Sun Aug 31 07:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Social Media Rumors of Section 8 Changes Spark Concern, Despite Congressional Inaction**

Rumors circulating on social media platforms like TikTok are fueling anxiety about potential changes to the Section 8 rental assistance program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. These rumors, echoing similar concerns raised during the Trump administration, claim the program may face a two-year cap on assistance.

These social media post emerged after President Trump’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year, proposed a radical overhaul of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This included eliminating both the project-based Section 8 and the Housing Choice Voucher program in favor of block grants to states to administer their own rental assistance. The state-run system includes a proposed two-year time limit on rental assistance for most recipients, an idea intended to incentivize self-sufficiency.

While the budget proposal remains just that – a proposal – HUD Secretary Scott Turner has been critical of the current system, alleging “waste, fraud, and abuse,” arguing that assistance should act as a temporary “trampoline,” not a permanent “hammock.”

However, Congress has yet to act on the President’s proposal, and housing advocates suggest such drastic changes are unlikely. Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute points out the proposal would undermine local housing agencies, shifting control to the states.

While initial appropriation bills in the House and Senate do not include the most extreme cuts from the President’s budget, the National Low Income Housing Coalition notes that the House budget includes a proposal that could allow local authorities to enact time limits. The coalition also said the bills would not provide enough funding to keep up with raising rents and renew all vouchers.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the House bill would serve 411,000 fewer people, while the Senate version would serve 243,300 fewer people.

Experts warn that imposing a two-year limit could put millions, including many children, at risk of eviction and homelessness. With Congress on summer break until September 2nd, the future of Section 8 funding and potential changes remain uncertain as the September 30th government funding deadline approaches. The decision lies with Congress.

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