HCV Essentials
Description:
HCV Essentials is an introductory course designed to give participants a comprehensive understanding of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. This training equips attendees with the foundational knowledge needed to effectively administer the program and support its mission of assisting low-income families. Participants will explore key topics including program structure, applicant eligibility, income and asset verification, rent calculation, voucher issuance, and continued occupancy.
The training includes updated definitions and income inclusions/exclusions permitted under HUD’s current HOTMA guidance. Participants will learn how to process cases using today’s requirements, with a brief overview of future HOTMA changes to reduce surprises down the line.
Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, participants will build practical skills in calculating annual and adjusted income, determining rent, applying utility allowances, and completing total tenant payment (TTP) calculations. HCV Essentials prepares participants for certification and equips them with the skills to confidently administer the HCV program whether they’re new to the field or strengthening their foundation.
Please note: This course focuses on current processing requirements and does not include training on HOTMA income or asset calculation procedures. For detailed training on HOTMA changes, including asset limits and income calculations please see our HOTMA In-Depth course.
Objectives:
After completing this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the purpose and primary goals of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
- Recognize key stakeholders and locate resources to remain informed on evolving regulations.
- Explore effective methods for managing applications, organizing waiting lists and determining initial eligibility.
- Maneuver the voucher issuance and leasing process, including income and rent calculations.
- Conduct accurate annual and interim reexaminations to ensure households maintain eligibility and compliance.
- Manage program compliance, including processes for terminations, informal hearing, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Who Should Attend?
- New HCV Staff
- Current HCV Staff
- Supervisors and Managers
- Housing Professionals transitioning to HCV roles
- Policy and compliance teams
Agenda
| Modules | Topics |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Introduction to the HCV Program (30 minutes) | -How the HCV Program works. -Roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders. |
| Module 2: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (1 hour) | -Fair Housing Act. -Violence Against Women Act. -Accessibility for LEP. -Section 504, Rehabilitation Act. |
| Module 3: Application and Eligibility (3 hours) | -Accepting applications. -Waiting list organization. -Eligibility factors. -Denial of assistance. -Verification requirements. |
| Module 4: Annual Income (2 hours and 30 minutes) | -Earned income. -Unearned income. -Asset income. -Annualizing income. |
| Module 5: Adjusted Income (2 hours and 30 minutes) | -Mandatory deductions. -Optional deductions. |
| Module 6: Voucher Issuance & Leasing (4 hours) | -Briefing session. -Voucher issuance. -TTP calculation. -Rent calculation. |
| Module 7: Continued Occupancy (1 hour 30 minutes) | -Reexaminations. -Interim reexaminations. -Moving with continued assistance. |
| Module 8: Managing Terminations and Compliance (30 minutes) | -Termination of assistance. -Alternatives to termination. -Informal hearings. |
| Module 9: Exam Review (2 hours 30 minutes) | -Annual income. -Family assets. -Adjusted income and HCV requirements. -Calculations |
| Format | Length | CEUs |
| In-Person, Virtual Classroom, and On-Demand | In-Person: 3 Days Online: 18 Hours On-Demand: 13.5 Hours | In-Person & Online: 2.0 On-Demand: 1.4 |