When you have a change in your income or household, you are required to report it immediately. Once the change has been reported, your case worker may conduct an "Interim Recertification" to change your rent payment.
Changes in income
When your income changes, it is possible that your rent may also change. When you report a change that makes your rent go down, the decrease will be effective the first of the month following when the change was reported in writing. For example, if you report a decrease in your income by turning in an Interim Change form on May 15, the decrease in your rent would be effective June 1.
When you report a change that makes your rent go up, you will be given at least 30 days' notice of any increase in your rent. For example, if you report an increase in your income by turning in an Interim Change form on May 15, the increase in your rent would be effective July 1. Please remember that your change must be reported in writing.
The easiest way to report a change in writing is by using the Interim Change form.
Changes in expenses
If your household includes children under age 13 and you experience a change in child care costs, you may report the change. It is possible that an increase in child care costs may reduce your rent amount.
If you are age 62 or older, or a person with a disability, or if your spouse is age 62 or a person with a disability, and you experience an increase in medical costs, you may report the change. It is possible that an increase in medical costs may reduce your rent amount.
To report changes in expenses, use the Interim Change form. Be prepared to provide receipts or other information to verify the increase in your expenses.
Changes in household
When you have a change in who lives with you, this is called a change in your "household composition". When adding a new person to your household:
- If you plan to add an adult to your household, please contact your case worker before the person moves in to your unit. Any adult added to the household must be screened for eligibility for the program.
- If you have a Voucher, your landlord must also screen and approve the new adult before he or she may live in your unit.
- Be prepared to provide the Social Security Number of the new person.
- For adults age 18 and over, the Department of Housing Services must view and make copies of photo identification and Social Security Number cards before the new adult can be approved to live with you.
- For children age 17 and under, the Department of Housing Services must view and make copies of birth certificates and Social Security Number cards.
To report changes in household composition, complete a Personal Declaration Packet.
Remember - you must contact your case worker before a new person moves in to your household.
Annual recertification
If you receive rental assistance from the Department of Housing Services, or if you live in Public Housing or Kaybern Terrace, your income and household information will be reviewed annually and your rent portion will be recalculated.
When your annual review is due, your case worker will mail you a Personal Declaration Packet to complete. If you need a new copy, you may download the packet.
Have questions? Need help?
Please visit our contact list to connect with the appropriate team if you have any questions or need help filling out paperwork.