Verification

Overview of Verification Requirements

In order of priority, the forms of verification that the PHA will use are:

• Up-front Income Verification (UIV) using HUD's Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system
• Up-front Income Verification (UIV) using a non-HUD system
• Written Third-Party Verification (may be provided by applicant or resident)
• Written Third-party Verification Form
• Oral Third-party Verification
• Self-Certification

Requirements for Acceptable Documents
Any documents used for verification must be the original (not photocopies) and generally must be dated within 60 days of the date they are provided to the PHA. The documents must not be damaged, altered or in any way illegible. Printouts from web pages are considered original documents. The PHA staff member who views the original document must make a photocopy, annotate the copy with the name of the person who provided the document and the date the original was viewed, and sign the copy. Any family self-certifications must be made in a format acceptable to the PHA and must be signed in the presence of a PHA representative or PHA notary public.

Third-Party Written and Oral Verification
Third-party documents provided by the family must be dated within 60 days of the PHA request date. If the PHA determines that third-party documents provided by the family are not acceptable, the PHA will explain the reason to the family and request additional documentation. As verification of earned income, the PHA will request pay stubs covering the 60-day period prior to the PHA's request.

Written Third-Party Verification Form
The PHA will send third-party verification forms directly to the third party. Third-party verification forms will be sent when third-party verification documents are unavailable or are rejected by the PHA.

Oral Third-Party Verification
In collecting third-party oral verification, PHA staff will record in the family's file the name and title of the person contacted, the date and time of the conversation (or attempt), the telephone number used, and the facts provided. When any source responds verbally to the initial written request for verification the PHA will accept the verbal response as oral verification but will also request that the source complete and return any verification forms that were provided.

When Third-Party Verification is Not Required
If the family cannot provide original documents, the PHA will pay the service charge required to obtain third-party verification, unless it is not cost effective in which case a self-certification will be acceptable as the only means of verification. The cost of verification will not be passed on to the family. The cost of postage and envelopes to obtain third-party verification of income, assets, and expenses is not an unreasonable cost.

Self-Certification
When information cannot be verified by a third party or by review of documents, family members will be required to submit self-certifications attesting to the accuracy of the information they have provided to the PHA. The PHA may require a family to certify that a family member does not receive a particular type of income or benefit. The self-certification must be made in a format acceptable to the PHA and must be signed by the family member whose information or status is being verified. All self-certifications must be signed in the presence of a PHA representative or PHA notary public.

For the full Verification Policy, please visit our office at 450 Walker Street, Cleveland TN 37311.