Deadline: All comments must be submitted by April 21, 2026.
Housing Action Illinois is urging organizations across the state to sign on to a letter opposing HUD’s proposed rule that would allow Public Housing Authorities and Project-Based Rental Assistance owners to impose work requirements and time limits on assisted households.
A recent analysis estimates that a two-year time limit could result in 3.3 million people losing rental assistance, including 1.7 million children.
Key concerns outlined in the letter include:
- The rule is unnecessary and unlawful: Most non-disabled residents without young children in federally assisted housing are already working, and HUD does not have the legal authority to impose these requirements—only Congress does.
- Housing providers are not equipped to effectively implement work requirements: Successful programs require robust employment services, education and training opportunities, family supports, and clear exemptions. These are resources most providers do not have.
- The rule would increase housing instability and homelessness: Time limits would primarily affect working households whose wages are still too low to afford rent.
- The impact on Illinois would be significant: Increased housing instability would place additional strain on already overburdened emergency rental assistance programs, shelters, and other emergency services.
We’re asking organizations to sign on to our comment letter urging HUD to rescind this harmful rule and instead maintain current policy, which allows mixed-status families to live together in HUD funded housing.
Deadline to sign on: 5:00 pm CT on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Add your organization’s name by completing this form and clicking submit.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for taking action.
Not able to sign on for an organization?
Individuals can also submit comments via regulations.gov. HUD must read and account for comments in a published final rule. Find step-by-step instructions on how to submit comments here.
Stay Tuned
Sign up for our Policy Advocacy alerts »
Support our work by donating or becoming a member today »