How should PHAs determine the value of savings and checking accounts?

Establishing a standard policy is crucial for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) when determining the value of savings and checking accounts. A standard policy provides clarity and consistency in the evaluation process, ensuring that all applicants are assessed in the same manner. This uniform approach not only helps in adhering to legal and regulatory guidelines but also promotes fairness among participants.

By having a specific, standardized method for valuing accounts, PHAs can effectively handle variations in financial situations across different households, making assessments more equitable. This practice also reduces the chance of errors or discrepancies in the determination process, as staff will have clear guidelines to follow.

While averaging the highest balances or only considering savings accounts might seem reasonable, these methods can lead to skewed assessments that may not reflect an applicant's true financial status. Counting only the current balance disregards the potential variability in account activity, which could be misleading. Thus, the establishment of a standard policy ultimately supports accurate and fair evaluations of participants' financial assets.