What is an Interim recertification?
When your household circumstances change it may mean you need to
complete an interim recertification before your next scheduled
recertification. PHA policies dictate what kinds of information
about changes in household circumstances must be reported, and
under what circumstances to PHA.
PHA will process interim recertifications to reflect those
changes. PHA may also conduct interim recertifications of household
income or composition at any time to ensure compliance with program
reporting requirements.
Limits on Interim Recertifications
Tenants may request no more than one (1) voluntary interim
recertification every six (6) months. The six month clock restarts
on the effective date of each regular recertification. Required
interim recertifications do not count toward the limit on interim
recertifications.
• Elderly/disabled are exempt from the limit on voluntary
interim recertifications.
Optional Interim Reporting
Households may request an interim recertification under the
circumstances outlined below:
• They receive a decrease in income which may result in a
rent decrease; or
• They have an increase in applicable allowances or
deductions.
PHA will process a voluntary interim rent reduction if and when
the reduction in income is expected to last for more than 30
days.
Required Interim Reporting
Examples of when a client must complete an interim
recertification:
• Change in Household Composition
Households must report all changes in household composition
within 30 days of the occurrence.
• Temporary and Sporadic Income
Households reporting only temporary or sporadic income are
required to report increases in income between regular
recertifications.
• Zero Income
Households/household members are required to report monetary
and/or non-monetary changes in income within 30 calendar days
from the date the change occurred.
What Date does my Interim Recertifications take
Effect?
Increases in Rent
An increase in the client's portion of the rent at the time will
be effective on the first of the month following 30 days' notice to
the household.
If a household fails to report a required change within the
required time frames, or fails to provide all required information
within the required time frames, the increase will be applied
retroactively to the date it would have been effective had the
information been provided on a timely basis. The household will be
responsible for any overpaid subsidy.
Decreases in Rent
A decrease in family share of the rent at the time of an interim
recertification will be effective on the first day of the month
following the month in which the change was reported and all
required documentation was submitted.
How to request an Interim Recertification
In order to request an Interim Recertification you must complete
and submit an "Appointment
Request" form.
Once this form has been completed, you may submit the request
via email to Clientservices@pha.phila.gov or drop it off at the PHA
Headquarters located at 2013 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia PA
19121
You will be mailed an "Interim Recertification" packet to
complete and return to PHA if you request for an interim has been
approved.
If your request for an interim recertification is denied you
will receive a "Denial of Interim Recertification" notice
What is required for my Interim
Recertification?
Any documents used for verification must be dated within 60
calendar days of the date you submit them to PHA. The documents
must not be damaged, altered or in any way illegible.
Below are Required Document Guides to assist you with submitting
the proper documents to PHA for your interim recertification:
Required
Documents for Income Verification
Required
Documents for Asset Verification
Required
Documents for Expenses
Required
Documents for change of Family Composition
For additional forms that you may need to complete for Interim
Recertification please refer to Recertifications.
What if I have any other questions about my interim
recertification?
If you have any questions about your recertification you can
contact us at 215-684-4300 or via email at Clientservices@pha.phila.gov.