How are Social Security numbers verified for the program?

The verification of Social Security numbers for the program through the Enterprise Income Verification system (EIV) is the most accurate and systematic method. EIV is a secure online system that allows housing authorities and other agencies to verify the income and eligibility of applicants and tenants. It provides information that confirms the applicant's Social Security number against data collected from the Social Security Administration.

Using EIV helps to ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of fraud by providing reliable data, unlike self-reporting by applicants, which can be subjective and prone to errors or misrepresentation. While government database checks can be beneficial, EIV specifically focuses on income verification within housing programs, making it tailored for the needs of the multifamily housing context. Local agency verification may vary in effectiveness and reliability, depending on the resources and methods used by the specific agency. Therefore, EIV serves as a centralized, standardized, and secure point of reference for verifying Social Security numbers within the framework of housing assistance programs.