SPECIAL NEEDS Q&A
TIPS FOR MAKING A SPECIAL REQUEST:
- Fill out a Reasonable Accommodation Form available at the front desk or call your Housing Assistant if you are unable to complete the form.
- Make requests as early as possible.
- Be specific about what you are requesting.
- Make sure your health care provider or knowledgeable professional is aware of your needs and knows that we may be sending a verification form to their office.
WHEN CAN I GET AN EXTENSION OF MY VOUCHER EXPIRATION DATE?
Extensions due to a disability may be granted.
If you are searching for a unit, do not assume that your request will be approved. Continue your housing search.
HOW DO I MAKE A REQUEST?
Complete the Reasonable Accommodation Form, or call/ email or visit your Housing Assistant to make your request verbally if you cannot complete the form.
Once we get the request, we may send your health care provider or other knowledgeable professional a form directly to verify the need. Please make sure that person is aware of your needs and is able to provide the necessary information.
HOW CAN I GET A LARGER UNIT OR AN EXTRA BEDROOM?
Granting extra bedrooms means that you get more rental assistance that could otherwise help another family. Extra bedrooms are approved in limited situations for:
- Large medical equipment
- Certain conditions that make it impossible for two people to share a room. (ex: extreme emotional or medical issue which a doctor certifies, and there is not living room to use as a living space)
WHEN WILL I KNOW IF MY REQUEST HAS BEEN APPROVED?
This depends on how long it takes your health care provider or other knowledgeable professional to respond if it is necessary to contact them. We will send you a letter notifying you that the request was received and later, of our decision. Approving a special request can result in you receiving more rental assistance that would otherwise be used to help another family. For this reason, we require thorough documentation of the need and we will verify that that the accommodation is being used.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVE-IN AIDES?
A live-in aide (LIA) cannot be someone who would normally live with you as part of your family or support you financially. A LIA is an employee who you hire to provide care.
Your health care provider or other knowledgeable professional may need to verify that you need a LIA to perform essential tasks related to your disability during nighttime hours.
You may not charge rent to a LIA.
A LIA does not have any rights to the voucher and is not considered part of the assisted household.
A LIA’s income is not counted as part of your household income.
A LIA must live with you full-time and document that he/she does not have another residence.
You do not need our approval for daytime help, only for a LIA to live with you.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RENTING FROM A RELATIVE?
You may be allowed to rent from a relative if a Reasonable Accommodation request is approved. You may be asked to provide a statement demonstrating that you have tried to find a unit that meets your needs and is not owned by a family member. Example: names of property managers/ landlords that you have contacted and an explanation of why you did not request tenancy for those units. You may use the “Housing Search Form” included in the documents provided to you following the Briefing.
