family composition in
the interim. At the time of the family’s annual reexamination the PHA must conduct the annual
reexamination of income as outlined at 24 CFR § 982.516.
For each new admission under this waiver and alternative requirement, the PHA must: review
the EIV Income and IVT Reports to confirm/validate family-reported income within 90 days of
the submission date; print and maintain copies of the EIV Income and IVT Reports in the tenant
file; and resolve any income discrepancy with the family within 60 days of the EIV Income or
IVT Report dates.
Pre-inspection of HQS units
To expedite the leasing process, PHAs may pre-inspect available units that SV families may be
interested in leasing in order to maintain a pool of eligible units. If an SV family selects a unit
that passed a HQS inspection (without intervening occupancy) within 45 days of the date of the
Request for Tenancy Approval (form HUD-52517), the unit may be approved as long as it meets
all other conditions under 24 CFR § 982.305. However, the family must be free to select their
unit and cannot be required to accept a pre-screened unit.
Initial search term
Given rising rents and low vacancy rates SV families may face significant challenges with their
housing search. An initial search term of 60 days may be inadequate for SV families to find a
unit. Consequently, HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.303(a), which provides that the initial search
term must be at least 60 days and is establishing an alternative requirement that the initial term
for an SV must be at least 120 days. Any extensions, suspensions, and progress reports will
remain under the policies in the PHA’s administrative plan but will apply after the minimum
120-day initial search term. HUD recommends PHAs consider extending beyond the required
120-day initial search term if rising rents and low vacancy rates are contributing factors to low
leasing rates in the PHA’s jurisdiction.
As a reminder, a PHA must grant reasonable accommodation requests to extend the housing
search term that may be necessary for individuals with disabilities to find a unit that meets their
disability-related needs. For example, it may be challenging to find a unit that includes specific
accessibility features, is close to accessible transportation, or close to supportive services or
medical facilities.
Initial lease term
Under the HCV program, the family must enter into an initial lease with the owner for at least
one year, unless a shorter term would improve housing opportunities for the tenant and the
shorter term is a prevailing market practice. To provide a greater range of housing opportunities
for SV families and maximize housing choice, HUD is waiving Section 8(o)(7)(A) of the United
States Housing Act of 1937 and 24 CFR § 982.309(a)(2)(ii). The initial lease term for an SV
family may be less than 12 months regardless of whether the shorter term is a prevailing market
practice.
Portability
21
The normal HCV portability procedures and requirements generally apply to SVs with the
following exceptions.
No prohibition on portability for non-resident applicants
Under the HCV program, if neither the household head nor spouse of an assisted family already
had a “domicile’ (legal residence) in the jurisdiction of the PHA at the time the family first
submitted an application for participation in the program, the family does not have any right to
portability during the 12-month period from when the family is admitted to the program. Such a
family is a “non-resident applicant.” The initial PHA may choose to allow portability during this
period but is not required to do so.
In order to provide maximum housing choice for the targeted populations, HUD is removing this
restriction for SV nonresident applicants to allow all SV families to immediately move under
portability. Accordingly, HUD is waiving Section 8(r)(1)(B)(i) of the United States Housing Act
of 1937 and 24 CFR § 982.353(c). The PHA may not restrict an SV family from exercising
portability because they are a nonresident applicant.
Portability billing and absorption
A receiving PHA cannot refuse to assist an incoming SV family, regardless of whether the PHA
does or does not currently administer SVs under its own ACC.
If an SV family moves under portability to another PHA that administers SVs under its own
ACC:
The receiving PHA may only absorb the incoming SV family with an SV (assuming it
has an SV voucher available to do). If the PHA does not have an SV available to absorb
the family, it must bill the initial PHA. The receiving PHA must allow the family to
lease the unit with SV assistance and may not absorb the family with a regular HCV
when the family leases the unit.
Regardless of whether the receiving PHA absorbs or bills the initial PHA for the family’s
SV assistance, the SV administration of the voucher is in accordance with the receiving
PHA’s SV policies, although neighboring PHAs and PHAs in the same metro area or
region are strongly encouraged to work collaboratively with one another to align SV
policies and help facilitate SV portability moves between their jurisdictions.
If the SV family moves under portability to another PHA that does not administer SVs under its
own ACC, the receiving PHA may absorb the family into its regular HCV program or may bill
the initial PHA.
