Voucher

Page 1

MeWare Training Series

PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Course 4: Vouchers

Revised January 2009


MeWare, LLC: PHAMS/MAPPS Training Series

MeWare Training Series

PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

PHAMS/MAPPS Training Curriculum Course 4: Vouchers

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 2


MeWare, LLC: PHAMS/MAPPS Training Series

Trademark Great Plains is a registered trademark of Great Plains Software, Inc. in the United States and/or in other Countries. Great Plains Software, Inc. is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered marks – in the United States and/or other countries – of their respective owners.

Copyright

MEWARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENTS OF THESE TRAINING MATERIALS AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Last Revision: January 2009 © 2009 MeWare, LLC. Printed in the United States of America No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of MEWARE.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 3


MeWare, LLC: PHAMS/MAPPS Training Series

Acknowledgements MeWare wishes to acknowledge the efforts ePartners employees who have persevered through the rigorous process of developing these training materials. Many years of experience have been invested developing courseware and training editorial and instructional design support. MeWare also acknowledges the support of subject matter experts including but not limited to: • • • •

Craig Patterson Ellen Batterton Michael Lasky, PhD Daren Patterson

• Tony Rumph • Bret Perko • Amber Patterson

About MeWare, LLC MeWare implements, deploys, and manages leading business solutions for public agencies. As a leading edge software solutions and technology provider throughout the United States, the MeWare Training Series excels in bringing real world experience into the PHA classroom. Based on our extensive experience, MeWare has developed a unique, easy to follow training approach that is user friendly. Each course includes a specific set of “real world” learning objectives and scenario-based exercises designed to teach the students how to be successful in doing their jobs, rather than simply teaching the features of their new system.

Main Office: 1150 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 108-150 San Antonio, TX 78248-4503 Website: www.me-ware.com Email: Training@me-ware.com Phone: 800-609-6409 Fax: 866-211-2644

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 4


MeWare, LLC: PHAMS/MAPPS Training Series

Table of Contents Course 4: Vouchers ........................................................................................................................6 Overview 6 Course Learning Objectives 6 Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview....................................................................................7 Overview 7 Chapter Learning Objectives 7 Navigating MAPPS Voucher Functionality 8 Scheduling a Section 8 Briefing 9 Exercise #4-1: Scheduling a Section 8 Briefing using the Workflow Method Review of Chapter Learning Objectives 13 Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment .................................................................................................14 Overview 14 Chapter Learning Objectives 14 Assigning Vouchers to an Applicant 15 Exercise #4-2: Assigning Vouchers to an Applicant Issuing a Unit-Based Voucher 19 Exercise #4-3: Issuing a Unit-Based Voucher Review of Chapter Learning Objectives 21 Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations ......................................................................22 Overview 22 Chapter Learning Objectives 22 Extending a Voucher 23 Exercise #4-4: Extending a Voucher Automatic Expiration of Vouchers 26 Exercise #4-5: Automatic Expiration of Vouchers Returning Applicants to the Waitlist Exercise #4-6: Returning Applicants to the Waitlist Review of Chapter Learning Objectives Course Review Challenge Exercise

MeWare, LLC Š 2009 v.41

31 35 36

Page 5


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview

Course 4: Vouchers Overview Welcome to Vouchers, the fourth course in the MAPPS training curriculum. In this course you will learn voucher usage and types, how to issue a tenant-based voucher versus a unit-based voucher, and how to extend the expiration date of a voucher. You will also learn about scheduling briefings and returning applicants to the Waitlist. Course Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: 

Describe the use of vouchers

Assign vouchers

Perform voucher extensions

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 6


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview

Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview Overview This chapter will discuss the basics of the Voucher usage and functionality offered in MAPPS. Also, we will learn how to schedule a Section 8 briefing.

