This part adds a savings test program to an older housing law. When a family in assisted housing earns more, its rent goes up. Under the test that extra rent goes into a savings account for the family. The family can take the money out after five years. No family loses housing help by joining or by staying out.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary may establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall select not more than 25 eligible entities to establish and manage escrow accounts for not more than 5,000 covered families, in accordance with this subsection.”
The new subsection (p) of section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 lets the Secretary set up a pilot program choosing no more than 25 eligible entities to run escrow accounts for no more than 5,000 covered families. A covered family is one receiving assistance under section 8 or 9 of the Act and enrolled in the program.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary may establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall select not more than 25 eligible entities to establish and manage escrow accounts for not more than 5,000 covered families, in accordance with this subsection.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may set up a test program. It may choose up to 25 bodies to run it. Those bodies open savings accounts for up to 5,000 families.
What this is about
An escrow account holds money for somebody else. Here it holds savings for a family. The two caps keep the test small.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: eligible entitiesHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“shall establish an interest-bearing escrow account and place into the account an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by each covered family in accordance with the provisions of section 3, 8(o), or 8(y), as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the covered families during the participation of each covered family in the Pilot Program;”
An entity chosen for the pilot program must open an interest-bearing escrow account and pay into it an amount equal to any rent increase a covered family pays that comes from a rise in earned income while the family is in the program. The entity may use funds it controls under section 8 or 9 to make the deposit, so long as those funds are offset by the rent increase the family pays.
What the document actually says
“shall establish an interest-bearing escrow account and place into the account an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by each covered family in accordance with the provisions of section 3, 8(o), or 8(y), as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the covered families during the participation of each covered family in the Pilot Program;”
That sentence, in plain words
The body must open a savings account that earns interest. When a family earns more, its rent goes up. That extra rent goes into the account.
What this is about
Rent in assisted housing rises with income. That can leave a family no better off. Here the extra rent is saved for the family instead.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “may not”Who acts: eligible entitiesHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“An eligible entity may not escrow any amounts for any covered family whose adjusted income exceeds 80 percent of the area median income at the time of enrollment.”
The new subsection bars an eligible entity from putting money in escrow for a covered family whose adjusted income at the time of enrollment is above 80 percent of area median income.
What the document actually says
“An eligible entity may not escrow any amounts for any covered family whose adjusted income exceeds 80 percent of the area median income at the time of enrollment.”
That sentence, in plain words
The body may not save money for a family that earns too much. The line is 80 percent of the middle income for the area. It is drawn at the time the family joins.
What this is about
The middle income where a family lives is the yardstick. Income is counted after set deductions. A family above the line is left out.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: covered familiesHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(i) after the covered family ceases to receive welfare assistance; and ``(ii)(I) not earlier than the date that is 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account under this subsection;”
A covered family may take money and interest out of the escrow account once it has stopped receiving welfare assistance and no earlier than five years after the account was opened. Withdrawal is also allowed no later than seven years out where the family stays in the program past five years, on the date it stops receiving housing assistance if that is sooner, earlier than five years where the money advances a self-sufficiency goal the entity approves, for any reason listed in section 984.303(k) of title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or where the Secretary finds good cause.
What the document actually says
“``(i) after the covered family ceases to receive welfare assistance; and ``(ii)(I) not earlier than the date that is 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account under this subsection;”
That sentence, in plain words
The family must first stop getting welfare help. It must also wait five years from the day the account was opened.
What this is about
Some other doors open the account sooner. One is leaving housing help. One is using the money toward a goal the body has approved.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: covered familiesHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“a covered family may recertify the income of the covered family multiple times per year at the request of the participating family, as determined by the Secretary, and not less frequently than once per year, unless the eligible entity has established an alternative rent structure with approval from the Secretary.”
The new subsection lets a covered family have its income recertified more than once a year at its own request, as the Secretary determines, and requires recertification at least once a year, unless the entity has an alternative rent structure the Secretary has approved. A family is not required to sign a standard contract of participation or an individual training and services plan to take part.
What the document actually says
“a covered family may recertify the income of the covered family multiple times per year at the request of the participating family, as determined by the Secretary, and not less frequently than once per year, unless the eligible entity has established an alternative rent structure with approval from the Secretary.”
That sentence, in plain words
A family may ask to have its income checked again. It may do so more than once a year. It must be checked at least once a year.
What this is about
Recertifying means proving income again. Rent follows from that figure. A family need not sign a training plan to join this program.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “may not”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“Any increase in the earned income of a covered family during the enrollment of the family in the Pilot Program may not be considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the family, under any program administered by the Secretary.”
The new subsection provides that a rise in a covered family's earned income while enrolled may not be counted as income or a resource in deciding the family's eligibility for, or the amount of, other benefits under any program the Secretary administers.
What the document actually says
“Any increase in the earned income of a covered family during the enrollment of the family in the Pilot Program may not be considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the family, under any program administered by the Secretary.”
That sentence, in plain words
A family in the test may earn more. That rise does not count against it. It does not change what other help the family may get.
What this is about
Earning more can cut a family off other aid. That can leave it worse off. This rule stops that inside the housing agency's own programs.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(i) are located across various States and in both urban and rural areas; and ``(ii) vary by size and type, including both public housing agencies and private owners of projects receiving project-based rental assistance under section 8.”