Family briefing/initial PHA and receiving PHA coordination on services
In addition to the applicable family briefing requirements at 24 CFR § 982.301(a)(2) as to how
portability works and how portability may affect the family’s assistance, the initial PHA is
required to help facilitate the family’s portability move to the receiving PHA and inform the
family of this requirement in writing taking reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for
persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). In briefing a family that includes any disabled
person, the PHA must take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication in accordance
22
with 24 CFR 8.6. If the portability move is in connection with the SV family’s initial lease-up,
the receiving PHA and the initial PHA must consult and coordinate on any services and
assistance that will be made available to the family.
iv. SV portability – HAP and administrative fees
HAP and ongoing fees
The requirements at 24 CFR § 982.355(e) apply to portability billing arrangements on behalf of
an SV family:
The initial PHA must promptly reimburse the receiving PHA for the full amount of the
housing assistance payments made by the receiving PHA for the family.
The initial PHA must promptly reimburse the receiving PHA for the lesser of 80 percent
of the initial PHA’s SV ongoing administrative fee or 100 percent of the receiving PHA's
ongoing administrative fee (or the receiving PHA’s SV ongoing administrative fee if the
receiving PHA administers the SV program). If both PHAs agree, the PHAs may
negotiate a different amount of reimbursement.
Payment standard amounts
The HCV regulations at 24 CFR § 982.503(a)(3) provide that the PHA voucher payment
standard schedule shall establish a single payment standard amount for each unit size, and that
for each unit size, the PHA may establish a single payment standard amount for the whole Fair
Market Rent (FMR) area or may establish a separate payment standard amount for each
designated part of the FMR area.
Many rental markets with a high need for the SVs are very competitive with a shortage of
affordable rental units. SV recipients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may have
relatively lower incomes than regular HCV recipients, limiting their ability to rent units with
rents above the payment standard. In addition, landlords may be more reluctant to rent to
homeless individuals who may have limited or poor credit history, a limited established rental
history, or other issues.
Due to those factors, HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.503(a)(3) and establishing an alternative
requirement permitting PHAs to establish separate higher payment standards for SVs in order to
increase the potential pool of available units for SV families. The separate SV payment standard
must comply with all other HCV requirements under 24 CFR § 983.503 with the exception of the
waivers of 24 CFR § 982.503(b)(i) and § 982.503(b)(iii) discussed below.
Establishing a separate SV payment standard is at the discretion of the PHA and the PHA is not
required to do so. PHAs are not permitted to establish a separate payment standard for the SVs
that is lower than the regular HCV payment standard. For PHAs administering both SVs and
EHVs, the SV payment standard must not be less than the EHV payment standard. If the PHA is
increasing the regular HCV payment standard, the PHA must also increase the SV payment
standard if it would be otherwise lower than the new regular HCV payment standard.
In addition, HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.503(b)(1)(i) and establishing an alternative
requirement to allow the PHA to establish a payment standard amount for a unit size at any level
between 90 percent and 120 percent (as opposed to 110 percent) of the published FMR for that
23
unit size. HUD approval is not required to establish an SV payment standard within that range.
Furthermore, HUD is waiving 24 CFR § 982.503(b)(1)(iii) and establishing an alternative
requirement to provide that a PHA that is not in a designated Small Area FMR area or has not
opted to voluntarily implement Small Area FMRs under § 888.113(c)(3) may establish exception
payment standards for a ZIP code area above the basic range for the metropolitan FMR based on
the HUD published Small Area FMRs. The PHA may establish an exception payment standard
up to 120 percent (as opposed to 110 percent) of the HUD published Small Area FMR for that
ZIP code area. As is the case for the regular HCV program, the PHA must notify HUD if it
establishes an SV exception payment standard based on the Small Area FMR. The exception
payment standard must apply to the entire ZIP code area.
PHAs may also still request approval for exception SV payment standards above 120% of the
applicable FMR/SAFMR from HUD in accordance with 24 CFR § 982.503(b)(1)(iv) or §
982.503(c) if needed.
All rent reasonableness requirements at 24 CFR § 982.507 continue to apply to SV units,
regardless of whether the PHA has established an alternative or exception SV payment standard.
Increase in payment standard during HAP contract term
The HCV regulations at 24 CFR § 982.505(c)(4) require that if the payment standard amount is
increased during the term of the HAP contract, the increased payment standard amount shall be
used to calculate the monthly housing assistance payment for the family beginning at the
effective date of the family’s first regular reexamination on or after the effective date of the
increase in the payment standard amount.
HUD is waiving this requirement and as an alternative requirement providing a PHA with the
discretion to establish a policy in the PHA administrative plan on when to apply the increased
payment standard (e.g., interim reexamination, owner rent increase) after the effective date of the
increase in the payment standard amount, provided the increased payment standard is used to
calculate the HAP no later than the effective date of the family’s first regular reexamination
following the change.
