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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 29. PUBLIC WELFARE |
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Chapter 29-25. SHELTER AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES |
Section 29-2558. SPECIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR REFERRAL TO THE LOCAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM - APPLICATION AND RIGHT TO APPEAL
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2558.1An authorized representative may apply on behalf of the applicant, if the applicant provides a written and signed statement stating why the applicant cannot apply in person and the name and address of the person authorized to act on the applicant’s behalf.
2558.2Each application shall be in writing on a form that the Department prescribes and signed by the applicant or authorized representative under penalty of perjury. If the applicant is married and living with a spouse, both spouses shall sign the application as an applicant unit (hereinafter “applicant”).
2558.3Upon request by an applicant with a disability, or the authorized representative of an applicant with a disability, the Provider shall assist the applicant or authorized representative with any aspect of the application process necessary to ensure that the applicant with a disability has an equal opportunity to submit an application.
2558.4 The Department shall provide application forms, and the Provider shall accept applications from each applicant who requests assistance.
2558.5 At the time of application, each applicant shall be provided with a clear, concise, written notice containing the applicant’s rights and responsibilities and the Provider’s responsibilities with respect to the Local Rent Supplement Program. The Provider shall request that all applicants, personally or through an authorized representative, sign a document acknowledging receipt of this notice.
2558.6As part of the application process, all applicants, personally or through an authorized representative, shall sign a release form authorizing the Provider to obtain or verify information necessary to process the application.
2558.7Each applicant shall cooperate fully in establishing his or her eligibility, including the basis of the applicant’s homelessness and shall provide, to the extent available and relevant, documentation or collateral proof of:
(a)Household composition;
(b)Employment status and employment history;
(c)Education history;
(d)Income and assets;
(e)Household expenses;
(f)Facts and circumstances surrounding homelessness, including rental and other relevant housing history;
(g)Financial and other assets available or obtainable in the short and long term to support housing stability; and
(h)Facts and circumstances surrounding financial and other barriers to housing stability.
2558.8The Provider shall give to each applicant a written request specifying the information needed to complete the application, and the Provider shall discuss with the applicant how to obtain the information. The application shall be considered complete when all required information is furnished.
2558.9The Provider may use, among other things, documents, telephone conversations, personal and collateral interviews, reports, correspondence, and conferences to verify applicant information.
2558.10An application shall be considered abandoned if the applicant has not obtained and provided to the Provider the required information for eligibility determination within sixty (60) calendar days of the date of application.
2558.11If an interested individual or family submits an application and is found not to be eligible, the Department or its designee shall provide the applicant with a Notice of Denial of Eligibility, which shall include:
(a)A clear statement of the applicant’s eligibility determination;
(b) A clear and detailed statement of the factual basis of the denial, including a reference to the eligibility criteria set forth in § 2557 that has not been met;
(c) A clear and complete statement of the client’s right to request a reconsideration from the Department or the Department’s designee if he or she disagrees with the Department’s or the Department’s designee’s decision to deny his or her referral to the Local Rent Supplement Program, or if he or she has questions regarding the Department or its designee’s decision to deny his or her referral to the Local Rent Supplement Program; and
(a) A clear and complete statement of the client’s right to appeal the denial of eligibility through a fair hearing and administrative review including the appropriate deadlines for instituting the appeal.
2558.12If a family issued a Notice of Denial of Eligibility pursuant to § 2558.11 is successful in their appeal, the family shall be prioritized for referral based on the criteria set forth in § 2557.2.