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Community Service Requirement

Overview

The Community Service and Self-Sufficiency Requirement is mandated by Congress as a part of the Public Housing Reform Act of 1998. This law requires that low-income families in public housing contribute eight hours each month of community service or a self-sufficiency activity, or a combination of both, as part of receiving federal housing assistance. Every adult public housing resident, unless determined to be exempt, must fulfill this requirement.

Automatic exemptions

There are five automatic exemptions to the Community Service and Self-Sufficiency Requirement:

  1. 62 years of age or older.

  2. Blind or disabled.

  3. Employed eight hours or more per month.

  4. Member of a family household with someone who is in compliance with the state welfare program/TANF.

  5. Parent or legal guardian with a child under age 13 living in the home.

Other exemptions

There are 16 additional exemptions to the Requirement. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the final say on exemptions:

  1. Work exempt through a state welfare/TANF/SSA program.

  2. On-the-job training, with proof of enrollment.

  3. Economic self-sufficiency program, with proof of enrollment.

  4. Vocational education/job skills training, with proof of enrollment.

  5. High school/GED program/higher education, with proof of enrollment.

  6. Primary caretaker of someone disabled or elderly, with third party verification by an agency providing oversight, or by the doctor of the disabled/elderly person.

  7. Providing child care for someone performing the Community Service Requirement with third party verification by an agency providing oversight.

  8. Pregnant with third party verification from a doctor or medical provider.

  9. Person with pending SSI or unemployment applications, with third party verification (one use only).

  10. Person with DSHS/SSA disputes, with third party verification (one use only).

  11. Victims of domestic violence, where participation would put the victim at risk, with-self certification that he or she is unable to comply with the service provisions.

  12. Sick or suffering from a temporary disability expected to last 60 days or more, with third party verification from a doctor or medical provider.

  13. Anyone 55 or older (near elderly, as defined by HUD) who self-certifies that he or she is unable to comply with the service provisions.

  14. Parent/legal guardian home schooling a child under the age of 18, with third party verification by Seattle Public Schools.

  15. Active duty reservists or military personnel, with third party verification.

  16. Recent graduates of educational or vocational programs involved in a job search.

Policies and procedures

Information on specific policies and procedures are available in PDF format (download Adobe Reader):

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to do community service?

Most public housing residents will be exempt from performing community service. If you are required to participate in this program, Seattle Housing Authority will inform you by letter.

What if I might qualify for an exemption, but I haven't yet signed up for TANF or SSI?

You may apply for an exemption as soon as you apply for a program that would qualify you for an exemption, such as TANF or SSI. Seattle Housing Authority can refer you to the appropriate agency to apply.

When do I have to start performing community service?

If you are not exempt, you will be informed when you must start your community service program during your annual review.

Are residents responsible for finding their own community service work in order to comply with this requirement?

Yes. If you are not exempt, you will need to identify your own community service opportunities.

Will Seattle Housing Authority staff track service and assist residents?

Property managers will keep track of your community service hours, based on the forms you fill out. Seattle Housing Authority will provide help throughout the process. Your community service hours must be verified by a third party.

What happens if I do not comply with the Community Service Requirement?

Once you are notified that you must begin community service, you will be expected to complete this service and keep a record of your hours. This will be discussed at each annual review. If you are missing hours at the time of your annual review, you will have the opportunity to make them up during the next year. If you do not make up these hours by the time of your next annual review, your lease will be terminated.

What if Seattle Housing Authority says I’m not exempt, but I believe that I am? What if I have done the community service but don't have the proper documentation?

A grievance process will be in place so that residents may appeal an exemption or eviction decision made by Seattle Housing Authority.

Forms

Forms are available in PDF format (download Adobe Reader):