HUD to Issue Final Rule Requiring Residents' Social Security Numbers

In an RHIIP Listserv posted on Jan. 5, 2009, HUD alerted owners that it will soon publish a final rule revising regulations on the disclosure of Social Security numbers. The final rule will require all applicants for, and participants of, HUD's rental assistance programs to disclose their Social Security numbers.

Once the final rule is in effect, owners must obtain and verify the Social Security number of all applicants and their household members before approving them for housing.

Current residents who have not already disclosed and provided verification of the Social Security numbers for all members of their households must do so at the time of their next interim or annual recertification.

HUD encourages owners and managers to begin informing applicants and residents of this upcoming revision to the regulations and their need to begin the process of obtaining a Social Security number if necessary.