Chapter Learning Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to: 

Navigate MAPPS voucher functionality

Schedule a Section 8 briefing

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 7


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview Navigating MAPPS Voucher Functionality The first thing to remember when working with Vouchers is that you must be logged in to the Section 8 department of MAPPS. You should recall from the Navigation chapter that you can log directly into the Section 8 department by selecting the “Section 8” option in the “Select Department” field on the login screen. The “Vouchers” management view is accessed via the Financial Menu. Depending upon the programs available in each PHA, vouchers can be issued for both applicants or for units. Programs vary from PHA to PHA. When HUD provides funding, an area in MAPPS called the “Funding Parts” (accessed by selecting “Funding Parts” from the Financial Menu) is set up to properly track the funds and funding source. Information in the Funding Parts fields is typically controlled by the administrator.

When a new voucher is issued, a new voucher number is system generated, incremented by one from the last number created. The new number consists of the funding part number and the Housing Authority code. The voucher number cannot be modified.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 8


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview When a tenant voucher is issued, a 50058 is automatically generated. The submission of the 50058s to HUD is accomplished manually by the PHA 50058 administrator. When unit-based vouchers are issued they do not create a 50058.

Scheduling a Section 8 Briefing

One of the first steps to perform when an applicant is to be issued a voucher is to schedule the applicant to attend an informational briefing. A briefing is a MAPPS meeting type. Users who need to schedule a briefing use the same functions as scheduling other meeting types. Like interviews, briefings can be scheduled for single or multiple applicants. Briefings can be scheduled by using three different methods: 

Selecting the “Meeting Sched” button from the Detail View tool bar of an individual applicant’s detail record.

Clicking the Meetings button from the navigation bar (in the Section 8 department) and then searching for an applicant.

When using Workflow applicants are referred from the Waitlist and then appear in Workflow on the “Briefings Required” tab. Workflow is useful for scheduling a briefing for multiple applicants at a time.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 9


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview

Exercise #4-1: Scheduling a Section 8 Briefing using the Workflow Method You need to set up a briefing with the next three people due to be scheduled to receive a voucher.

Checklist Steps: 1. Ensure you are logged into the Section 8 department as pnewuserS8. 2. Click the Done button to exit the Tickler Items view if they appear. 3. Click on the Workflow Menu. 4. Select the Briefings Required option. 5. Click the Refresh button to ensure a current list.

MeWare, LLC Š 2009 v.41

Page 10


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview

6. Click the checkbox in the Count column next to the first three individuals you wish to select for your briefing OR highlight each individual’s name while holding down the Shift key and then click the “Check” button at the bottom of the screen. 7. Click the Schedule button. 8. Since multiple tenants were selected a dialogue box will appear warning you that multiple tenants will be scheduled for the same time.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 11


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview

9. Click the Yes button to continue. 10. The Schedule Meetings screen will appear. 11. In the bottom left corner select Pat Newuser (S8). 12. Accept the Meeting type default of “Briefing”. 13. Select tomorrow’s date and set the time for 9:00 am. 14. Type “Small conference room” in the Location field.

15. Click the Save button to schedule all 3 applicants at one time. 16. Now that all 3 meetings are scheduled for the exact time, we need to change the time on 2 of them so they do not conflict. 17. Highlight the second meeting, and click Edit. 18. Change the time for this meeting to 10:00AM, 19. Click the Save button.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 12


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 1: Voucher Utilization Overview 20. Then do the same for the third meeting, making it at 11:00AM. Note: The meetings have been reordered in time order, so the third meeting is now listed second. 21. Click the Exit button to exit the Schedule Meetings view. 22. Click Done to exit the Workflow view. Note: If an applicant’s briefing is deleted, the applicant will return to the “Briefings Required” tab of the Workflow.

Review of Chapter Learning Objectives

By now you should feel comfortable with accessing the voucher and funding part views. You know that the funding parts must be set up first and that this task is normally handled by your system administrator. You should recall that voucher numbers are system-generated and based upon the funding part and cannot be modified. You learned that the voucher number consists of the Housing Authority code and the funding part number. You have learned how to schedule briefings for those interested in the Section 8 program and that an applicant must attend this briefing prior to being issued a voucher.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 13


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment

Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment Overview This chapter discusses how to assign vouchers by using the Financial Menu and by using Workflow. You will also learn how to issue a unit-based voucher.

