Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — Wiregrass families who receive Section 8 vouchers or live in public housing may need to provide additional information under a new federal rule that takes effect Dec. 14. The rule applies to applicants and current tenants, including families in Dothan Housing’s Housing Choice Voucher program.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published the final rule Tuesday, Nov. 10. According to HUD, housing agencies and other providers must verify U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for every household member, regardless of age.
Housing providers will first check a federal database. If that check cannot confirm U.S. citizenship, acceptable proof for a second review includes a U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or a naturalization certificate.
Housing providers have 30 days after the rule takes effect to notify current tenants who still need to provide proof. Most affected tenants will submit the information at their next scheduled review of household income and who lives in the home. For households that include both eligible and ineligible members, missing documents are generally due within 90 days of the effective date. Families who need more time to obtain documents can request an extension of up to 60 days.
The rule also limits how long families with mixed eligibility can receive partial assistance. Where federal law allows, that assistance can continue temporarily while eligibility checks are pending.
WDNews could not verify whether Dothan Housing has issued local instructions on how to submit documents. Dothan Housing lists 334-794-6713 as its main number.
