What defines an Annual Assessment and when is it completed?

• A. Annual assessments are required only for heads of households.
• B. Annual assessments must be completed within a 30-day window around enrollment date.
• C. Annual assessments must be completed for all program members within a 60-day window around the anniversary of the project entry date.
• D. Annual assessments are optional and can be completed anytime.

Answer: (C)

Annual assessment is the required yearly update of a client’s information in HMIS, conducted to refresh housing status, income, program participation, and service needs for ongoing planning and reporting. It must be completed for all program members within a 60-day window around the anniversary of the project entry date—meaning roughly 60 days before to 60 days after that anniversary. For example, if a client entered on May 1, the assessment should be done between March 2 and June 30. This timing keeps records current for eligibility checks, program reporting, and coordinated service planning. It isn’t limited to heads of households, isn’t tied to a 30-day window around enrollment, and isn’t optional or arbitrary.