One of the most significant challenges that practitioners have in utilizing federal housing programs is the determination of income eligibility. The Department of Housing and Urban Development Technical Guide for Determining Income and Allowances when determining income eligibility for HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program activities is the standard reference, but it is often confusing.

In collaboration with the state of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), RCAC created a new Income Calculation and Determination Guidebook for HCD grantees. Text from the guide and the guide’s calculation forms were then transferred to HCD’s website to guarantee ready access to all HOME and CDBG program practitioners. The guide and website standardizes responses to income calculation questions and provides the most up-do-date guidance for addressing income and household composition “red-flag” and other issues.

RCAC then developed and delivered six workshops throughout the state of California. The workshops focused on the new HCD policies featured in the guide, such as income determination topics including recertification of income requirements, how to calculate income eligibility and determine rents and subsidies, and required methodology for conducting income verification. HCD-determined “red-flag” income and household composition issues were highlighted in the workshops and included recommendations for addressing the issues.

HCD has seen a significant improvement in grantee performance on income related issues, and many fewer questions coming to staff for resolution.