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For Immediate Release
The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is committed to helping families achieve long-term self-sufficiency through employment, education, and financial independence. As part of our Move to Work (MTW) Program, we are implementing policy updates that will affect many participating households.
Please review the important changes below.
Work Requirement – Effective August 1, 2026
Beginning August 1, 2026, all able-bodied heads of household, co-heads, and spouses between the ages of 18 and 54 will be required to actively participate in work, school, or approved training activities totaling at least 30 hours per week.
This requirement is intended to support economic self-sufficiency and employment opportunities.
The work requirement does not apply to:
- Individuals under age 19
- Adults age 55 or older
- Individuals with disabilities
- Participants enrolled full-time in school or an approved training program
Some households may qualify for a waiver or exemption.
If you currently do not meet the work requirement, HACC will contact you in the coming months to schedule a mandatory compliance meeting. Families will have 90 days to come into compliance. Failure to meet the requirement may result in termination from the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Changes to the Eight-Year Policy
In 2024, HACC eliminated the previous eight-year program time limit. Instead, households reaching their eighth year of participation will transition to a minimum rent policy based on household income.
Once your household reaches year eight:
- Your rent will remain at the rent tier assigned during your eighth-year certification.
- If your household income increases, your rent may increase accordingly.
- Your rent will not decrease, even if household income later declines.
For families whose income is below Tier 4 at the eight-year mark, rent will increase to the Tier 4 minimum rent of $462 at the annual recertification (or effective October 1, 2026, for households already at or beyond year eight).
Hardship Policy
HACC recognizes that unexpected circumstances can occur. Households experiencing medical issues, job loss, childcare challenges, or other qualifying hardships may request a temporary hardship review.
- Hardship requests must be submitted in writing.
- Approved hardship waivers are valid for 90 days.
- Some limitations apply, including cases involving unreported or underreported income.
Learn More
HACC will host several information sessions to explain these policy changes, answer questions, and help families understand how the updates may affect them. Meeting notices will be mailed to all participating households. You may also review these policy changes in the HACC Move to Work (MTW) Plan available on our website.
If you have questions, please contact HACC at concerns@hacc.net or (217) 378-7100. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support family success and economic independence.
The Housing Authority of Champaign County:
Lily L. Walton
CEO and Executive Director
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