Income Qualified Program FAQs

What is the Income Qualified Program?

It is a rent discount program for applicant who has limited income and annually does not exceed the HUD published AMGI (Area Median Gross Income) level.

Who monitors the program?

CSCDA (California Statewide Communities Development Authority) is the monitoring agency.

Are there any requirements other than limited income?

Because we are an assisted living community, the applicant will also need to complete the information needed to meet the requirements of our assisted living license. Our staff can provide additional information about the process.

What is the income limit?

The maximum income limit is issued in an annual table produced by HUD. It varies by geographic location and is calculated at 50 % AMGI level. For instance, the maximum annual income for a single person household in Alameda County is $31,250. For a two person household the income limit is $35,700.

How is the income calculated?

The income is calculated in two parts. The first part is the fixed gross income received from Social Security, pension, retirement, annuity, etc. The second part is the income derived from financial assets, such as dividends, interest, rental income, etc. As a guide, take 2 % of the total value of the assets and compare that value to the actual derived income. Whichever figure is greater is added to the fixed income to determine the total annual income.

Can I use the income from my last year's tax return?

No. The regulations governing income calculation for the Limited Income Program are not the same as those governing income calculation for the IRS tax return. Also, it is the projection or estimation of the annual income, monetary or not, the household is to receive in the next 12-month period that is used for certification.

What kind of the documents are required?

Please see the required documents section of the outline of requirements for specific information. Contact our staff if you need additional clarification.

Are monies received from the family or others a part of the income calculation?

Yes. Regular and periodic family support, monetary or not, is considered income.

Is Long Term Care Insurance payment considered income?

It is not counted as income if the daily amount is below $180.00. Any amount over $180.00 per day will be added to the income calculation.

Is Real Estate property considered asset?

The net market value after the deduction of any debt on the property and the estimated selling cost is to be included as an Asset for further calculation.

What about monies received from a Living Trust?

Assets and payments from living trust can be added to the calculation depending on whether or not the trust is revocable or irrevocable. Please refer to the outline of requirements.

Can I deduct medical expenses?

No. The Low Income program does not permit deduction of medical expenses.

How do I start the application?

Fill out a Tenant Income Certification Questionnaire (TICQ) and set up an appointment with our staff to start the pre-qualification process.

How long will the qualification process take?

The estimated time is between 4-6 weeks. Inaccurate information will slow down the process.

After I am qualified, can I be disqualified?

Annual-recertification is required. The required documentation is the same for re-certification as it is for initial certification. The income limit for recertification is 140% of the income limit for initial certification. If you exceed the income level at recertification or you refuse to provide the required information you can be disqualified.