11. Project-based units. All tenant-based SV awards can be converted to Project-Based
Vouchers (PBV) at any time after award without HUD approval provided all the established
PBV regulations and requirements are followed. No additional HUD Headquarters approvals are
required for project basing SV vouchers beyond the normal process. All PBV requirements in 24
CFR part 983 apply for SVs except where waived as described below. The HCV regulations at
24 CFR § 983.251(c)(1) require PHAs to select families for project-based units from its HCV
waiting list (or PBV waiting list, if applicable). HUD is waiving this requirement and
establishing an alternative requirement that PHAs receive SV referrals from CoC partners for
vouchers as well as project-based assistance.
12. Turnover. Upon turnover, SV vouchers must continue to remain available for families
experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence
dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or human trafficking, and veterans and families that
24
include a veteran family member that meet one of the proceeding criteria.
13. Reporting Requirements. PHAs awarded SVs under this notice must maintain a special
program code for Stability Voucher participants in line 2n of the Family Report (form HUD-
50058) or line 2p of the MTW Family Report (form HUD-50058), as applicable. The special
program code is “SV.” PHAs must also properly record the date the PHA issues the voucher to
the eligible household in line 2a of the 50058. PHAs may need to update their system software
to incorporate the new special purpose voucher code “SV”.
14. Moving-to-Work (MTW) Agencies. MTW agencies that administer SVs are bound by the
terms and conditions of this notice. As discussed above in Section 10, all HCV statutory and
regulatory requirements and HUD directives are applicable to SVs unless waived by this notice.
However, MTW agencies may request approval from HUD’s Office of Housing Voucher
Programs to administer SVs in accordance with the HCV programmatic flexibilities approved
under PHA’s Annual MTW Plan or MTW Supplement to the PHA Plan, as permitted by its
MTW Agreement or the MTW Operations Notice. The Office of Housing Voucher Programs
may approve the MTW PHA’s request provided it determines the requested MTW flexibility is
not in direct conflict with an SV waiver or alternative requirement and its application would not
have a detrimental impact on SV families. Like other waivers, MTW PHAs must submit such
requests with supporting justification through their local Field Office. SV funding is not eligible
for MTW fungibility but must only be used for SV eligibility activities and to assist SV eligible
families.
15. Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity. PHAs are reminded in administering the SV
program to follow all applicable nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements at 24
CFR 5.105(a) and 24 CFR 982.53, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act, Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age
Discrimination Act, HUD’s Equal Access Rule, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, and the Violence Against Women Act. The PHA is also required to affirmatively further
fair housing in the administration of the SV program These requirements prohibit discrimination
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, and marital status. PHAs should also comply with Title III of the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (see 28 CFR 35.160 and 28 CFR 36.303).
When an SV household is or includes a person with disabilities, reasonable accommodations
may be necessary. A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception or adjustment to rules,
policies, practices or services that may be necessary in order to enable an applicant or resident
with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, including public and
common areas, or to participate in or access programs and activities. Under Section 504,
reasonable accommodations may also include a structural change to a unit.
In addition, the PHA must also provide effective communication to persons with disabilities,
including those with vision, hearing, and other communication related disabilities, which
includes ensuring that information is provided in appropriate accessible formats as needed, e.g.,
Braille, audio, large type, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters, accessible
website and other accessible electronic communications. See 24 CFR 8.6. The PHA must also
25
take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for persons with limited English proficiency
(LEP). LEP guidance and LEP information is available here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/01/22/07-217/final-guidance-to-federal-
financial-assistance-recipients-regarding-title-vi-prohibition-against
16. Information Contact. All inquiries about this notice should be directed to
StabilityVouchers@hud.gov.
17. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements contained in this
notice have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C 3520). In accordance with the PRA, HUD
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. The following
active information collections contained in this notice have been approved under the PRA-OMB
Control Numbers 2577-0169 and 2577- 0083.
______________________________________
Richard J. Monocchio
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Public and Indian Housing
26
Attachment 1: Example of a Homeless Provider’s Certification
Stability Voucher (SV)
HOMELESS CERTIFICATION
SV Applicant Name:
☐ Household without dependent children (complete one form for each adult in the household)
☐ Household with dependent children (complete one form for household)
Number of persons in the household:
This is to certify that the above named individual or household meets the following criteria based on the
check mark, other indicated information, and signature indicating their current living situation
Check only one box and complete only that section
Living Situation: place not meant for human habitation (e.g., cars, parks, abandoned
buildings, streets/sidewalks)
☐ The person(s) named above is/are currently living in (or, if currently in hospital or other
institution, was living in immediately prior to hospital/institution admission) a public or
private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for
human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus station, airport, or
campground.
