HUD Proposed Rule Would Allow Work Requirements, Time Limits

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HUD's proposes that Public Housing Authorities and owners can terminate assistance for non-compliance with work requirements or time limits, jeopardizing access to affordable housing.If the rule advances as proposed, older adults would be exempt, but family members, caregivers, and aging services workers others would lose housing.

A proposed rule by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published March 2, 2026, would allow Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Multifamily Housing providers to implement work requirements and time limits for specific housing assistance programs.

The agency describes new authority for PHAs and owners to require "work-eligible" older adults (ages 18-61, excluding people with disabilities and certain caretakers), to engage in work activities for up to 40 hours per week as a condition of continued eligibility for housing assistance. Work activities include employment, job training, education, community service, childcare, and more.

Under the proposal, work requirements could not be a condition for admission into housing programs, and housing providers would need to provide supportive services in conjunction with the new requirements. The proposed rule will also allow PHAs and owners to set time limits of at least two years for non-elderly, non-disabled families receiving housing assistance. Time limits apply prospectively, meaning they only start after the policy is implemented, and households would be able to reapply for assistanceafter their time limit ends but must go through the regular waiting list process.

The proposed rule states that PHAs and owners can terminate assistance for non-compliance with work requirements or time limits, jeopardizing access to affordable housing.

LeadingAge is deeply concerned with work requirements and time limits impacting residents of HUD-assisted housing, including members of the aging services workforce who rely on access to stable, affordable housing.

We will work with our members to submit comments to HUD within the agency's 60-day comment period.

Read our previous analysis of a leaked version of the proposal here.