Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Welcome to the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program! Our program is designed to help families achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence by providing them with the necessary resources and tools to increase their income and build assets.
The HUD FSS program is a voluntary program that allows families living in subsidized housing to set goals and work towards achieving them with the support of a Program Coordinator. Participants in the program create an individualized plan, which includes setting financial and personal goals, and developing a plan to achieve them.
As families work towards their goals, they will receive financial incentives. For instance, as the family’s income increases, their monthly rent payments will also increase. However, instead of paying the increased amount, the additional funds are put into an escrow account. The family can access this account once they successfully complete their goals.
The program provides a range of services to support participants, including job training, education, financial literacy classes, and access to other community resources. The goal is to help participants develop the skills and knowledge they need to become self-sufficient and no longer need assistance from public housing programs.
The program is open to all families currently participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program, and it is free to participate. If you are interested in the program, please contact your local public housing authority to find out more information and how to enroll.
The HUD FSS program is an excellent opportunity for families to gain financial independence and build a better future for themselves and their children. Join us today and take the first step towards a brighter future.
*Video credit to Compass Working Capital
More Questions? FAQ:
Family Self Sufficiency is an employment related program designed to assist families in becoming self-sufficient and not dependent on welfare assistance. Families or individuals work with their case manager to develop goals that will be achievable within a 5-year period. The goals must include seeking and maintaining employment and to be free of cash welfare assistance (i.e. TANF) by the time of graduation. Other FSS goals may include education, job readiness, career counseling, homeownership, or financial education. As the family meets goals and completes the contract, they become eligible to receive the funds from their escrow account.
Anyone who is currently in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
No! The FSS program does not have an impact on your housing assistance. There is nothing to lose but MUCH to gain!
When a Head of Household joins the program, a special savings account, known as an escrow account, is set up for them. Whenever the household's earned income rises, their monthly escrow contributions can potentially increase as well.
Take "John Smith", for example. He enrolled in the FSS program without any earned income. Two months later, he started a new job and his earned income increased, resulting in a $500 rise in his rent. Consequently, John is eligible to receive up to $500 in monthly escrow contributions. Assuming his income stays the same, John's escrow account could accumulate approximately $29,000 over five years.
It’s important to note that the escrow account is tied to your earned income, which includes wages from a job and self-employment income. However, sources like Child Support, TANF, and Social Security do not count as earned income.
Ready to apply?
Family Self-Sufficiency Program Application.pdf
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