Chapter Learning Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to: 

Assign a voucher to an applicant

Issue a unit-based voucher

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 14


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment Assigning Vouchers to an Applicant

Vouchers can be assigned by accessing the “Financial” Menu, then selecting the “Voucher” option from the drop-down list.

Vouchers can be issued for applicants or for unit-based programs. Vouchers can be issued using any of the following methods: 

Access the Vouchers screen from the Financials Menu (tenantbased or unit-based voucher).

Activate the “Voucher Reqd” tab from the Workflow (tenant-based only).

When the Workflow method is used, the applicants must have successfully completed the briefing process. Once this process is complete their names will appear on the “Voucher Req’d” tab in Workflow in preparation of being issued a voucher.

After a voucher has been issued, the applicant’s name will no longer appear on this tab.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 15


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment In case of entry error, a new voucher can be issued for the same tenant, thus making the prior voucher inactive automatically. The Housing Authority can define the number of days the voucher remains active as well as the number of days for the default extension time. Policies may vary from PHA to PHA regarding the default expiration period for vouchers. When vouchers are issued, the “Starting” date field will default to the current date and the “Expiration” date field will default to the period of time set in the defaults. For training purposes, our “Expiration” date default will be 120 days (Approximately 4 months) from the date of the voucher issuance.

Exercise #4-2: Assigning Vouchers to an Applicant Abner Sorbit needs to have a voucher assigned so he can begin searching for a new residence. You know that the most efficient method to accomplish this normally lies within the Workflow Manager. Checklist Steps: 23. Ensure you are logged into the Section 8 department as pnewuserS8. 24. Click on Workflow | Voucher Reqd from the Menu bar. 25. Click the Refresh button to ensure a current list. 26. Click the “Name” column header to sort the list by applicant name. 27. Click the checkbox in the Count column to left of Abner Sorbit’s name.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 16


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment

28. Click the Assign button. 29. The Voucher screen will appear.

30. Click the New button. 31. Accept the default entry of Voucher Pool from the “Funding Part Display Name” field.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 17


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment

32. Verify the “Starting” field is defaulting to today’s date and the “Expiration” date field has been automatically calculated for approximately 4 months from today. Note: Defaults will be set up for your PHA based on your business practice. Selections will vary from PHA to PHA. 33. Click the Save button. The screen will close automatically and the voucher has been issued. 34. Click on the “Unit Reqd” tab to verify that this applicant (Abner Sorbit) is now waiting for a unit.

35. Close the Workflow window.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 18


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment Issuing a Unit-Based Voucher

Some vouchers are associated with the housing unit rather than the tenant. The process for issuing a voucher that is unit-based is different from that of assigning vouchers to applicants because the Workflow Management area cannot be used. To issue unit-based vouchers, users must first access the Financial | Vouchers screen and search for the unit. Users must be very careful to ensure the proper “Funding Part Display Name” has been selected. In case of entry error, a new voucher can be issued for the same unit, thus making the prior voucher inactive automatically.

Exercise #4-3: Issuing a Unit-Based Voucher Landlord Landmark Properties has opted to participate in the Mod Rehab program. You need to issue a voucher to one of these units. Checklist Steps: 36. From the Menu bar, select Financial | Vouchers. 37. Under “Select Voucher Holder,” select the Unit-Based – Unit Address from the filter by pull-down list. 38. Enter “200” for the value in the search criteria and click the Go button. Note: the Tenant-based selection options are used to issue a voucher to an applicant bypassing the Workflow process. 39. Highlight the first unit on the list (unit number 704001) and press the Select button. 40. Note that the unit information is populated in the “Voucher” section of the screen:

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 19


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment

41. Click the New button. 42. Under the “Funding Part Display Name” field, select “Mod Rehab 01.”

43. Accept the default date setting of today for the Starting date. 44. Accept the default Expiration date setting.

45. Click the Save button. 46. Click the Done button.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 20


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 2: Voucher Assignment Review of Chapter Learning Objectives By now you should feel comfortable assigning vouchers using basic functionality as well as producing assignments via the Workflow Manager. You learned that the expiration of a voucher is automatically generated according to the default settings as created upon setup of the system. In addition, you have experienced issuing the “Unit-Based” voucher (by accessing the Financial | Vouchers screen); you learned that unit-based vouchers cannot be issued via the Workflow Manager. You learned to be careful to ensure the proper “Funding Part Display Name” has been selected when issuing vouchers. Finally, you should recall that in the case of an entry error, a new voucher can be issued for that particular tenant/unit, making the prior voucher inactive automatically.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 21


