Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 760 CMR - HOUSING AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF › Title 760 CMR 53.00 - Alternative Housing Voucher Program › Section 53.06 - Determination of the Value of the Voucher and the Participant's Income

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) Income. A household's net household income
			 shall be determined in the manner specified in 760 CMR 7.00, Determination of Rents
			 in State-Aided Public Housing.
(2)
			 Program Participants shall be obligated to pay as their share of rent for a Contract
			 Unit, 25% of their Net Household Income if some or no utilities are included in the
			 Rent and 30% of their Net Household Income if all utilities are included in the
			 Rent. The value of the Voucher shall be the difference between the total Rent and
			 the Participant's share of Rent, provided that the total Rent may not exceed the
			 applicable Ceiling Rent.
(3)
			 Determination of Value of Voucher on Annual Basis. At least once in every 12 month
			 period, the Participant shall complete and file with the LHA a continued occupancy
			 form, providing accurate information as to income, employment, and composition. The
			 LHA shall then determine whether the Participant's Voucher value and share of Rent
			 should be adjusted, whether a Participant's authorized unit size is still
			 appropriate for Participant's needs, and whether the Participant is eligible for
			 continued program participation. If the Participant's share of the rent is adjusted,
			 the value of the voucher shall be appropriately adjusted. If the Participant
			 relocates, the Participant's income is subject to be fully redetermined at that
			 time.
(4) Changes in Voucher Value
			 Between Regular Redetermination Dates.
(a) When
			 monthly income of the household decreases, an increase in the value of the Voucher
			 shall be made when requested by the Participant. The changed Voucher value will be
			 effective on the next regular payment date following the report to the LHA and
			 verification of the lower income.
(b)
			 Participants shall inform the LHA of all increases in monthly income of the
			 household of 10% or more within 30 days of such increases. If the Participant's
			 Voucher changes because of the increased income, the changed Voucher value shall be
			 effective on the first payment date of the second month following submission of the
			 new income information. A Participant's failure to report an increase in gross
			 income shall be grounds for termination of program participation by the Participant
			 if such increase, if reported, would have resulted in a decreased Voucher value. In
			 the event that the Participant is not terminated, the Voucher value shall be
			 adjusted retroactive to the date such change would have taken effect had the
			 increase been properly reported, and the LHA may enter into a repayment
			 agreement.
(c) Participants shall inform
			 the LHA of all changes in household size and/or composition within 30 days of such
			 changes. At the time that the size of the household is reported, the net income and
			 Voucher value shall be reviewed and revised. If the Participant's net income has
			 decreased, the Voucher value shall be changed effective the first payment date
			 following the report and verification of change in household size. If the
			 Participant's net income increased, the Voucher value shall be changed effective on
			 the first payment date of the second month following the report of change in
			 household unless such change was not reported within the required 30 days. A
			 Participant's failure to report such a change shall be grounds for termination of
			 program participation by the Participant if the changes would have resulted, if
			 reported, in a decreased Voucher value. In the event that the Participant is not
			 terminated, the Voucher value shall be adjusted retroactive to the date such change
			 would have taken effect had the household change been properly reported and the LHA
			 may enter into a repayment agreement.
(d) Voucher values shall be adjusted whenever
			 necessary to comply with
			 760 CMR 53.00, other regulations,
			 or applicable law.