Affordable housing providers have an important role to play in facilitating resident access to vaccines and testing. HUD has implemented a temporary reimbursement process called COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs) to offset costs related vaccines and testing access, as well as other COVID-19 costs at properties – but the deadlines are fast approaching.

On September 16, HUD issued NOTICE H 2021-05, “Continued Availability of Funds for COVID-19 Supplemental Payments for Properties Receiving Project-Based Rental Assistance under the Section 8, Section 202, or Section 811 Programs.” The Notice provides a mechanism for eligible housing providers to access HUD funds to reimburse COVID-19 related costs incurred since March 27, 2020. These reimbursements can include costs associated with both off- and on-site vaccine and testing access for residents.

The COVID-19 Supplemental Payments can also reimbursement housing providers for many other categories of expenses, including extra staffing, PPE, and even capital costs related to ventilation and internet access. LeadingAge’s summary of the Notice is available here.

Reimbursements for On-Site Vaccine Clinic and Testing Event Costs

Many housing providers have hosted or plan to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics for residents and staff. Even though the housing provider does not cover the cost of the vaccine, housing sites may incur costs related to hosting a clinic. If a Multifamily Housing provider (Project-Based Section 8, Section 202, Section 811) incurs costs while hosting vaccine clinics, HUD may be able to reimburse these costs.

Requesting Reimbursement for Incurred Costs:

• Costs must have been incurred prior to October 31, 2021
• Providers must request reimbursement using the correct HUD form prior to November 19, 2021

Eligible Expenses for Reimbursement:

• Overtime for property management staff and existing budget-driven service coordinators
• Additional cleaning and PPE associated with conducting vaccination, and testing events and temporary clinics at the property
• Expenses for tent, table, and chair rentals for outdoor vaccination events at the property

Ineligible Expenses for Reimbursement:

• The costs for provision of any medical care
• The cost of individual tests, vaccinations, or clinical consultations

Reimbursements for Off-Site Vaccine and Testing Access

For housing providers who want to offer off-site vaccine and testing support for residents in addition to or instead of on-site clinics, HUD is offering transportation cost reimbursement options.

Transportation Expenses for Reimbursement:

• Owner reimbursements to residents for public transit fares
• Owner costs for transportation services to provide residents access to nearby vaccination sites
• Transportation services costs cannot exceed the current Internal Revenue Service rate of $0.56 per mile