Description of current living situation:
Homeless Street Outreach Program Name:
This certifying agency must be recognized by the local Continuum of Care (CoC) as an agency
that has a program designed to serve persons living on the street or other places not meant for
human habitation. Examples may be street outreach workers, day shelters, soup kitchens, Health
Care for the Homeless sites, etc.
Authorized Agency Representative Signature:
Date:
Living Situation: Emergency Shelter
☐ The person(s) named above is/are currently living in (or, if currently in hospital or other
institution, was living in immediately prior to hospital/institution admission) a supervised
publicly or privately operated shelter as follows:
Emergency Shelter Program Name:
27
This emergency shelter must appear on the CoC’s Housing Inventory Chart submitted as part of
the most recent CoC Homeless Assistance application to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) or otherwise be recognized by the CoC as part of the CoC inventory
(e.g., newly established Emergency Shelter).
Authorized Agency Representative Signature:
Date:
28
Attachment 2: Example of a Victim Services Provider’s Certification
Stability Voucher (SV)
SAMPLE CERTIFICATION FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING
VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, AND/OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Use of this Optional Form:
Service providers may utilize this form to certify a family’s eligibility for SV to document households
who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or
human trafficking. In response to this request, the service provider may complete this form and submit it
to the Public Housing Agency (PHA) to certify eligibility for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development’s (HUD) Stability Voucher program.
Confidentiality:
All information provided during the referral process concerning the incident(s) of domestic violence,
dating violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking shall be kept confidential
and such details shall not be entered into any shared database. Employees of the PHA will not have
access to these details, and such employees may not disclose this information to any other entity or
individual, except to the extent that disclosure is: (i) consented to by you in writing in a time-limited
release; (ii) required for use in an eviction proceeding or hearing regarding termination of assistance; or
(iii) otherwise required by applicable law.
TO BE COMPLETED ON BEHALF OF SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING
VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, AND/OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING
SV Applicant Name:
The applicant named above is a survivor of (please check from the list all that apply):
☐ Domestic Violence
☐ Dating Violence
☐ Sexual Assault
☐ Stalking
☐ Human Trafficking
This certifies that the above named individual or household meets the definition for persons who
are fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking
and/or human trafficking as these terms are defined under 34 U.S.C. Section 12291 of the
Violence Against Women Act8 and 22 U.S.C. Section 7102(11) of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act.9
8
The Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) 2013 protects applicants, tenants, and program participants in certain HUD
programs from being evicted, denied housing assistance, or terminated from housing assistance based on acts of domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against them. VAWA protection is available to victims of domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
9 The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 provides assistance to victims of trafficking making housing,
educational health care, job training and other federally-funded social service programs available to assist victims in rebuilding
their lives.
29
I acknowledge that submission of false information could jeopardize program eligibility and
could be the basis for denial of admission, termination of assistance, or eviction.
Authorized Agency Representative Signature:
Date:
30
Attachment III:
SV Waivers and Alternative Requirements
Item Statutory or Brief Summary Mandator Alternative Requirements
Regulatory y use
Waiver
Establishing N/A PHAs are required to Yes A PHA must enter into a
Partnerships work with community Memorandum of Understanding
for SV partners to determine (MOU) with the CoC to establish
Administration the best use and partnership for the administration of
targeting for the SVs the SVs, pair SVs with CoC-funded
along with other supportive services; and to
resources available in collaborate with the CoC and other
the community. stakeholders to develop a
prioritization plan for these
vouchers.
Direct referrals 24 CFR § Waives requirement Yes PHAs must inform families on the
from the CoC 982.204(a) under the HCV program HCV waiting list of the availability
and other that participants must of SVs by, at a minimum, either by
partnering be selected from the posting the information to their
organizations PHA waiting list. website or providing public notice in
Instead, PHAs must their respective communities.
accept referrals for SVs
directly from the CE If the PHA has a preference for
System. survivors of domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault,
If the CE system does stalking, or human trafficking for
not identify families the regular HCV program, the PHA
that may be eligible for must refer any applicant on the
SV assistance because waiting list that indicated they
they are fleeing, or qualified for this preference to the
attempting to flee, CoC, or the applicable partnering
domestic violence, referral agency.
dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, or If the PHA has a homeless
human trafficking, the preference for the regular HCV
PHA must enter into a program, the PHA must refer any
partnership to receive applicant on the waiting list that
direct referrals from indicated they qualified for the
another entity (e.g. homeless preference to the CoC.