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations

Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations Overview Vouchers periodically need to be extended, and sometimes may even expire, even after an extension was granted. This chapter will discuss how to handle updating information in MAPPS so extensions and expirations are recorded properly. As vouchers expire it is possible that some applicants will have to be returned to the Waitlist, depending on your PHA’s policy. This chapter will also review how this process is managed in MAPPS.

Chapter Learning Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to: 

Extend a voucher

Understand how MAPPS automatically handles expired vouchers

Return an applicant to the Waitlist

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 22


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations Extending a Voucher

When you issue a voucher, the start date defaults to the current date, and the expiration date defaults to the time interval pre-set for each PHA. If necessary, this expiration date can be modified. Although some PHAs do not permit the extensions of vouchers, some PHAs will extend vouchers under specific circumstances. This policy varies from PHA to PHA. When an extension is authorized, the Voucher screen is activated by selecting Financials | Vouchers. Users can extend the expiration date by changing the date in the “Expiration” field. When the "Edit" button is clicked MAPPS generates a message screen indicating that the expiration date field will automatically be set to the default extension time frame pre-set by the system administrator. When tenant vouchers expire, a 50058 is automatically generated. The submission of the 50058s can be accomplished manually by the PHA designated 50058 administrator.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 23


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations

Exercise #4-4: Extending a Voucher Shandra Expired has a daughter who has been in the hospital and has not been able to search for housing. She asks that her voucher be extended. Locate her information to accommodate her request.

Checklist Steps: 47. From the Menu bar, select Financial | Vouchers.

48. Under “Select Voucher Holder,” select the Filter By criteria of “Tenant Based - Tenant Name.” 49. Search for Expired, Shandra. Notice the current expiration date for her voucher in the details line. 50. Highlight her voucher in the list and click the Edit button.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 24


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations 51. A message appears stating “Ending date reset for default extension;” click OK on this message.

Note: The date change will not be reflected in the grid until the record has been saved. 52. Change the date of the Expiration field to reflect the first day of next month. 53. Click the Save button. 54. Verify the date change in the grid. Also notice that the renewals total has been incremented by 1 to reflect the extension just performed.

Note: Users have the option of immediately clicking the Save button to have MAPPS automatically advance the expiration date for them. Users only need to manually select the date, when the automatic advancement is not sufficient. 55. Click the Done button to exit the Vouchers view.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 25


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations Automatic Expiration of Vouchers

MAPPS has functionality built into the system that tracks the expiration date of issued vouchers. The vouchers will automatically expire without the need of updates from the users. When vouchers expire, applicants become ineligible. Although the system expires vouchers automatically, the manual task of updating each record individually to withdraw the applicants must still be performed. Applicants need to be manually reactivated in order for them to be returned to the program and be positioned at the bottom of the Waitlist. Some PHAs simply withdraw applicants who have allowed their vouchers to expire; other PHAs may permit these applicants to be returned to the Waitlist. This policy varies from PHA to PHA.

Exercise #4-5: Automatic Expiration of Vouchers As a weekly task you need to locate the expired vouchers and update the tenant records by withdrawing them from the Section 8 program. Therefore, you wish to run the “Vouchers Issued for Section 8 Residents” report.

Checklist Steps: 56. From the Main Menu, select Forms | Status Reports.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 26


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations

57. Select the “Section 8 Only” folder. Reports in this category are reflected in the view on the right.

58. Scroll down and highlight the “Vouchers Issued for Section 8 Residents” report. 59. Click the Display button. 60. The MAPPS Report Parameters view appears. 61. Click the drop-down arrow in the Start Date field. 62. Click on the year portion of the current date to activate the scroll buttons. 63. Click the down scroll button to scroll backwards in time to 2004.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 27


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations 64. Set the month and day to June 1. 65. Set the End Date field to today’s date.

