Frequently Asked Questions

Determining income and rent accurately is essential to ensure that resident families pay the correct rent amount. Accurate calculations prevent under-reporting of income by residents and ensure that they receive the exclusions and deductions they are entitled to​​.

Annual income is the gross income minus any income exclusions​​.

Adjusted income is the annual income minus allowable deductions​​.

Tenant rent is the highest of either 30% of the family's monthly adjusted income, 10% of the family’s monthly income, welfare rent, or a minimum of $25.00​​.

Residents must report all income from all sources. If the cash value of all assets exceeds $5,000, the greater of the actual income derived from the assets or 2% of the total asset value is considered in the annual income​​.

Annual income includes wages, business income, interest, dividends, social security, and other periodic receipts. It also includes payments in lieu of earnings, alimony, child support, and certain assistance for students under the Higher Education Act of 1965​​.

Assets include stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, and personal property held as an investment. They do not include necessary personal property, interests in Indian trust land, and assets not effectively owned by the applicant​​.

Exclusions from annual income include employment of children under 18, foster care payments, lump-sum additions to family assets, specific reimbursements for medical expenses, and certain benefits for students and military personnel​​.

Federally mandated exclusions include benefits like food stamps, payments to volunteers, and certain allowances under various federal programs, among others​​.

Deductions include $480 for each dependent, $400 for elderly or disabled families, unreimbursed medical expenses over 3% of annual income, and child care expenses necessary for employment or education​​.