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Family Self Sufficiency
Program
What is the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Program?
FSS is a voluntary program which helps families obtain the skills they need to
achieve financial independence. Support is offered to participating
families through local agencies, case management, education, job training,
newsletters, workshops, support meetings, and other appropriate services to
assist the family.
How does the program work?
All FSS participants must currently be a participant of the Section 8 Voucher
Program.
A coordinator is assigned to assist the
family with agencies who will perform the hands-on service provision. The
coordinator will discuss the family's goals and expectations prior to
formulating an Individual Training and Services Plan designed to meet the
self-sufficiency goals.
A formal Contract of Participation is
signed between the family and the Housing Authority.
What are the BENEFITS?
An escrow savings account may be established in your name. Personal and
Individual training and Service Plans will be designed specifically for your
families needs.
What are the RISKS?
The Head of the Family must seek and maintain employment as a condition of
the continued participation.
What is the CONTRACT OF PARTICIPATION?
The contract describes the resources and appropriate supportive services
which will be made available to the family while under the FSS contract.
The Contract describes the activities which need to be completed by the family.
It is an agreement which allows the
Housing Authority to terminate or withhold FSS supportive services and escrow
amounts if the family fails to comply with the Contract requirements. It
includes the rights and responsibilities of the FSS family and the Housing
Authority.
How does the ESCROW ACCOUNT work?
When a participating family becomes employed when they previously were not;
or when the family starts out with employment income and has an increase in the
employment income, an escrow account will be established for the family. A
portion of the increase in the family's rent due to an increase in earned income
will be credited to the FSS escrow in accordance with HUD requirements.
The family will be given a report on the amount held in the escrow account on an
annual basis.
What are the OBLIGATIONS under FSS?
By signing the Contract of Participation, the family agrees to fulfill the
obligations to which it has committed itself, no later than 5 years after
entering the contract. It requires the head of the household to seek and
maintain suitable employment throughout the term of the contract, including any
extensions to the contract.
Can I receive an EXTENSION of my
Contract?
Yes, the Housing Authority may grant in writing an extension of up to two
years beyond the original five year term for good cause, such as serious
illness, or involuntary loss of employment. The family must request the
extension in writing and include the reason for the extension. The Housing
Authority must determine if good cause exists to grant the extension.
When will my Contract TERMINATE?
The Housing Authority may terminate the Contract of Participation for the
following reasons:
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The mutual consent of both
parties
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Failure to honor the terms
of the contract
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Achievement of
Self-Sufficiency
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Expiration of contract and
extensions
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By any other act that is
inconsistent with the purpose of the program
Can I continue to receive Rental
Assistance after termination from the FSS Program?
Yes, if the family is unable to become self-sufficient at the end of the
term of the contract, the family will retain its current Section 8 subsidy and
will no longer be considered an FSS participant.
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