D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-7801

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 44, November 1, 2024

Rule 29-7801 - [Effective until 1/15/2025] APPLICATION PROCESS

7801.1

Each FRSP application shall be in writing on a form provided by the Department, signed by the applicant, and submitted to the Eligibility Provider. An authorized representative may apply on behalf of the applicant, if the applicant provides the Department a written and signed statement indicating the name and address of the person authorized to act on the applicant's behalf.

7801.2

If an applicant with a disability or the authorized representative of an applicant with a disability requests assistance to complete the FRSP application, the Eligibility Provider shall assist such applicant or authorized representative with the application process to ensure that the applicant has an equal opportunity to submit an application.

7801.3

The Department shall provide FRSP application forms to the Eligibility Provider to use and disseminate to applicants, and the Eligibility Provider shall accept applications from each applicant who requests and is referred for FRSP assistance.

7801.4

At the time of application, the Eligibility Provider shall provide each applicant with a written FRSP notice explaining the program. Each applicant shall personally, or through an authorized representative, sign an FRSP notice acknowledgement form, acknowledging receipt of the FRSP notice.

7801.5

Each applicant, personally or through an authorized representative, shall sign an FRSP release form authorizing the Eligibility Provider to obtain or verify information necessary for processing the application.

7801.6

Each applicant shall provide the following information to the Eligibility Provider to determine the household's ability to achieve housing stability independent of the Program by the end of the FRSP assistance period.

(a) The circumstances that brought about the applicant's experience of homelessness, or imminent risk of homelessness;

(b) Willingness to actively engage in the application process by providing required documents within the agreed upon timeline to their assigned case managers; and

(c) Documentation of the following:

(1) Household composition;

(2) Employment status and employment history;

(3) Income and financial assets history;

(4) Household expenses;

(5) Rental and other relevant housing history;

(6) Facts and circumstances surrounding financial and other barriers to housing stability; and

(7) Facts and circumstances surrounding work experience, education, or training that can contribute to the household's ability to achieve housing stability independent of the Program by the end of the FRSP assistance period.

7801.7

The request for documentation under §§ 7801.6(c) may be waived if the applicant signs a declaration containing the necessary information listed in §§ 7801.6(c).

7801.8

The applicant shall complete an Affordability Assessment that outlines the family's projected ability to pay thirty percent (30%) of their monthly income towards their rental obligation each month to help the applicant select appropriate housing. The affordability assessment includes:

(a) Current income;

(b) Expected future income;

(c) Employment History; and

(d) Employment potential based on job skills, certifications, or participation in a training or employment program.

7801.9

The Eligibility Provider and the Department may attempt to verify the information in Section 7801.6 using any third-party data sources to which it has legal access to verify Program eligibility. The Eligibility Provider may use, among other things, documents, telephone conversations, personal and collateral interviews, reports, correspondence, and conferences to verify applicant information.

7801.10

If additional information is needed from the applicant to determine eligibility for the Program, the Eligibility Provider shall make the request, in writing, for additional information, which shall specify the information needed to complete the application. The written request shall also include information to assist the applicant with obtaining the required information or offer appropriate assistance in obtaining the required information. The application shall be considered complete when all required information is provided to the Eligibility Provider.

7801.11

If an applicant has not obtained and provided to the Eligibility Provider the required information for eligibility determination under §§ 7801 within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of application, then the Eligibility Provider shall make documented efforts to contact the applicant both by telephone and in writing to discuss whether the applicant wants to complete their application, and any barriers that are delaying the requested documentation.

(a) If, at such time, contact with the applicant is made and services are still requested, the Eligibility Provider will take appropriate steps to assist the applicant in obtaining the required information.

(b) If, at such time, contact cannot be made, or the applicant no longer requests the services, an application shall be considered abandoned. The Department shall issue the applicant a written notice indicating that the application has been abandoned.

7801.12

The Eligibility Provider shall refer a complete application to the Department to determine eligibility.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-7801

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 5273 (4/8/2016); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 71 DCR 11691 (9/27/2024), exp. 1/15/2025 (Emergency)