Annual Re-Examinations

What do I need to report?

Section 8 Regulations now require that all income (money) you receive must be reported.  This includes Food Stamps, income received by children, etc.  Although these amounts are not used to calculate your share of the rent, you must report them. Also complete current bank statements (or other asset income). It is a HUD requirement that families report all changes in household composition.

When will my annual exam be held?

In accordance with HUD requirements, the VHA/SCHA will reexamine the income and household composition of all families at least annually.

What supporting documents do I need?

In the notification letter to the family, the VHA/SCHA will include instructions for the family to bring the following items.  Documentation of household income, assets and deductions/allowances must be current; Completed Personal Declaration Form; Current documentation of all household income and assets; Current documentation of any deductions/allowances; and Release of Information documents signed by all adult household members. If all required documentation is not provided by the date of the interview appointment, the family will be given a form requesting any missing documents and allow 14 calendar days to provide them.  If the documents are not provided within 14 calendar days, the VHA may begin the process to terminate the family’s assistance.

How is my information collected?

The VHA/SCHA has established appropriate reexamination procedures necessary to ensure that the income data provided by families is complete and accurate. The family must complete a reexamination form.  The reexamination form will be reviewed by the VHA/SCHA, and the information provided by the family will be verified.

I missed my annual deadline, what happens next?

Families will be granted a maximum of two (2) reschedules for good cause. If the family does not appear for the reexamination interview in person or by phone, and has not rescheduled or made prior arrangements with the VHA/SCHA, the VHA/SCHA will send a final notice rescheduling the appointment. If the family fails to appear for the final appointment, and has not pre-requested to reschedule for good cause, or if the family has a pattern of missed appointments, the VHA/SCHA will send the family a notice of termination and offer them an Informal Hearing. 

What is “good cause”?

“Good Cause” is defined as an unavoidable conflict that seriously affects the health, safety or welfare of the family.  Families will be granted a maximum of two (2) reschedules for good cause.

What are the family obligations?

The VHA may deny or terminate assistance for a family because of the family's action or failure to act.  The VHA provides families with a written description of the family obligations under the program, the grounds under which the VHA can deny or terminate assistance, and the VHA/SCHA's informal hearing procedures.

Click here for a copy of the family obligations.