Welcome back to the Mind Your Data Series, the training series focused on improving data quality one element at a time.

DATA NEWSLETTER

Income data is more than just a required field; it directly impacts how programs are funded, evaluated, and understood across the Continuum of Care.

Accurate income data helps:

Measure participant progress toward self-sufficiency
Inform system performance metrics and reporting (e.g., exits to permanent housing)
Ensure accurate funding decisions and program evaluations
Support federal reporting requirements like HUD reporting (e.g., APR, LSA)

When income data is missing, outdated, or incorrect, it may misrepresent participants’ progress and suggest a lack of improvement that is, in fact, occurring.

What Data Quality Issues Are We Seeing?

Across HMIS, common income-related data quality issues include:

Missing income at entry
No income recorded at annual assessment
Income not updated at exit
Participants marked as having $0 income when income exists
Inconsistent income sources selected (e.g., employment vs. benefits)
Data entry delays resulting in outdated records

Remember: Income data should reflect the participant's situation at specific project milestones, not just at intake.

When Should Income Be Collected?

Income must be collected and/or updated at key points in a participant's enrollment:

Entry: Record all income sources and total monthly income.
Annual Assessment: Review and update income. Confirm changes or no changes.
Exit: Ensure income reflects the participant's status at program exit.

Tip: Even if there are no changes, you must still review and confirm income at annual and exit.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

Skipping income at entry because “client doesn’t know yet.”
Forgetting to update income at exit
Selecting “No Income” but entering a dollar amount
Not aligning the income source with the actual income type

Quick Self-Check - Ask Yourself:

Do all active participants have income recorded at entry?
Are annual assessments up to date?
Does exit income reflect the participant’s current situation?
Are income sources and amounts aligned?

Best Practices For Strong Income Data

Ask clearly and consistently: Use standardized language when asking about income to ensure accuracy.
Verify when possible: Whenever documentation is available, use it to confirm income amounts and sources.
Update in real time: Don’t wait, enter or update income as soon as information is available.
Use all applicable fields: Capture both:
Income sources (e.g., employment, SSI, GA)
Total monthly amount
Train your team: Ensure all staff understand:
When income is required
What counts as income
How to correctly input it in HMIS
Use the User-Level Data Quality Dashboard to spot issues

Income data tells a powerful story about client progress. When it's accurate, it reflects the real impact of your work. When it's not, it can hide success and create unnecessary risk.

Mind your data now, so it doesn't surprise you later...

Submit a support ticket:

Enterprise Ticketing System

Join our weekly HMIS office hours:

Every Thursday from 2 PM - 3 PM

HMIS Office Hours

Data, Explained: LAHSA's Data Quality Monitoring Plan

LAHSA’s Data Quality Monitoring Plan (DQMP) ensures HMIS data is accurate, reliable, and actionable so providers and policymakers can understand needs, track progress, and improve outcomes. Check out our website to take a deeper dive into LAHSA's data quality framework:

DQMP Website

LAHSA is a joint powers authority of the City and County of Los Angeles, created in 1993 to address the problem of homelessness in Los Angeles County. LAHSA is the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care, and coordinates and manages federal, state, county, and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority