The Work Number – Fees are Here to Stay

During recent TRACS Industry Meetings, owner/agents let Policy know that properties are being charged a fee to use The Work Number.  Previously free, this service provided wage verification, which was very helpful when employers refused to provide it.   Yvette Viviani, from HUD’s Policy Office, told the group that she was under the impression (from HUD’s prior negotiations with The Work Number) that affordable housing properties using it for verification did not have to pay.  She promised to look into the situation.

True to her word, Yvette did have several discussions with representatives of Equifax and The Work Number.  According to a June 14th email from her, she was advised that The Work Number (as we know it) is phasing out to a new, more technically advanced system – and it will require a fee for use.  Some areas of the country have not been phased out yet, and still offer free access… but that will end soon.  Yvette says, “We are continuing to look into possible alternatives.”