66. Click the Go button.

67. Notice the Expiration Date column which displays those vouchers that are expired. Note: It is suggested that you print the pages containing expired voucher information to reference the list for the withdrawing of each applicant.

MeWare, LLC Š 2009 v.41

Page 28


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations 68. Take note of the 2 Application numbers 50019 and 50020 who have expired voucher dates from the past and are known to be in the Referred status. They will be used for the next exercise. 69. Click the X in the upper right corner of the report to close the report. 70. Click the Done button to exit out of the document center. Instructor’s Note: These steps should be performed only by the instructor. Users will not have the ability to change departments while working in MAPPS. This can be done for informational purposes for the class to observe. 71. Click the Admin Menu in the Menu bar and select the “Change Departments” option. 72. Set the radio button to the “Applications and Waiting List” option and click the Change button. 73. From the menu bar select Lease | Waiting Lists. 74. Set the Sub Program to “Voucher” and the Status to View field to “Referred.”

75. Click the Fetch List button. 76. Click the Locked checkbox. The buttons in the Actions section become active. 77. Scroll through the list to locate applicants 500019 and 500020 and highlight both applicants’ name. You can also optionally highlight the

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 29


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations second applicant’s name by holding down the Shift key and clicking on the second entry.

78. In the Withdraw Reason field, set the reason to “No response.”

79. Click the Withdraw button. 80. Click the “Yes” button to respond to the message asking if you’re sure you want to withdraw the applicant.

81. Repeat steps 77 - 80 to withdraw the second applicant if you did not choose to highlight both of them at once. 82. On the job you would continue in the same way and withdraw any other applicants you prefer to withdraw at this time in the “Referred” status with expired vouchers.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 30


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations 83. Complete the process by clicking the X in the upper right corner of the Waiting List screen (NOT the X in the upper right corner of the MAPPS program screen).

Returning Applicants to the Waitlist

Applicants in the “Referred” status can be returned to the Waitlist after their vouchers have expired if the PHA allows this to be done. Applicants are returned to the Waitlist in MAPPS by voiding the “shell” Housing Document created when applicants in the “Referred” status are dispatched to either the Property Management program or to the Section 8 program. Note: Leases cannot be voided after the start date for the lease has occurred or if financials have been generated for the tenant. Financials include any payable or receivable transaction.

Policies vary from PHA to PHA on when applicants can or should be returned to the App/Waitlist module; MAPPS offers the flexibility for each PHA to institute its own guidelines as to how its default global settings are to be configured. These global settings can be set to have the applicant returned to the App/Waitlist module in whatever status the PHA decides is prudent. Some PHAs will withdraw applicants entirely, while others may allow applicants to start the process over again by placing the applicants back in the initial “Application” status or in “Returned” status for a better description of their current action. Before we walk through the process of returning an applicant to the Waitlist, let’s briefly discuss the importance of communication between Section 8 and App/Waitlist personnel when an applicant is sent back. Currently there is no “automatic” message that appears for the App/ Waitlist personnel to know that someone has been withdrawn or rejected from the Section 8 program and returned to the App/Waitlist. Each PHA should decide on a preferred method of communication between the MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 31


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations Section 8 personnel and the App/Waitlist personnel when applicants are automatically sent back. When an applicant is to be sent back, Section 8 personnel should make notes on the application first, and then void the Housing Document in order to communicate the reasons for the return to the App/Waitlist personnel. It is critical that notes are made on the application prior to voiding the Housing Document. If Section 8 personnel forget to make the notes on the application first, they will no longer be able to access the application after the Housing Document has been voided. When App / Waitlist personnel review members of the “returned” status, they should activate that application to review the notes entered by the Section 8 personnel as to the reasons why the applicant was returned. For the purposes of this training, applicants returned to the “App/Waitlist” module will be sent back in the “Returned” status, thus allowing the App/ Waitlist personnel to decide if applicants should begin the process over again or be withdrawn.

