Housing Voucher Programs - Policy and Procedures Manual

Chapter XIII Sections

1. Definitions
2. Reporting Absences to MSHDA
3. Absence from the Unit
4. Absences Due to Death
5. Absence Due to Medical Reasons
6. Absence Due to Full-Time Student Status
7. Absence Due to Incarceration
8. Absence Due to Military Service
9. Absence of Child(ren) Due to Foster Care Placement
10. Absence of Entire Family
11. Caretaker for Children
12. Verification of Permanent Absence of a Family Member
13. Applicable Forms List

Chapter XIII: Absences From Unit

Effective: May 2010

Introduction

HUD regulations allow a PHA to establish its policy on how long the family may be absent from the unit 24 CFR 982.312 and 24 CFR 982.551(i). However, per 24 CFR 982.312(a) the family may not be absent from the unit for a period of more than 180 consecutive calendar days in any circumstance or for any reason.

Families are required to notify MSHDA before they move out of a unit and give MSHDA information about any family absence from the unit. In cases where the family has moved out of the unit, MSHDA will terminate their rental assistance in accordance with the appropriate termination procedures outlined in Chapter XIV - Terminations of the Housing Voucher Programs Policy and Procdure Manual.

The head of household is responsible for reporting changes in family composition 24 CFR 982.516(c). In accordance with this policy, MSHDA evaluates absences from the unit and makes a determination whether participants stay on, or are terminated from, the program.

At its discretion, a PHA may allow absences for a shorter period. Those instances are outlined below.

Section A: Definitions

Absence: No family member resides in the unit.

Temporary Absence: A family member is away from the unit for less than 90 calendar days. The income of the absent member is included.

Permanent Absence: Death of a head of household or family member, or a family member away from the unit for 90 calendar days or more except as otherwise identified in this policy. The income of a permanently absent member is excluded from family income.