This bill ensures that service-connected disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs is excluded when determining income eligibility for housing programs, and requires a report to Congress on how to improve housing assistance for veterans.
Mónica De La Cruz
Representative
TX-15
The Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act ensures that veterans' service-connected disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs is not considered when determining income eligibility for housing assistance programs. This change aims to make housing more accessible for disabled veterans. Additionally, the Act requires a report to Congress reviewing the impact of disability compensation on eligibility for HUD programs, identifying inconsistencies, and suggesting improvements to better assist veterans and underserved communities.
Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act: Service-Connected Disability Pay No Longer Counted for HUD Housing Eligibility
The Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act is straightforward: it stops the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from counting service-connected disability compensation as income when determining if a veteran qualifies for housing assistance. This change, written directly into the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(20)), means that veterans receiving disability payments from the VA won't have those payments held against them when applying for HUD programs.
Real-World Impact
This tweak could be a game-changer for veterans across the country. Imagine a veteran receiving disability compensation for injuries sustained in service. Previously, that compensation could push their income over the limit for HUD assistance, effectively disqualifying them. Under this new law, that compensation is ignored, potentially opening up housing options that were previously out of reach. This could mean the difference between stable housing and struggling to find an affordable place to live for many vets.
Looking Ahead & Reporting Back
Beyond the immediate change, the Act also mandates a bit of homework for the Comptroller General. Within a year, they need to report back to Congress on how service-connected disability compensation is currently treated across all HUD programs (SEC. 3). This report will not only check for consistency with the new rule but also suggest ways to improve how HUD programs can better serve veterans, especially those in underserved communities. This shows a commitment to not just fixing one problem, but also to finding and addressing other potential issues in the system.
The Bottom Line
The Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act directly addresses a financial barrier for veterans seeking housing. By excluding disability compensation from income calculations, the Act aims to make housing more accessible and affordable for those who've served. The required report to Congress also signals a longer-term view, looking for ways to refine and improve HUD programs to better meet the needs of veterans.