24 C.F.R. § 960.601
§ 960.601 Definitions. (24 CFR Part 960)
Operative Text
(a) Definitions found elsewhere—(1) General definitions. The following terms are defined in part 5, subpart A of this title: public housing, public housing agency (PHA). (2) Definitions concerning income and rent. The following terms are defined in part 5, subpart F of this title: economic self-sufficiency program, work activities. (b) Other definitions. In addition to the definitions in paragraph (a) of this section, the following definitions apply: Community service. The performance of voluntary work or duties that are a public benefit, and that serve to improve the quality of life, enhance resident self-sufficiency, or increase resident self-responsibility in the community. Community service is not employment and may not include political activities. Exempt individual. An adult who: (1) Is 62 years or older; (2)(i) Is a blind or disabled individual, as defined under Section 216(i)(1) or Section 1614 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 416(i)(1); 1382c), and who certifies that because of this disability she or he is unable to comply with the service provisions of this subpart, or (ii) Is a primary caretaker of such individual; (3) Is engaged in work activities; (4) Meets the requirements for being exempted from having to engage in a work activity under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or under any other welfare program of the State in which the PHA is located, including a State-administered welfare-to-work program; (5) Is a member of a family receiving assistance, benefits or services under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or under any other welfare program of the State in which the PHA is located, including a State-administered welfare-to-work program, and has not been found by the State or other administering entity to be in noncompliance with such a program; or (6) is a member of a non-public housing over-income family. Service requirement. The obligation of each adult resident, other than an exempt individual, to perform community service or participate in an economic-self sufficiency program required in accordance with § 960.603.
Section 960.601 of 24 CFR Part 960 establishes the key definitions that govern community service requirements in public housing. It draws a distinction between 'community service'—voluntary, non-political work that benefits the public or builds resident self-sufficiency—and paid employment, which is treated separately. The provision also identifies categories of residents who qualify as 'exempt individuals' and are not subject to the service requirement, including seniors aged 62 or older, certain individuals with disabilities and their primary caretakers, and those already engaged in qualifying work or welfare program activities. The 'service requirement' itself applies to all adult residents who do not fall into one of these exempt categories.
Plain English — not legal advice.
PHAs and property managers administering public housing under 24 CFR Part 960 § 960.601 generally maintain clear records identifying which adult residents qualify as exempt individuals under the defined categories, such as age, disability status, work activity participation, or welfare program enrollment. Compliant operators typically establish intake and recertification processes that document each resident's status relative to the service requirement, ensuring that community service obligations are applied only to non-exempt adults as defined in this section. Because several exemption categories reference external programs—such as state welfare-to-work programs—operators commonly coordinate with relevant state agencies to verify resident eligibility for those exemptions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 24 CFR Part 960 § 960.601, adult public housing residents have the right to be recognized as exempt from the community service requirement if they fall into one of the defined exempt categories, such as being 62 or older, having a qualifying disability, serving as a primary caretaker of a disabled individual, or participating in certain work or welfare programs. If a resident believes they have been incorrectly classified as non-exempt, they may raise that classification as a concern during any grievance or review process the PHA offers. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with public housing regulations can help residents understand how the definitions in § 960.601 apply to their circumstances and what documentation may support an exemption claim.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.