Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that encourages PHAs to develop local strategies to help voucher families obtain employment that will increase their economic independence and self-sufficiency. The PHA works with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to administer a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage.
What services are provided through the FSS program?
What families are eligible to participate in the FSS program?
How do I apply?
Can PHAs require families to participate in FSS?
What requirements must a family meet to participate in the FSS program?
What is the FSS escrow account?
Does a family have to give up its rental assistance after the family completes its FSS contract?
What services are provided through the FSS program?
FSS program services may include, but are not limited to:
- child care
- transportation
- education
- job training and employment counseling
- substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling
- household skill training
- homeownership counseling
What families are eligible to participate in the FSS program?
Families who receive assistance under the HCV for at least one year are eligible to participate in the FSS program.How to apply?
Eligible participants will be invited to apply during open enrollment.Can PHAs require families to participate in FSS?
No. Participation in the FSS program is voluntary.What requirements must a family meet to participate in the FSS program?
The PHA and the head of each participating family execute an FSS contract of participation that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The five-year FSS contract specifies goals and services for each family. Family members must fulfill all requirements in order to obtain full benefits.
The FSS contract requires that the family comply with the lease, that all family members become independent of welfare, and that the head of the family seek and maintain suitable employment for at lease one year. Possible sanctions for noncompliance with the FSS contract are termination from the FSS program, forfeiture of the FSS escrow account, withholding or termination of supportive services, and termination of Housing Choice Voucher Program Assistance.What is the FSS escrow account?
An interest-bearing FSS escrow account is established by the PHA for each participating family. This escrow credit is based on increases in the family’s earned income which is credited to this account by the PHA after execution of the FSS contract. The escrow account is available to the family during the term of the contract to enable the family to complete an agreed upon interim goal such as education.If the family completes the contract with no member of the family is receiving welfare cash assistance and has been continually employed for at least one year, the balance of the FSS escrow account will be paid to the head of the family. If the PHA terminates the FSS contract, or if the family fails to complete the contract before its expiration, the family's FSS escrow funds are forfeited.
Does a family have to give up its rental assistance after the family completes its FSS contract?
No. Although it is hoped that families will no longer need housing assistance upon completion of the FSS program, some families that complete the program will still need assistance for housing. The regulation states that a family may complete its FSS contract and receive its escrow while continuing to receive housing assistance under the voucher program.back to community assistance home page
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