Overall, LeadingAge is pleased with the result of its advocacy to prevent steep cuts to HUD programs and to protect critical affordable housing programs for older adults.

Despite the delay, these factors are still applicable to Utility Allowance adjustments effective Feb. 11, 2026 and later.

The streamlined approval process applies to Section 202 PRAC properties seeking budget increases of less than 5% through the budget-based rent adjustment process.

A Feb. 4^th statement from the agency indicates that the income limits, which are used to determine eligibility for many of its affordable housing programs, will be released May 1^st – one month later than the standard target date.

The new OCAFs stipulate a 4.7% increase in NYS and are effective Feb. 11^th after a months-long delay.

A partial government shutdown began on Jan. 30^th, but is expected to be short, as a Senate-passed bill including funding for HUD returns to the House for a vote.

The GRRP funds critical preservation projects for affordable housing communities located in climate-vulnerable areas, but parts of the program have been on hold since 2025 due to a change in administration priorities.

LeadingAge joined a coalition letter to HUD requesting immediate release of the agency’s OCAFs for 2026. Now, the agency has preliminarily posted the OCAFs to be officially published on Feb. 3^rd.