SECTION 330:50-5-10. Requirement to attend interview

(a)   OHFA utilizes the full application interview to discuss the family's circumstances in greater detail, to clarify information which has been provided by the family, and to ensure that the information is complete. The interview is also used as a vehicle to meet the informational needs of the family by providing information about the application and verification process, as well as to advise the family of other OHFA services or programs which may be available.

(b)   All adult family members are required to attend the interview and sign the housing application. However, if the head of household cannot attend the interview, the spouse may complete the application and certify for the family.

(c)   Exceptions may be made for students attending school and/or for members for whom attendance would be a hardship provided the member unable to attend gives power of attorney to attending head of household/spouse.

(d)   It is the applicant's responsibility to reschedule the interview if she will not be able to attend the appointment. If the applicant does not reschedule or misses one scheduled meeting, OHFA will reject the application.

(e)   If an applicant fails to appear for their interview without prior approval of OHFA, their application will be denied unless they can provide acceptable documentation to OHFA that an emergency prevented them from calling/attending.

(f)   Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with a disability who require an advocate or accessible offices. A designee will be allowed to provide some information, but only with permission of the person with a disability.

(g)   If an application is denied due to failure to attend the full application interview, the applicant will be notified in writing and offered an opportunity to request an informal review.

(h)   All adult members must sign the HUD Form 9886, Release of Information, the application form and all supplemental forms required by OHFA, the declarations and consents related to citizenship/immigration status and any other documents required by OHFA (or provide a notarized statement/power of attorney to attending adult member to sign on their behalf). Applicants will be required to sign specific verification forms for information which is not covered by the HUD form 9886. Failure to do so will be cause for denial of the application for failure to provide necessary certifications and a release as required by OHFA.

(i)   Information provided by the applicant will be verified including information related to family composition, income, allowances and deductions, assets, eligible immigration status, full time student status and other factors related to preferences, eligibility and rent calculation. Verifications may not be more than 60 days old at the time of Certificate/Voucher issuance.

(j)   If OHFA determines at or after the interview that additional information or document(s) are needed, OHFA will request the document(s) or information in writing. The family will be given 14 calender days to supply the information.

(k)   If the information is not supplied in this time period, OHFA will provide the family a notification of denial for assistance.

[Source: Added at 16 Ok Reg 2905, eff 7-12-99]