Q&A – Changing Resident Status

Question:  Isn’t there a rule that a person could not manipulate the head, co-head, etc. to get “elderly” status?  Is that in the 4350.3 anywhere?  Our HUD office is telling a resident to change their status from HOH to a Live-In Aide so that their income will not be counted.   ~Roseanne in the Southwest

Answer:  You’re remembering correctly!  5-9(B) of the 4350.3 lists the five types of deductions (dependent, child care, disability, medical and elderly).   The note below it says, “A family may not designate a family member as head or co-head solely to become eligible for these additional benefits.”  You might want to share this citation with your HUD Field Office staff.