Housing and Urban Development Department
FHA INFO 2026-24: FHA Updates Policy for the Implementation of Alternative Credit Scores
October 8, 2026
Summary
FHA INFO 2026-24 announces ML 2026-11, which adds VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T as acceptable credit score models for FHA Title II loans and establishes updated guidance for determining the Minimum Decision Credit Score (MDCS) when multiple models are submitted. The new requirements apply to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027. Affected entities are FHA-approved mortgagees and AUS vendors, who must align systems and processes for implementation.
AI-generated summary · Oct 28, 2026. Verify with your compliance counsel before acting.
How this was generated
We record the exact prompt, model, and output for every AI response so it can be audited for accuracy.
Today, FHA published Mortgagee Letter (ML) 2026-11, Updated Minimum Decision Credit Score Methodology for the Implementation of Alternative Credit Scores to formalize the addition of VantageScore® 4.0 (V4) and FICO® Score 10T (10T) for use as acceptable credit score models alongside Classic FICO®.
The ML, which applies to Title II mortgage programs for FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2027, establishes guidance for determining the Minimum Decision Credit Score (MDCS) at the transaction level when multiple models are submitted.
As previously announced on September 10, 2026, (FHA INFO 2026-21), FHA has developed an FHA Alternative Credit Scores Preparedness Guide, along with other resources, and will hold office hours to assist stakeholders with successful implementation.
FHA continues to encourage mortgagees to reach out to their credit and technology partners to ensure that the necessary systems, processes, and capabilities will be in place to support implementation.
Reminder: Implementation Preparedness Resources
- FHA Alternative Credit Scores Preparedness Guide includes important information such as answers to transition questions and guidance for mortgagees and other industry partners for adopting the alternative credit score models.
- TOTAL Scorecard Developer’s Guide Release 5.0 provides software mapping and technical specifications for Automated Underwriting System (AUS) vendors to integrate TOTAL Version 5.0.
- Questions and Answers have been developed to assist mortgagees and industry participants with implementation. The FHA Resource Center Knowledge base (referenced below) will be updated concurrently with the release of TOTAL Scorecard Version 5.0 on January 1, 2027.
Reminder: Virtual Office Hours
Mortgagees and other stakeholders are reminded that they are invited to participate in a virtual office hour meeting with FHA staff who can answer questions about the addition of VantageScore® 4.0 (V4) and FICO® Score 10T (10T) credit score models and related topics.
The virtual office hours meetings will be held daily from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM EST on the Microsoft Teams platform, before and after the January 1, 2027, implementation on the dates outlined below. Click on the date or dial into the session you wish to attend at least five minutes before the start time.
November 2026
- Monday, November 16, 2026 | Meeting ID: 268 366 620 114 234 | Passcode: dx3nB6Kg | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 972 802 174 #
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | Meeting ID: 264 006 811 088 45 | Passcode: LU2qY9ra | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 236 448 457 #
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | Meeting ID: 278 476 358 674 237 | Passcode: Hr6Z2AV2 | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 124 637 634 #
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 | Meeting ID: 226 590 680 719 562 | Passcode: Zr29PU3B | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 102 867 050 #
- Friday, November 20, 2026 | Meeting ID: 292 753 589 573 853 | Passcode: pM3KY9ev | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 673 182 449 #
January 2027
- Monday, January 11, 2027 | Meeting ID: 295 853 036 473 755 | Passcode: ns3ao964 | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 346 105 15 #
- Tuesday, January 12, 2027 | Meeting ID: 299 211 435 280 321 | Passcode: AP2kA2Pn | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 581 357 349 #
- Wednesday, January 13, 2027 | Meeting ID: 222 887 743 202 72 | Passcode: uz7hc3Uj | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 708 580 08#
- Thursday, January 14, 2027 | Meeting ID: 219 727 000 080 30 | Passcode: WQ6WC9Ae | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 259 909 305 #
- Friday, January 15, 2027 | Meeting ID: 213 382 341 514 421 | Passcode: YV6oN6D2 | Or dial in (audio only): +1 202-510-9533 | Conference ID: 977 835 784 #
Participants are invited to submit their questions in advance to [email protected] with the subject line: Alternative Credit Score Models.
If you have questions, contact the FHA Resource Center (referenced below).
Source: https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/single-family-fha-info#fha-info-2026-24
Common questions
- What does "FHA INFO 2026-24: FHA Updates Policy for the Implementation of Alternative Credit Scores" cover?
- FHA INFO 2026-24 announces ML 2026-11, which adds VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T as acceptable credit score models for FHA Title II loans and…
- Which agency issued this update?
- This update was issued by Housing and Urban Development Department.
- When was it published?
- It was published on October 8, 2026.