An eligible entity seeking to take part must apply to the Secretary at the time and in the manner the Secretary requires by notice, stating how many covered families it proposes to serve. The Secretary must ensure that the entities chosen sit across various States and in both urban and rural areas, and vary by size and type, taking in both public housing agencies and private owners of projects with project-based rental assistance under section 8.
What the document actually says
“``(i) are located across various States and in both urban and rural areas; and ``(ii) vary by size and type, including both public housing agencies and private owners of projects receiving project-based rental assistance under section 8.”
That sentence, in plain words
The bodies chosen must sit in many states. Some must be in cities and some in the country. They must differ in size and kind, both public and private.
What this is about
A test tells more when it covers different places. It also tells more when it covers different landlords. The law says both must be true here.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: eligible entitiesHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(A) notify covered families of their enrollment in the Pilot Program; ``(B) provide covered families with a detailed description of the Pilot Program, including how the Pilot Program will impact their rent and finances;”
An entity taking part must tell covered families they are enrolled, give them a detailed description of the program including its effect on their rent and finances, tell them they cannot be in both this program and the Family Self-Sufficiency program at once, and let them opt out at least two weeks before the escrow account is opened and at any point afterward.
What the document actually says
“``(A) notify covered families of their enrollment in the Pilot Program; ``(B) provide covered families with a detailed description of the Pilot Program, including how the Pilot Program will impact their rent and finances;”
That sentence, in plain words
The body must tell a family it has been enrolled. It must explain the program in full. That includes what it does to the family's rent and money.
What this is about
A family is put in unless it says no. It may say no at least two weeks before the account opens. It may also leave at any time after that.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, eligible entitiesHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(i) not later than 6 months after selection, establish escrow accounts under paragraph (3) for covered families; and”
The new subsection provides that a covered family's rent while in the program is worked out under the ordinary rental provisions of section 3 or 8(o). The Secretary must choose the participating entities within a year of establishing the program, and each entity must open the escrow accounts within six months of selection and keep them for at least five years, or until termination with disbursement under section 984.303(k) of title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or until the family stops receiving assistance, and at the family's choice for no more than seven years.
What the document actually says
“``(i) not later than 6 months after selection, establish escrow accounts under paragraph (3) for covered families; and”
That sentence, in plain words
The body must open the savings accounts within six months. The clock runs from the day it is chosen.
What this is about
Rent is worked out the usual way while a family is in the test. The housing agency picks the bodies within a year. Accounts are kept at least five years.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “may not”Who acts: eligible entities, Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(B) No termination.--Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of participating, or not participating, in the Pilot Program under this subsection for any period.”
The new subsection provides that assistance under section 8 or 9 may not be delayed or denied because a family chose not to take part in the pilot program, and that housing assistance may not be ended because a family did or did not take part.
What the document actually says
“``(B) No termination.--Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of participating, or not participating, in the Pilot Program under this subsection for any period.”
That sentence, in plain words
Housing help may not be cut off over this program. That holds whether a family joins or stays out. It holds for any length of time.
What this is about
A family might fear losing its home by saying no. This rule removes that fear. It works the same way for a family that joins.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“the Secretary shall, if awards were made, conduct a study and submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on outcomes for covered families under the Pilot Program”
The new subsection requires the Secretary, within ten years of selecting the participating entities and if awards were made, to study and report to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the House Committee on Financial Services on outcomes for covered families. The report must evaluate how well the program helped families reach economic independence and self-sufficiency, and what effect coaching and supportive services, or their absence, had on individual incomes.
What the document actually says
“the Secretary shall, if awards were made, conduct a study and submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on outcomes for covered families under the Pilot Program”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must study how families fared. It must send a report to two committees in Congress. That is due if any awards were made.
What this is about
The report asks whether the savings helped families stand on their own. It also asks what coaching did. The deadline is ten years from the day bodies were chosen.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 404 in the PDF
What the document says
“To allow selected eligible entities to effectively administer the Pilot Program and make the required escrow account deposits under this subsection, the Secretary may waive requirements under this section.”
The new subsection lets the Secretary waive requirements of section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 so that chosen entities can run the program and make the escrow deposits. The program ends ten years after the subsection is enacted, and the Secretary may use appropriated funds for technical assistance and for the evaluation.
What the document actually says
“To allow selected eligible entities to effectively administer the Pilot Program and make the required escrow account deposits under this subsection, the Secretary may waive requirements under this section.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may set aside rules in this part of the law. It may do so to let the chosen bodies run the test. It may also do so to let them put money in the accounts.
What this is about
The test program ends ten years after this part becomes law. Money set aside can pay for expert help. It can also pay for the study.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
Each distinct thing the new subsection (p) does: the pilot program and its size, the escrow accounts and how they are funded, the income limit, the rules on withdrawals, interim recertification, the fact that no contract or plan is required, the effect of higher income on other benefits, the application and the spread of participants, the notification and opt-out, the rent calculation, the timeline, the protection for families that do not take part, the study, the waiver power, the end date, and the uses of appropriations.
The six grounds for early withdrawal are summarized rather than quoted one by one.
The section works by adding a subsection to section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, which is not indexed here, so nothing is recorded about the Family Self-Sufficiency program or about sections 8 and 9 of that Act.
