3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Feb 10, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v2 and v3 reflect the bill's procedural movement from the House of Representatives to the Senate, including its receipt and referral to a Senate committee. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill itself.

H.R. 965119th CongressIntroduced Feb 4, 2025

Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act

Passed HouseHousing and Community DevelopmentSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
Committees: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Feb 11, 2025

Bottom line

This bill aims to increase housing assistance eligibility for disabled veterans by preventing their VA disability benefits from counting against income limits for certain federal housing programs.

What it actually does

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude specific disability benefits received by veterans under chapters 11 or 15 of title 38, United States Code, from income calculations for eligibility in the Section 8(o)(19) supported housing program. It also applies this exclusion to eligibility for other housing assistance types for those already in the Section 8(o)(19) program, and mandates the exclusion for any future HUD housing assistance programs on Department property. The exclusion does not apply to the definition of adjusted income.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill removes an unfair barrier for disabled veterans, ensuring that their service-connected disability compensation, which is intended to address their unique needs, does not inadvertently disqualify them from essential housing support. Proponents contend it will help reduce veteran homelessness and provide greater housing stability for those who have served our nation.

Opponents contend

Critics might raise concerns that by expanding eligibility for one group without increasing overall program funding, this bill could potentially strain limited housing assistance resources, possibly impacting other low-income individuals or families seeking aid. They might also argue it could introduce administrative complexities in distinguishing between income definitions for various housing program calculations.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for a quick and thorough evaluation.

Section 2(2)(iv)

Exclusion of VA Disability Benefits for Supported Housing Program Eligibility

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to ensure that disability benefits received by veterans under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code (related to service-connected disability compensation and pensions), are not counted as income when determining eligibility for the supported housing program under Section 8(o)(19). This exclusion, however, does not apply to the definition of 'adjusted income' for other purposes.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupDisabled veterans receiving benefits under chapter 11 or 15 of title 38, United States CodeImpactIncreased eligibility for the Section 8(o)(19) supported housing programMechanismBy not counting specific disability benefits as income, their total countable income will be lower, making them more likely to meet income thresholds for housing assistance.ScalePotentially affects a significant number of disabled veterans seeking housing assistance.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this directly addresses a critical barrier for disabled veterans, allowing them to access housing support without their disability compensation, which is meant to address their service-connected conditions, inadvertently penalizing them in housing eligibility. It aligns with efforts to reduce veteran homelessness.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it targets a vulnerable population and aims to correct a perceived inequity. Potential concerns, if any, would be about overall program funding or administrative complexity, but not the intent itself.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension is balancing the goal of supporting disabled veterans with the broader demand for limited housing assistance resources. While beneficial for veterans, it could slightly shift the pool of eligible applicants.

Section 2(2)(v)

Exclusion of VA Disability Benefits for Eligibility for Other Housing Assistance Types

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This provision extends the income exclusion for the same VA disability benefits (chapters 11 or 15 of title 38) to households already receiving rental assistance under the Section 8(o)(19) supported housing program, specifically as it relates to their eligibility for other types of housing assistance. Similar to the previous clause, this exclusion does not apply to the definition of 'adjusted income.'

Section 3(a)

Income Exclusion for New HUD Housing Programs on Department Property

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This section mandates that for any new housing assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that are established after the bill's enactment and involve residential dwelling units constructed on 'Department property' (as defined in 38 U.S.C. 901), the same VA disability benefits (chapters 11 or 15 of title 38) must be excluded from income when determining a veteran's eligibility.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Feb 10, 2025)

H.R. 965119th CongressIntroduced Feb 4, 2025

Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act

Passed HouseHousing and Community DevelopmentSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
Committees: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Feb 11, 2025

Bottom line

This bill aims to increase housing assistance eligibility for disabled veterans by preventing their VA disability benefits from counting against income limits for certain federal housing programs.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for a quick and thorough evaluation.

Section 2(2)(iv)

Exclusion of VA Disability Benefits for Supported Housing Program Eligibility

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 2(2)(v)

Exclusion of VA Disability Benefits for Eligibility for Other Housing Assistance Types

mentioned in summarystraightforward

Section 3(a)

Income Exclusion for New HUD Housing Programs on Department Property

mentioned in summarystraightforward