Victim Services
provider).
Separate 24 CFR § Waives requirement Yes PHA shall maintain a separate
waiting list 982.204(f) that a PHA must use a waiting list for SV.
single waiting list for
admission to its HCV
program. Instead, PHAs
shall maintain a
separate list for SV
31
referrals/applicants.
Public notice 24 CFR § Waives the requirement Yes PHA will work directly with its
when opening 982.206 for PHAs to give public CoC, and other referral agency
and closing the notice when opening partners to manage the number of
waiting list and closing the waiting referrals and the size of the SV
list. The SV waiting list waiting list
is based on direct
referrals or emergency
transfer requests to the
PHA from a survivor of
domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, or
human trafficking and
not applications from
the general public.
Local 24 CFR § Waives the applicability Yes Local preferences established by the
preferences 982.207(a) of HCV local PHA for the HCV admissions do not
preferences established apply to SVs. In establishing any
by the PHA to SVs. local preferences for the SV waiting
Instead, the PHA may list, the preference may not prohibit
choose, in coordination SV admissions from any of the four
with the CoC and other qualifying categories of eligibility.
referral partners, to
establish separate local
preferences for SVs, or
may simply choose to
not establish any local
preferences for the SV
waiting list.
Residency 24 CFR § Waives the allowability Yes PHA may not apply any residency
preferences 982.207(b) for a PHA to adopt and preference.
implement a residency
preference for SVs.
Given the fact that
many individuals and
families in the targeted
populations may not
necessarily qualify
as a “resident” due to
their housing
circumstances, and the
direct
referral/coordinated
entry aspect of SV
administration, it is not
appropriate to apply
residency preferences
for SV admission.
32
Admissions: 24 CFR 24 Waives 24 CFR Yes (1) The PHA must prohibit
Mandatory 982.552 and § §982.552 and § 982.553 admission to the program if any
Prohibitions 982.553 in part and establishes household member has ever been
an alternative convicted of drug-related criminal
requirement with activity for manufacture or
respect to mandatory production of methamphetamine on
prohibitions of the premises of federally assisted
admissions for SV housing.
applicants.
(2) The PHA must prohibit
admission to the program if any
member of the household is subject
to a lifetime registration requirement
under a State sex offender
registration program.
Admissions: 24 CFR § Waives 24 CFR No PHA must consult with its CoC
Permissive 982.552 and § §982.552 and § 982.553 partners to understand the impact
Prohibitions 982.553 in part and establishes that the use of permissive
an alternative prohibitions may have on referrals
requirement with and must take the CoC’s
respect to permissive recommendations into
prohibitions of consideration. The PHA may
admissions for SV prohibit admission of a family for
applicants. the grounds stated below.
(1) If the PHA determines that any
household member is currently
engaged in, or has engaged in within
the previous 12 months:
a. Violent criminal activity.
b. Other criminal activity which
may threaten the health, safety, or
right to peaceful enjoyment of the
premises by other residents or
persons residing in the immediate
vicinity.
(2) If any member of the family has
committed fraud, bribery, or any
other corrupt or criminal act in
connection with any Federal
housing program within the
previous 12 months.
(3) If the family engaged in or
threatened abusive or violent
behavior toward PHA personnel
within the previous 12 months.
33
Admissions: 24 CFR § Waives 24 CFR Yes Unlike the HCV admissions PHAs
Unallowable 982.552 and § §982.552 and § 982.553 may not deny admission for any of
Prohibitions 982.553 in part and establishes the following:
an alternative 1. Any member of the family
requirement making has been evicted from
certain admission federally assisted housing in
prohibitions the last five years.
unallowable in SV that 2. A PHA has ever terminated
are allowable in HCV. assistance under the
program for any member of
the family.
3. The family currently owes
rent or other amounts to the
PHA or to another PHA in
connection with Section 8
or public housing assistance
under the 1937 Act.
4. The family has not
reimbursed any PHA for
amounts paid to an owner
under a HAP contract for
rent, damages to the unit, or
other amounts owed by the
family under the lease.
5. The family breached an
agreement with the PHA to
pay amounts owed to a
PHA, or amounts paid to an
owner by a PHA.
6. The family would otherwise
be prohibited admission
under alcohol abuse
standards established by the
PHA in accordance with 24
CFR §982.553(a)(3).
7. The PHA determines that
any household member is
currently engaged in or has
engaged in during a
reasonable time before the
admission, drug-related
criminal activity.
