Exclude Temp Income from Census Bureau

Residents who receive temporary employment payments by the U.S. Census Bureau will be allowed to exclude that income through Sept. 30, 2011, according to HUD Notice PIH-2010-38 (HA). The notice applies to residents of public housing, Section 8 moderate rehabilitation, Housing Choice Voucher, and Section 8 project-based voucher and certificate programs.

HUD defines temporary employment as employment lasting no longer than 180 days and not culminating in permanent employment. Owners and managers of federally funded sites must still maintain verification of the residents' employment dates and income amount in the household's files.

The U.S. Census Bureau employs, and is often in need of, temporary workers for periods up to 180 days. Previously, rental assistance participants declined such employment because they believed that it would affect their rent and other public assistance benefits. But HUD is encouraging such employment by program participants by excluding these temporary payments from household income. Because accurate census data affects HUD's ability to accomplish its mission and effectively deliver its programs, HUD supports the Census Bureau's efforts.