9-16 EIV Income Incorrect or Does Not Belong to the Tenant

There may be times when the source or originator of the EIV information makes an error when submitting or reporting information about tenants. HUD cannot correct data in the EIV system, only the originator of the data can correct the information . When data is corrected by the source or originator, HUD will obtain the updated information with its next computer matching process. Below are procedures to follow regarding incorrect EIV information.

• A. TRACS data reported in the EIV system originates from the owner. Once data is corrected in the owner’s software, the corrected data must be transmitted to TRACS.

• B. Employment and wage information reported in the EIV system originates from the employer. The employer reports this information to the local State Workforce Agency (SWA), who in turn, reports the information to HHS’ NDNH database. If the tenant disputes the accuracy of the information in the EIV system that was provided by the employer and after additional third party verification is obtained by the owner it is determined that the information is not accurate, the tenant should contact the employer directly, in writing, to dispute the employment and/or wage information and request that the employer correct erroneous information. The tenant should provide the owner a copy of this written correspondence to maintain in the tenant file.

• C. Unemployment benefit information reported in the EIV system originates from the local SWA. If the tenant disputes the accuracy of the information in the EIV system that was provided by the SWA and after additional third party verification is obtained by the owner it is determined that the information is not accurate, the tenant should contact the SWA directly, in writing, to dispute the unemployment benefit information, and request that the SWA correct erroneous information. The tenant should provide the owner a copy of this written correspondence to maintain in the tenant file.

• D. SS and SSI benefit information reported in the EIV system originates from the SSA. If the tenant disputes the accuracy of the information in the EIV system that was provided by the SSA and after additional third party verification is obtained by the owner it is determined that the information is not accurate, the tenant should contact the SSA at (800) 772-1213, or visit the local SSA office and request that the erroneous information be corrected. SSA office information

HUD Multifamily Occupancy Handbook Chapter 9: Enterprise Income Verification (EIV)

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Section 3: EIV Reports is available in the government pages of the local telephone directory or online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.

E. Identity Theft . Incorrect information in the EIV system may be a sign of identity theft. Sometimes someone else may use an individual’s SSN, either on purpose or by accident. SSA does not require an individual to report a lost or stolen SSN card, and reporting a lost or stolen SSN card to SSA will not prevent the misuse of an individual’s SSN. A person using an individual’s SSN can get other personal information about that individual and apply for credit in that individual’s name.

If the tenant suspects someone is using his/her SSN, he/she should:

1. Check their Social Security records to ensure their records are correct (call SSA at 1-800-772-1213);

2. File an identity theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (call FTC at 1-877-438-4338, or visit their website at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/); and

3. Monitor his/her credit reports with the three national credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).

Tenants may request their credit report and place a fraud alert on their credit report with the three national credit reporting agencies at: http://www.annualcreditreport.com or by contacting the credit reporting agency directly. Each agency’s contact information is listed below: