Housing Choice Voucher Draft FY 2026 Administrative Plan
This document outlines the upcoming public hearing on the Housing Choice Voucher Draft for the fiscal year 2026. It covers the PHA Plan, Annual Plan accomplishments, substantial edits related to the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) policies, and updated National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). Changes in income calculations, assets, deductions, and definitions of family are highlighted.
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Presentation Transcript
Housing Choice Voucher Draft FY 2026 Administrative Plan Public Hearing March 5, 2025 10:00 am MST
Agenda Introduction Overview of the PHA and Admin Plan Overview of changes Public comments
PHA Plan Comprehensive guide to public housing agency (PHA) policies, programs, operations, and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. Congress s way of ensuring the PHA is accountable to the local community for the choices it makes. Admin Plan is an attachment with discretionary policies.
Annual Plan Accomplishments for last year towards the 5-year plan Indicates revisions or additions made in the last year
Substantial Edits Updated Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) Policies Changes in how income, assets, and deductions are calculated Income: Income calculations for annual reviews are based on the previous year's income Most disability payments are excluded from income calculations Student aid is not included in income calculations Retirement account funds are not considered income until they are withdrawn
Updated Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) Policies Assets Maximum asset limits for residents have been adjusted The cash value of a checking account is now its current balance In subsidized programs, assets must be verified at least every 3 years Deductions The elderly/disabled family deduction increased to $525, adjusted annually for inflation The dependent deduction increased to $480, adjusted annually for inflation The auxiliary and attendant care expenses deduction increased from 3% of annual income to 10% of annual income
Updated National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Changes the scoring methodology, which converts observed defects into a numerical score and sets a threshold for HUD to perform additional administrative oversight by establishing a level for when a property fails an inspection HOTMA Updated Definition of Family An otherwise eligible youth at least 18 years and not more than 24 years who has left foster care or will leave within 90 days, in accordance with transition plan, and is homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older; or a group of persons residing together Updated definitions for "foster adult" and "foster child"
Commerce Updates to Eligibility Review of records of arrests indicating a pattern of drug-related or violent criminal activity will be limited to past 3 years; arrest records will not be used as sole basis for denial Records of arrest within last 12 months that have not yet been adjudicated may trigger additional review, i.e., have criminal charges been filed?
Commerce Updates to Wait List Process Separate Wait List for Mainstream and Moderate Rehabilitation Adding HCV Wait List preference for participants in Montana Treatment Courts (not more than 75 vouchers) Owner-Maintained Wait Lists for Project-Based Vouchers
Commerce Updates to Verification Process Commerce will accept other programs' Safe Harbor determinations of income at time of annual reexamination, including but not limited to: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Medicaid Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (only if including source documentation; no self-certification) Social Security Income Other programs administered by the HUD Secretary
Updated VASH Operating Requirements New flexibility around verifying social security number New requirement for PHAs to serve veterans up to the low-income limit (i.e.,80% area median income) New requirement to exclude VA disability income to determine initial eligibility New requirement for PHAs to accept self- certification of assets under $50,000
Updated VASH Operating Requirements New authorization for PHAs to apply reasonable accommodation exception payment standards for HUD-VASH without additional HUD approval New flexibility to allow noncompetitive selection of one or more PBV projects where all units in the project are exclusively available to HUD-VASH families on site of a VA facility New flexibility to allow PHAs to set a lower minimum rent
Public Comments All public comments must be received by April 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. MST The draft FY2026 PHA Administrative Plan is available for viewing at https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Rental- Assistance/Admin-Plan Questions and public comments can be emailed to housing@mt.gov or use the "Provide Public Comment" button available on the website listed above