Exercise #4-6: Returning Applicants to the Waitlist Sean Toolate has entered your office reporting he has not been successful in locating housing and his voucher. The applicant requests being returned to the Waitlist. Please remember that these exercises are set up to show you how to use the various options available to you in MAPPS. Update the application information to have the applicant returned with the Waitlist for the Voucher Sub-program. Checklist Steps: 84. Begin by making sure you are logged into the Section 8 department.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 32


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations 85. Once in the Section 8 department, select Lease | Housing Document | Preliminary. 86. In the Select Tenant area, select “Tenant Name” from the Filter By pull-down list. 87. Enter the letter “T” (the first letter of Sean’s last name) in the Value field and click the Go button.

INSTRUCTORS NOTE: Depending on the current date of the system, and the voucher dates for Sean Toolate, you may receive an error when trying to open up the housing document. If this happens instruct the students on how to proceed to Financials>Vouchers and access Sean’s account. Point out how his current voucher is not active and issue a new one. Then move back to the Housing Document and follow the steps on how to void the voucher you just issued. 88. Highlight Sean’s name in the Lookup list and press the Select button. 89. Click the Void button on the housing document. 90. Click Yes to confirm you wish to void the Housing Document causing the applicant to be noted with a rejection.

91. Click Yes to confirm you wish the applicant be returned to the application module.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 33


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations

92. You will see a message confirming that the document has been voided.

93. Click the OK button. 94. Change Departments to the App/Waitlist department. 95. Select “Lease | Waiting” Lists from the Menu bar. 96. Ensure the Sub-Program is set to “Voucher”. 97. Set the Status to “Returned”. 98. Click on the “Fetch List” button.

99. Sean Toolate appears in the applicants list. In this PHA, the applicant has been returned to the App/Waitlist with a “Returned” status. The default status will vary from PHA to PHA.

MeWare, LLC © 2009 v.41

Page 34


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Chapter 3: Voucher Extensions and Expirations Review of Chapter Learning Objectives In this chapter you learned that vouchers periodically need to be extended and often expire, requiring you to purge tenants with expired vouchers from the Section 8 module. Now you know how to handle updating information in MAPPS so extensions and expirations are recorded properly. You realize that it is possible for some applicants to be returned to the Waitlist, and you learned how to perform this function in MAPPS.

MeWare, LLC Š 2009 v.41

Page 35


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Course Review Course Review By now you should feel comfortable with the voucher and funding part views. You know that the funding parts must be set up first and that this task is normally handled by your system administrator. You should recall that voucher numbers are system-generated and based upon the funding part and cannot be modified. You have learned how to schedule briefings for those interested in the Section 8 program and that an applicant must attend this briefing prior to being issued a voucher. You should know how to assign vouchers using basic functionality as well as producing assignments via the Workflow Manager. You have seen that voucher expiration is automatically generated according to the default settings as created upon setup of the system. You’ve learned that unlike tenant-based vouchers, to process unit-based vouchers you access the Financial | Vouchers screen; unit-based vouchers cannot be issued via the Workflow Manager. You remember that in the case of an entry error, a new voucher can be issued for a particular tenant/unit, making the prior voucher inactive automatically. You learned that vouchers periodically need to be extended and often expire, requiring you to returning tenants with expired vouchers to the App and Waitlist module. It is possible that some of these applicants will have to be returned to the Waitlist, and you learned how to perform this function in MAPPS.

MeWare, LLC Š 2009 v.41

Page 36


PHAMS/MAPPS: Vouchers Challenge Exercise

Challenge Exercise Answer the following questions based upon your knowledge of Vouchers:

100.What is a unit-based voucher? A unit-based voucher is tied to the housing unit rather than the tenant 101.What is the default voucher expiration date? It is determined by each PHA; in the training materials, it is 4 months after issuance 102.Can a voucher expiration date be extended? Yes 103.A new voucher number is automatically generated by MAPPS and consists of the Housing Authority Code and the: Funding Part number 104.True or False: You can issue a unit-based voucher through the Workflow menu. False; only tenant-based vouchers can be issued through Workflow

MeWare, LLC Š 2009 v.41

Page 37


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.