Adding A Member to your Household - MTW/Section Voucher Holders

As a voucher holder, you may have changes in the household composition. Anyone entering the household must first be approved by our agency and we must have all required documents before determining if the member can be added. Any missing documentation will result in a denial of the member and you will not be allowed to have this member move in.

STEP 1: Report the change to our agency

The easiest way to report the change is by clicking this link, completing the required forms, and attaching supportive documentation: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MetroHousingBoston1/interimrecertrequest 

Please note, we will not process the action until we have obtained the requested documents. Please us the link above. Documents can also be mailed to Metro Housing|Boston, 1411 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120 or dropped off at our office, though longer processing times may occur as you will still need to fill out the required forms in the link. 

STEP 2: Submit the required documents to our agency (MOST FORMS ARE IN THE COGNITO FORMS LINK)

Which member are you adding? Adult versus a minor:

If you are adding an adult to the household:

If you are adding an adult, please provide all required documents below which include:

• Filling out the Request to Add Member form. The property owner must sign off on the addition.
• Provide a copy of the potential members social security card, birth certificate and photo ID.:
  • Not sure where to obtain these? See this link for more information!
• Signed Declaration of the requested members citizenship status
• Complete Family Certification form reflecting this change
• Have the perspective member sign the Authorization of Release of Information and Drug and/or Violent Consent Form:
• Supply income and asset information:
  • What do we consider income? See here!

If you are adding a minor to the household:

• Provide a copy of the potential members social security card and birth certificate.
• Sign the Watch Out for Lead form
• Provide verification of custody:
  • Court determination or through adoption, provide applicable documentation.
  • Provide guardianship or caregiver paperwork
  • For foster children please provide the verification of placement from DCF
  • If custody is shared we will need verification, or letter from the other custodial parent that states the child will be residing in this household for over 50% of the year.

Example of Add a Member form

If we receive documents that are blurry, damaged or does not have identifiable information on it, you should expect a document request in the mail. When submitting documents, please combine the documents and upload as one document/PDF.

STEP 3: Allow Time for Processing

Upon submitting ALL required documentation, it will take up to three weeks from the date of confirmed receipt of the documents for review, to run a CORI/SORI (if an adult is being added), verify income and process the action. You will be notified by mail only of the approval and new rent share letter if applicable. We will make two attempts to obtain documentation. If you fail to provide the required documents, a denial letter will be mailed to you.

Will this affect my voucher size?

To understand how voucher sizes are determined, please click here.

How long will it take? It will take up to three weeks from the confirmation of all received documents.

What if I don't supply the required documents? If the missing items are not supplied, a denial letter will be mailed to you.

How will I know If the request is approved? You will receive an approval letter in the mail.

What about my rent share? If the member you are adding has income in the household, it will be added and your tenant share will be recalculated.

If you are looking to add a live-in-aid, click here.