The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is considering new rules that could change federal housing assistance for millions of Americans. An internal document reveals plans to limit the time people can receive rental subsidies and to introduce work requirements for those who benefit from these programs.
Currently, around nine million people in the U.S. rely on federal housing assistance. Most of them are elderly or disabled and would be exempt from these proposed changes. However, many others could face serious challenges if the new rules are implemented, especially as rents continue to rise across the country.
HUD’s proposal aims to expand the authority of local housing authorities to impose these restrictions. Presently, only a few have the power to do so. The agency is drafting a rule that could bypass Congress entirely, which raises concerns about the legality of such actions.
A HUD spokesperson did not provide specific details but referenced a two-year time limit suggested in President Trump’s recent budget proposal. This proposal is intended to encourage families to become self-sufficient, but critics argue it could have devastating effects on low-income households.
Experts warn that the proposed changes could worsen the housing crisis. Deborah Thrope from the National Housing Law Project stated that many individuals who receive assistance already work, and those who do not may be caring for family members or facing other barriers. Critics point out that there is little evidence that time limits or work requirements effectively help people find jobs or reduce reliance on subsidies.
Supporters of the rules argue that time limits could help distribute limited rental aid more fairly among those in need. They believe that the current system allows some families to keep benefits for too long, while others who qualify do not receive any assistance at all. However, experts caution that imposing such limits without additional support measures could lead to more homelessness.
The proposal has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of time limits and work requirements. Some housing authorities that have tried these policies in the past have found them unpopular and ineffective. For instance, Keene Housing in New Hampshire previously imposed a five-year limit but has since dropped it after realizing that many families were not able to increase their incomes sufficiently.
If HUD moves forward with the rule, it could disrupt the affordable housing market. Many landlords may be reluctant to participate in programs with strict time limits, fearing high turnover and vacancies. This could exacerbate the already critical shortage of affordable housing.
As the situation develops, advocates for affordable housing will be closely monitoring HUD’s actions. They are concerned that without careful consideration, these proposed changes could lead to significant hardships for many families across the nation.