The federal government is recruiting and hiring people to do temporary work for the nationwide 2020 Decennial Census. At the Federal Government’s encouragement, DHCD is not counting income from temporary 2020 Decennial Census jobs when determining eligibility for certain programs.
Questions You May Have
Q. What is a temporary 2020 census job?
A. In general, temporary 2020 census jobs last for only a limited period of time (generally from a few weeks to several months). Typical jobs are expected to last approximately four to eight weeks, and the hours are expected to range between 20 to 35 hours per week, although hours of work may be reduced if there is a lack of available work. The jobs are not expected to lead to permanent positions and may end at any time.
Q. I have a job as a temporary employee for the 2020 Decennial Census. Will the income affect my application or benefits for DHCD programs?
A. DHCD is pleased to announce that earnings an individual receives from a temporary job with the 2020 Decennial Census by the U.S. Census Bureau will not impact their determination of income and eligibility for the following programs administered by DHCD:
State Public Housing Assistance:
- State-Aided Public Housing
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
- Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP)
- Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program (DMHRSP)
- DHCD’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program
Homelessness – Emergency Housing Assistance Programs:
- Emergency Assistance (EA)
- HomeBASE
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
Home Energy Assistance Programs:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Community Development Programs:
- Smart Growth Zoning Districts and Starter Home Zoning Districts Program (40R)
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Housing Development Programs Including Private Housing Funded by DHCD:
- Local Initiative Program (LIP)
- Homeownership Opportunity Program (HOP)
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
- Other Housing Development Programs funded with state capital dollars
DHCD waived its regulations on February 4, 2020 to the extent necessary to exclude income from temporary census jobs when determining income and eligibility across a broad range of programs. DHCD has issued guidance and notices to the local agencies and municipalities administering these programs.
Applicants and participants may request more information by contacting DHCD at: (617) 573-1100 or their local service providers: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/housing-and-community-development
Q. What other program rules apply? How do I apply for the program benefits?
A. Program applicants and participants remain subject to all other program rules. Please also note that income from permanent or non-temporary U.S. Census Bureau jobs (i.e. not for a limited time) will still count when determining program income and eligibility.
Q. What if I receive Federal housing assistance, such as Section 8 or Federal public housing, through another agency?
A. In general Federal housing assistance is subject to Federal rules. HUD has issued guidance that excludes income from temporary census jobs when determining income for purposes of many HUD programs. Individuals receiving Section 8 or other Federal rental assistance and/or public housing through a local housing authority or other agency should consult the housing authority or other agency for applicable requirements.
Q. How can I find out about 2020 temporary Decennial Census jobs?
A. You may look for 2020 Decennial Census job opportunities here: https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html.