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Home Housing Information Properties Section 8 Housing FSS Program Mutual Self Help Housing Contact Us Community Links Home Ownership Programs Security Deposit Assistance	Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Family self-sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program offered by HACC to its Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 recipients that encourages financial independence. Participation is completely voluntary. How to apply to the FSS program Families that are selected to receive a voucher through the Section 8 Program from the Housing Authority should discuss participation in the FSS program with the FSS Coordinator.  Application and consent form are linked at the bottom of this page. Referral Services through the FSS program The FSS program provides referral services that 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 credit repair/financial literacy Can PHAs require families to participate in FSS? No. Participation of families in the FSS program is voluntary and cannot be condition of receiving assistance under the housing choice voucher program or public housing. 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 5-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 DSHS cash grant, and that the head of the family seek and maintain suitable employment. Possible sanctions for noncompliance with the FSS contract are termination from the FSS program, forfeiture of the FSS escrow account, or termination of supportive services. FSS escrow account An interest-bearing FSS escrow account is established by the PHA for each participating family. An escrow credit, based on increases in earned income of the family, is credited to this account by the PHA during the term of the FSS contract. The PHA may make a portion of this escrow account available to the family during the term of the contract to enable the family to complete an interim goal such as education. If the family completes the contract and no member of the family is receiving welfare, the amount of the FSS account is 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, or if terminated from Section 8 for non-compliance the family's FSS escrow funds are forfeited.  FSS Program Coordinators FSS program coordinators assure that FSS program participants are linked to the supportive services they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. 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 law provides that a family may complete its FSS contract and receive its escrow while continuing to receive housing assistance under the voucher program. FSS Application (Word Format) FSS Application (pdf Format) FSS Consent Form (Word Format) FSS Consent Form (pdf Format)
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