Understanding the HOTMA Educational Assistance Rules
Under the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), specific rules govern how educational assistance is treated as income for Section 8 residents. HOTMA Educational Assistance Rule Overview HOTMA clarified and simplified the treatment of educational assistance in determining a household s income for many affordable housing programs, including most HUD programs, Rural Development Section 515, and the LIHTC program. Under the HOTMA rule: Exclusion of Educational Assistance:Most forms of educational assistance, including scholarships, grants, and work-study income, are excluded from the calculation of annual income. This exclusion applies to both the student and other household members. Limited Exceptions:The only types of educational assistance that may be counted as income are: Amounts exceeding the actual tuition cost, fees, books, and other required educational expenses. Payments for living expenses (e.g., housing, food, and transportation) that are included in the educational assistance package. Student Status and Eligibility: The rule applies to both dependent students and independent students. The educational assistance exclusion is broader for students under Section 8 over 23 with dependent children and generally includes all aid except for amounts used for living expenses. HOTMA s goal in modifying these rules was to reduce administrative complexity and ensure that educational aid meant to support academic success does not create a financial penalty for low-income families participating in HUD programs. Amounts Received Under Section 479B of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 Educational assistance received under the Higher Education Act is almost always excluded from income even if it exceeds the cost of actual educational expenses. The one exception is for Section 8 residents, where the full amount of educational assistance in excess of actual expenses is included in income. The one exception to this is for Section 8 residents over age 23 with dependent children. HEA assistance is always excluded for this category of resident, as it is for residents in all other affordable housing programs subject to HOTMA. Section 479B provides that certain types of student financial assistance are excluded in determining eligibility for benefits made available through federal, state, or local programs financed with federal funds. The types of financial assistance listed below are considered 479B student financial assistance programs. Federal Pell Grants Teach Grants Federal Work-Study Programs Federal Perkins Grants Student Financial Assistance received under the Bureau of Indian Education Higher Education Tribal Grants Tribally Controlled Colleges or Universities Grant Program Employment Training Program under Section 134 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Any other awards under Section 479B Other student financial assistance may also be excluded from income, but only to the extent it pays for actual educational expenses. Such assistance includes grants or scholarships from the following sources: Federal government A State (including U.S. territories), Tribe, or local government A private foundation registered as a non-profit under 26 USC 501(c)(3) A business entity (such as a corporation, general partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, joint venture, business trust, public benefit corporation, or non-profit entity). An institution of higher education Military assistance (e.g., GI Bill) Other monetary contributions will generally not be excluded from income, and may include - Financial support provided to a student in the form of a fee for services performed (e.g., work-study or teaching fellowship) that is not excluded under Section 479B of the HEA. Gifts, including gifts from family or friends. Covered Costs Costs that may be considered educational expenses include: Tuition Books Supplies Room Board Fees required and charged to a student by an institution of higher education. Property managers operating properties subject to HOTMA need to be familiar with the various types of financial assistance students will likely receive and whether or not such assistance may be excluded from income. Bottom Line The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) streamlines the treatment of educational assistance as income for residents receiving housing support, such as Section 8. In general, most forms of educational assistance, including scholarships and grants, are excluded from income calculations for both the student and their household members. There are limited exceptions, which include amounts that exceed tuition costs and payments designated for living expenses. This rule applies to both dependent and independent students, with more extensive exclusions for Section 8 students over 23 who have dependents. HOTMA seeks to reduce administrative burdens and ensure that educational aid does not financially penalize low-income families.