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

Section L: Verification of Permanent Absence of a Family Member

If the family reports an adult member who was formerly a member of the household as permanently absent, the following are considered verifications of absence:

• Proof of death
• Court Papers when a husband or wife institutes divorce action or legal separation;
• Protection/Restraining Order obtained by one family member against another;
• Proof of another home address, such as listed on utility bills, canceled rent checks, driver’s license, or lease or rental agreement, if available;
• Statements from other agencies such as DHS, or a written statement from the landlord or manager that the adult family member is no longer living at that location;
• If the adult family member is incarcerated, a document from the Court or correctional facility stating how long they will be incarcerated is required;
• If the head of household is the absent member, the HA should issue the voucher to the remaining spouse or co-head. Follow procedures in Chapter XII, Remaining Tenants and Separating Families and Chapter IX, Interim Re-examinations.