What is the purpose of the HUD-9886 form?

The HUD-9886 form is specifically designed as an authorization for the release of information. This form allows the Housing Authority to obtain necessary information from third parties, which is crucial for determining eligibility and calculating assistance levels for families applying for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) benefits. By signing the HUD-9886 form, the family grants permission for agencies to share relevant personal and financial data, ensuring that the Housing Authority has access to accurate and current information for effective program administration.

The importance of this process cannot be overstated, as it supports the integrity of the program by ensuring that the information used in assessments comes from reliable sources. This, in turn, helps to eliminate potential fraud and ensures that assistance is provided only to those who meet the necessary criteria.

Considering the other options, while annual income verification and changes in rental expenses are significant aspects of the HCV process, they pertain to different documentation or processes. The application for family assistance benefits is also a separate procedure that doesn't specifically involve the HUD-9886 form. Thus, the primary function of the HUD-9886 is distinctly as an authorization for releasing information necessary for the proper administration of housing assistance programs.