Reverse Mortgages in 2026: The $1,249,125 Everyone Misread — and the One Box That Can't Be Checked Later

Stephen Steakley

Published on: 06/08/2026

What the 2026 HECM figure of $1,249,125 actually is — HUD calls it the Maximum Claim Amount, and the regulation defines it as the lesser of that number and your home's appraised value — plus the spouse protection that must be set up at closing.