From: SSVF

Sent: Friday, May 25, 2018 6:51 AM

To: SSVF

Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday May 25, 2018

Topics:

1. Register Now: SSVF National Webinar on June 14, 2018 at 2PM Eastern

2. New: Use of Emergency Housing Assistance TFA with Permanent Housing Voucher

3. SSVF Compliance Corner

4. Resource: Benefits.gov- Online Tool to Identify Benefit Resources

SSVF National Webinar June 14, 2018 at 2PM Eastern

Title: Opportunities for SSVF Providers under the Medicaid Program

Overview: This webinar will provide an overview to SSVF grantees regarding the federal Medicaid program with a specific focus on services covered and how providers qualify to deliver services to Medicaid beneficiaries. In addition, the audience would understand how to better understand the opportunities within their state Medicaid program for delivering services offered to SSVF participants. The presentation would provide possible strategies for grantees to be become Medicaid enrolled providers and outline key factors grantees should consider for participation in the Medicaid program.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/758477134843039872

Use of Emergency Housing Assistance TFA with Permanent Housing Vouchers

The SSVF program office recognizes that there are some situations in which a Veteran with a HUD-VASH or other permanent housing voucher may need to move in to their housing unit before the HUD housing quality inspection or other administrative processes are completed by the Public Housing Authority. Such a move-in may help secure an apartment when it could be lost due to the landlord’s unwillingness to hold a unit vacant while awaiting approval for its use by the PHA. The most recent SSVF Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) clarified that SSVF may provide up to 45 days of Emergency Housing Assistance TFA directly to landlords. This change would allow Veterans immediate access to identified assisted housing units while waiting for the PHA process to be completed. A Frequently Asked Question document has been developed and is attached to this update.

SSVF Compliance Corner: Example of a Compliance Finding from the Field

SSVF Compliance Corner- SSVF is governed by many rules and regulations and while as grantees you work very hard at serving Homeless Veterans, compliance can be tough. The Compliance Corner is here to highlight weekly “real life” compliance discoveries from the “field” with the hope to help educate all grantees to help prevent future compliance findings.

Finding: Grantee is paying their staff consistently for overtime worked over their standard 40 hours per week. The staff are doing regular case management with clients during those hours.

Criteria: In order for overtime pay to be charged to SSVF, it must meet the requirements laid out in the Program Guide.

Section VIII.C.2.c. of the SSVF Program Guide (page 77) Solution: Per the SSVF Program Guide - Overtime, as defined, is only allowable with prior approval by the awarding agency. However, the SSVF Program Office will not pre-approve overtime authorizations.

• Overtime, extra-pay shift, and multi-shift premiums. Premiums for overtime, extra-pay shifts, and multi-shift work are allowable only with the prior approval of the awarding agency except:

§ When necessary to cope with emergencies, such as those resulting from accidents, natural disasters, breakdowns of equipment, or occasional operational bottlenecks of a sporadic nature.

§ When employees are performing indirect functions, such as administration, maintenance, or accounting.

§ In the performance of tests, laboratory procedures, or other similar operations which are continuous in nature and cannot reasonably be interrupted or otherwise completed.

§ When lower overall cost to the Federal Government will result.

Cause: Grantees should verify that any overtime worked on the grant meet the requirements laid out in the Program Guide before charging to SSVF.

Resource: Benefits.gov- Online Tool to Identify Benefit Resources

Benefits.gov can help you identify potential benefits and resources that may provide essential income resources and supports to the SSVF participants you serve. Check out the following resources.

• Benefit Finder questionnaire, a confidential and free tool that helps determine eligibility for the benefits listed on the site. Results from the Benefit Finder tool can provide state specific information. To access the Benefit Finder follow the link at https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-finder%20-%20benefits&qc=cat_1

• The ‘Get Involved’ page, offers a number of user guides that can be downloaded and shared that detail how citizens can make use of Benefits.gov. There is a specific user guide for Veterans that you might find useful: https://www.benefits.gov/get-involved

• YouTube presents a video tutorial for how to use the site’s primary tool, the Benefit Finder at https://www.youtube.com/user/BenefitsGOV

• A recorded webinar provides an overview of Benefits.gov at: http://login.icohere.com/connect/d_connect_itemframer.cfm?vsDTTitle=Benefits%2Egov%3A%20Your%20Path%20to%20Government%20Benefits%21&dseq=21289&dtseq=108769&emdisc=2&mkey=public1172&vbDTA=0&viNA=0&vsDTA=&PAN=2&bDTC=0&topictype=standard%20default%20linear&vsSH=A

Thank you,

SSVF Program Office

NOTE: If you are receiving this email in error, please disregard. We request your patience as the SSVF Program Office continues to address system issues with the grants management database.