Income 24 CFR § Waives the third-party No Allows PHA to accept self-
verifications at 982.201(e) income verification certification as the highest form of
34
admission requirements for SV income verification at admission.
applicants and, Applicants may provide third-party
alternatively allowing documentation which represents the
PHAs to consider self- applicant’s income within the 60-
certification as the day period prior to admission or
highest form of income voucher issuance but is not dated
verification at within 60 days of the PHA’s
admission request.
SSN and 24 CFR § Waives the requirement No Documentation must be provided in
citizenship 5.216(b)(2), to obtain and verify 180 days of admission to be eligible
verification (g), (h), 5.218, SSN documentation and for continued assistance, pending
5.508(b)(2)(ii) documentation verification, unless the PHA
, (b)(3)(ii), (g) evidencing eligible provides an extension based on
noncitizen status before evidence from the family or
admitting the family to confirmation from the CoC or other
the SV program. partnering agency that the family
has made a good-faith effort to
obtain the documentation.
PHAs may accept self-certification
of date of birth and disability status
if a higher level of verification is not
immediately available. PHA must
obtain a higher level of verification
within 90 days of admission or
verify the information in EIV.
Income Section 16(b) Waives Income Yes N/A
targeting of the United targeting requirements.
requirements States These do not apply to
Housing Act SV allowing PHAs to
of 1937 and serve people at a variety
24 CFR § of income levels
982.201(b)(2) including low-income
families.
PHAs may still choose
to include the admission
of extremely low-
income SV families in
its income targeting
numbers for the fiscal
year in which these
families are admitted.
Income 24 CFR § PHAs may accept No For each new admission under this
calculation and 982.201(e) income calculations and waiver and alternative requirement,
verifications verifications from third- the PHA must: review the EIV
from third- party providers or from Income and IVT Reports to
party providers an examination that the confirm/validate family-reported
PHA conducted on income within 90 days of the
behalf of the family for IMS/PIC submission date; print and
35
another subsidized maintain copies of the EIV Income
housing program in lieu and IVT Reports in the tenant file;
of conducting an initial and resolve any income discrepancy
examination of income with the family within 60 days of
as long as the income the EIV Income or IVT Report
was (1) calculated in dates.
accordance with rules
outlined at 24 CFR Part At the time of the family’s annual
5 and within the last six reexamination the PHA must
months and (2) the conduct the annual reexamination of
family certifies there income as outlined at 24 CFR §
has been no change in 982.516.
income or family
composition in the
interim.
Pre-inspection PHAs may pre-inspect No NA
of HQS units available units that SV
families may be
interested in leasing in
order to maintain a pool
of eligible units.
Initial search 24 CFR § Waives requirement Yes Initial term for an SV must be at
term 982.203(a) that the initial search least 120 days. Any extensions,
term must be at least 60 suspensions, and progress reports
days and establishes an will remain under the policies in the
alternative requirement PHA’s administrative plan but will
that the initial term for apply after the minimum 120-day
an SV must be at least initial search term.
120 days.
Initial lease Section Waives the requirement Yes Families can enter into leases for a
term 8(o)(7)(A) of that a family must enter term shorter than one year.
the United into an initial lease with
States the owner for at least
Housing Act one year.
of 1937 and
24 CFR §
982.309(a)(2)
(ii)
Portability Section The normal HCV Yes In order to provide maximum
8(r)(1)(B)(i) portability procedures housing choice for the targeted
of the United and requirements apply populations, HUD is removing this
States to SVs with some restriction for SV nonresident
Housing Act exceptions (see applicants to allow all SV families
of 1937 and alternative requirements to immediately move under
24 CFR § section to the right). portability.
982.353(c)
The PHA may not restrict an SV
family from exercising portability
because they are a nonresident
36
applicant.
A receiving PHA cannot refuse to
assist an incoming SV family,
regardless of whether the PHA does
or does not currently administer SVs
under its own ACC.
In addition to the applicable family
briefing requirements at 24 CFR §
982.301(a)(2) as to how portability
works and how portability may
affect the family’s assistance, the
initial PHA must inform the family
how portability may impact the
special SV services and assistance
that may be available to the family.
If the portability move is in
connection with the SV family’s
initial lease-up, the receiving PHA
and the initial PHA must consult
and coordinate on the SV services
and assistance that will be made
available to the family. The primary
purpose of this communication is to
ensure there is no duplication of SV
services and assistance provided to
the family and that the receiving
PHA is aware of the maximum
amount of services fee funding that
the initial PHA may provide to the
receiving PHA on behalf of the
family.
