If neither parent remains in the household and an appropriate agency determines that another adult should be brought into the assisted unit to care for the children for an indefinite period, that adult is considered a visitor for the first 90 days.
After 90 days, if court-awarded custody or legal guardianship has been awarded to the caretaker, the voucher is transferred to the caretaker if the guardian/caretaker is eligible for asistance.
If the appropriate agency cannot confirm the guardianship status of the caretaker, MSHDA reviews the status at 90-day intervals.
If the court has not awarded custody or legal guardianship, but the action is in process, the Housing Agent (HA) needs to secure the status verification from the Department of Human Services (DHS) staff or the attorney of record. The caretaker can remain in the unit, as a visitor, until a determination of custody occurs.
When a person is approved to reside in the unit as caretaker for the children, their income is included pending a final disposition. MSHDA will work with the appropriate service agencies and the landlord to provide a smooth transition in these cases.
If a member of the household is subject to a court order that restricts them from the home for more than three months, the person is considered permanently absent.