Oppose HUD's Proposed Rule Allowing Work Requirements
and Time Limits on Assistance
Organizational Sign-On Letter
Deadline: 5:00 pm CT on Thursday, April 30, 2026
Housing Action Illinois invites organizations across the state to sign on to a letter opposing HUD’s proposal allowing Public Housing Authorities and Project-Based Rental Assistance owners to impose work requirements and time limits on assisted families.
A recent analysis found that a two-year time limit on assistance would result in an estimated 3.3 million people losing their rental assistance, including 1.7 million children.
Read the letter »
The letter focuses on the following points:
- The rule is not necessary and is contrary to the law: National and Illinois data show that most non-disabled residents without young children in federally subsidized rental housing are already employed. In addition, HUD lacks the legal authority to implement time limits or work requirements—these can only come from Congress.
- Housing providers are not equipped to effectively implement work requirements: Successful programs require significant infrastructure, including employment services, education and training opportunities, family supports, and clear exemptions and protections for tenants. These are resources most housing providers do not have.
- The rule will increase homelessness and housing instability: Time limits would primarily affect households that include someone who works but does not earn enough to afford rent without assistance.
- The rule will adversely impact Illinois residents and state and local governments: Increased housing instability will place greater strain on already overburdened systems, including emergency rental assistance programs, shelters, and other emergency services.
The final deadline to sign the letter is 5:00 pm CT on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Complete the from below and click on the submit button to sign the letter.
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.
Comments or questions? Contact [email protected].