Establishing 24 CFR § Waiving 24 CFR § No Establishing a separate SV payment
separate higher 982.503(a)(3), 982.503(a)(3) and standard is at the discretion of the
payment § establishing an PHA and the PHA is not required to
standards for 982.503(b)(1) alternative requirement do so. PHAs are not permitted to
SVs (i), permitting PHAs to establish a separate payment
§ establish separate standard for the SVs that is lower
982.503(b)(1) higher payment than the regular HCV payment
(iii) standards for the SVs. standard. If the PHA is increasing
Many rental markets the regular HCV payment standard,
with a high need for the the PHA must also increase the SV
SVs are very payment standard if it would be
competitive with a otherwise lower than the new
shortage of affordable regular HCV payment standard.
rental units. SV
recipients who are PHAs can establish a payment
homeless or at risk of standard amount for a unit size at
37
homelessness may have any level between 90%-120% of the
relatively lower published FMR for that unit size.
incomes than regular HUD approval is not required to
HCV recipients, establish an SV payment standard
limiting their ability to within that range.
rent units with rents
above the payment A PHA that is not in a designated
standard. In addition, Small Area FMR area or
landlords may be more has not opted to voluntarily
reluctant to rent to implement Small Area FMRs under
homeless individuals 24 CFR 888.113(c)(3) may establish
who may have limited exception payment standards for a
or poor credit history, a ZIP code area above the basic range
limited established for the metropolitan FMR based on
rental history, or other the HUD published Small Area
issues. FMRs. The PHA may establish an
exception payment standard up to
120 percent (as opposed to 110
percent) of the HUD published
Small Area FMR for that ZIP code
area. As is the case for the regular
HCV program, the PHA must notify
HUD if it establishes an SV
exception payment standard based
on the Small Area FMR. The
exception payment standard must
apply to the entire ZIP code area.
PHAs may also still request
approval for exception SV payment
standards above 120% of the
applicable FMR/SAFMR from HUD
in accordance with 24 CFR §
982.503(b)(1)(iv) or §982.503(c) if
needed.
All rent reasonableness
requirements at 24 CFR § 982.507
continue to apply to SV units,
regardless of whether the PHA has
established an alternative or
exception SV payment standard.
Application of 24 CFR § Waiving requirement No PHAs have the discretion to
Increased 982.505(c)(4) that if the payment establish a policy in the PHA
Payment standard amount is administrative plan on when to
Standard increased during the apply the increased payment
HAP contract, the standard (e.g., interim
increased payment reexamination, owner rent increase)
standard amount shall after the effective date of the
be used to calculate the increase in the payment standard
38
monthly housing amount, provided the increased
assistance payment for payment standard is used to
the family beginning at calculate the HAP no later than the
the effective date of the effective date of the family’s first
family’s first regular regular reexamination following the
reexamination on or change.
after the effective date
of the increase in the
payment standard
amount.
39
Attachment IV
Sample SV Memorandum of Understanding
[** This sample document demonstrates the Memorandum of Understanding requirements for
the administration of Stability Vouchers. Unless otherwise noted, all elements are required. **]
Memorandum of Understanding – Stability Vouchers
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been created and entered on [Insert execution
date] by [PHA Name and Address] and [CoC/VSP Name and Address].
I. Introduction and Goals
The [PHA Name] and [CoC/VSP Name] through the Stability Voucher (SV) Program seek to
prevent and end homelessness among individuals and families who are experiencing or at-risk of
homelessness, those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, and human trafficking, and veterans and families that include a veteran family
member that meets one of the proceeding criteria.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) (2021 Act), makes available
$43,343,000 for new incremental voucher assistance under Section 8(o) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937 for use by individuals and families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness;
those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and
stalking; and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meets one of the
proceeding criteria.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103 (2022 Act) further
provides that HUD may waive certain statutory and regulatory provisions to administer the SVs
(except for requirements related to tenant rights and protections, rent setting, fair housing,
nondiscrimination, labor standards and the environment) upon a finding that any such waivers or
alternative requirements are necessary to facilitate the use of funds made available for SVs.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the collaboration and commitment
between [PHA name] and [CoC/VSP Name] to pair Stability Vouchers with CoC-funded
supportive services; and to collaborate with the CoC/VSP and other stakeholders to develop a
prioritization plan for these vouchers.
Lead Agency Liaisons:
Name and title of PHA staff position:
Name and title CoC and/or VSP staff position:
II. Individuals and Families Eligibility under the Qualifying Categories
In order to be eligible for an SV, an individual or family must meet one of four eligibility
categories:
Homeless
At risk of homelessness
Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking,
40
or human trafficking
Veterans
.
