FHA Announces Jan. 1 Implementation Date for Alternative Credit Score Models

In May, the Federal Housing Administration confirmed its intention to add VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T in addition to the existing Classic FICO as eligible credit score models for FHA-insured mortgage underwriting. Recently, FHA announced an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2027.

FHA also issued a preparedness guide for mortgagees and other stakeholders regarding the addition of these models.

“FHA has been working with its industry partners, including the credit provider community, to ensure they will be able to meet the needs of mortgagees for successful implementation of the alternative credit scores,” FHA said in a statement. “FHA encourages 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 of the new credit score requirements.”

FHA said its Technology Open To Approved Lenders (TOTAL) Scorecard will be updated for case numbers assigned on or after Jan. 1, 2027, for Title II forward mortgages only. This version will allow the inclusion of the alternative score models in TOTAL decisions.

FHA will host virtual office hours for mortgagees and other stakeholders that have specific questions about this transition and the use of these new models. Mortgagees and other stakeholders are invited to participate in a virtual office hour meeting with FHA staff to answer questions about the addition of 10T and V4 credit score models and related topics. These meetings will be held daily from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, ET before and after the Jan. 1, 2027, implementation as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 16, 2026
• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026
• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026
• Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026
• Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
• Monday, Jan. 11, 2027
• Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027
• Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027
• Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027
• Friday, Jan. 15, 2027

Participants are invited to submit their questions in advance to FHA_SFH_Events@hud.gov with the subject line: Alternative Credit Score Models.