The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is moving forward with a proposed rule that could allow public housing agencies and certain owners of federally assisted properties to impose work requirements and time limits on housing assistance.
HUD published the proposal on March 2, 2026, and accepted public comments through May 1. Approximately 1,450 comments were submitted. The department is now reviewing those responses before deciding whether to issue a final rule.
Under the proposal, qualifying public housing agencies and owners participating in certain Project-Based Rental Assistance programs could require able-bodied adults to work or participate in approved employment, education, training or community-service activities for up to 40 hours per week.
Housing providers could also limit assistance to a defined period of two years or longer.
The requirements would be optional rather than automatically imposed nationwide. Each eligible housing agency or project-based owner would decide whether to establish a program, subject to HUD's final regulations and approval procedures.
Elderly people, individuals with disabilities and certain other residents would generally be exempt. Additional exemptions could apply to pregnant women, qualifying students and people caring for young children or disabled household members.
HUD says participating housing providers would also be required to offer supportive services designed to help residents comply and move toward economic independence.
Administration Costs Are a Concern
Housing advocates have raised concerns about whether agencies and owners would receive adequate resources to administer the requirements. Tracking employment, verifying exemptions, processing hardship requests and providing support services could create substantial costs.