III. SV Roles and Responsibilities
A. PHA Roles and Responsibilities [**The following responsibilities are listed for example
purposes. **]
1. Coordinate and consult with the CoC in developing the services and assistance to be
offered under the SV services fee.
2. Accept direct referrals for eligible individuals and families through the CoC Coordinated
Entry System.
3. Commit a sufficient number of staff and necessary resources to ensure that the
application, certification, and voucher issuance processes are completed in a timely
manner.
4. Commit a sufficient number of staff and resources to ensure that inspections of units are
completed in a timely manner.
5. Designate a staff to serve as the lead SV liaison.
6. Comply with the provisions of this MOU.
B. CoC Roles and Responsibilities [**The following responsibilities are listed for example
purposes. **]
1. Designate and maintain a lead SV liaison to communicate with the PHA.
2. Refer eligible individuals and families to PHA using the community’s coordinated entry
system.
3. Support eligible individuals and households in completing and applying for supportive
documentation to accompany admissions application to the PHA (i.e. self-certifications,
birth certificate, social security card, etc.).
4. Attend SV participant briefings when needed.
5. Assess all households referred for SV for mainstream benefits and supportive services
available to support eligible individuals and families through their transition.
6. Identify and provide supportive services to SV families. (While SV participants are not
required to participate in services, the CoC should assure that services are available and
accessible.)
7. Comply with the provisions of this MOU
41
IV. CoC-funded supportive services that will be paired with SVs
CoCs are encouraged to outline any existing partnerships with health and behavioral health care
providers and agencies, state Medicaid agencies and agencies and organizations that may be
leveraged to provide ongoing tenancy and wrap-around supportive services for those that may
benefit from such services to maintain housing stability. All services provided by the CoC must
be outlined in the MOU with the CoC and should demonstrate the community’s strategy to
coordinate assistance through available resources. HUD recommends that PHAs and partnering
CoCs seek a diverse range of supportive services by partnering with organizations trusted by
people experiencing homelessness.
V. PHA Adopted Waivers and Alternative Requirements
PIH Notice 2022-XX, provides [insert PHA Name] with authority to adopt certain statutory and
regulatory requirements and alternative requirements for Stability Vouchers. [Insert PHA Name]
and [Insert CoC/VSP Name] have agreed to adopt the following waivers and alternative
requirements-
[List all waivers and alternative requirements discussed, agreed upon by the PHA and CoC for
the administration of SVs].
VI. PHA Permissive Prohibition Policies agreed upon by the PHA and CoC
[Insert PHA name] in consultation with [Insert CoC/VSP Name] have agreed to adopt the
following permissive prohibitions for the Stability Voucher program-
[List any permissive prohibition policies agreed upon by the PHA and CoC]
VII. Program Evaluation
[Insert PHA name], and [Insert CoC /VSP] agree to cooperate with HUD, provide requested data
to HUD or HUD-approved contractor delegated the responsibility of program evaluation
protocols established by HUD or HUD-approved contractor.
Signed By:
_____________________________________ ___________________
Public Housing Agency Executive Director Date
_____________________________________ ___________________
CoC/VSP Executive Director Date
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English
PIH Notice 2022-24 establishes the Stability Voucher (SV) program, which makes tenant-based rental assistance available to households experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, or veterans meeting those criteria. The program requires participating Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to partner with Continuums of Care and victim service providers through formal Memoranda of Understanding. Several standard Housing Choice Voucher rules—such as waiting list selection, income targeting, and residency preferences—are waived or modified to speed access for these vulnerable populations.
Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on October 7, 2026
Plain English — not legal advice.
For Property Managers
Under PIH Notice 2022-24, PHAs that accept SV allocations execute a Memorandum of Understanding with a partnering Continuum of Care within 90 days of funding, maintain a separate SV waiting list, and accept direct referrals rather than selecting from the standard HCV waiting list. Compliant operators document each family's eligibility category, apply only the mandatory and permissive admission prohibitions permitted by the notice, and report SV participants using program code "SV" on form HUD-50058. PHAs may establish separate, higher payment standards for SVs and must extend the initial housing search term to at least 120 days.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For Tenants
PIH Notice 2022-24 creates Stability Vouchers specifically for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, or qualifying veterans—meaning access runs through a direct referral from a Continuum of Care or victim service provider rather than a standard waiting list. Under this notice, PHAs cannot deny SV applicants solely for past evictions from federally assisted housing, prior program terminations, or drug-related criminal history. Households who believe they qualify can contact their local CoC or a tenant-rights organization to learn about the referral process and available supportive services.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
Current
Oct 6, 2026
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