Do I Have to Report a Raise Before My Annual Section 8 Recertification Comes Up?

What happened

A raise arrived well before the next yearly recertification. There is a real question. Must this be reported right away? Or can it wait? Exactly when a mid year report is required is not set the same way everywhere.

What usually applies

Housing agencies must write their own policy for this. This policy says when a family must report a change in income mid year. HUD does not set one dollar amount or day count for everyone. In the Housing Choice Voucher program, a family can ask for a mid year income review. Once asked, the agency usually must act within about 30 days.

What to do

1. 1

   Ask your housing agency for its written reporting policy

   This policy sets your own agency's trigger for reporting. It is not the same everywhere.

2. 2

   Report the raise anyway if you are unsure

   Report even if you are not sure it is required. This protects you from a dispute later over late income.

3. 3

   Ask about requesting an interim review yourself

   You can usually ask for this review yourself. You do not have to wait for your agency to require it.

4. 4

   Keep a dated record of when you reported the change

   This record matters later. It helps if there is ever a question about reporting on time.