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Family
Self Sufficiency Program
The Family
Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is an initiative under the Home-ownership
and Opportunity for People Everywhere (HOPE) program begun in 1990. The
FSS program is a voluntary program for Section 8 participants. Residents
of public housing participate in a similar program. The Program requires
that the head of household enter a five-year contract with the PHA
during which the family will receive supportive services such as
education and job training so they can get off the welfare roll and
become full-time employees. While on the program, the PHA establishes an
escrow account for the family. When an FSS family pays a higher rent due
to a higher income, the difference in increase between the old rent and
the new rent is credited to the family's escrow account.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Family
Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program?
Family self-sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that encourages
communities to develop local strategies to help voucher families obtain
employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency.
Public housing agencies (PHAs) work with welfare agencies, schools,
businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program
that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to
enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage. A separate
program, the public housing FSS program, is available for public housing
residents.
What families are eligible to participate in the HCV FSS program?
Families who receive assistance under the HCV are eligible to
participate in the FSS program
How do PHAs select families for the FSS program?
PHAs can give a selection preference--for up to 50 percent of its FSS
slots--to eligible families with one or more family member enrolled in,
or on the waiting list for, an FSS-related service or job placement
program. For all other selections, the PHA must use an objective system,
such as a lottery. PHAs may screen applicants for interest and
motivation to participate in FSS, but may not screen for education, job
history, credit rating, marital status, or number of children
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.
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 welfare, and that the head of
the family seek and maintain suitable employment. Possible sanctions for
noncompliance with the FSS contract are terminations from the FSS
program, forfeiture of the FSS escrow account, withholding or
termination of supportive services and termination of housing choice
voucher assistance.
If the family completes the contract and no member of the family is
receiving cash welfare assistance, 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, 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 law
provides that a family may complete its FSS contract and receive its
escrow while continuing to receive housing assistance under the voucher
program.
If you
would like more information please contact our Family Self-Sufficient
Program Coordinator
Quinton
White Phone: (810) 736-3050 Ext: 3131 or
Kesha Barrett (810) 736-3050 Ext. 3139
Email: Quintin White
Sr. or
Emai:l Kesha
Barrett
Flint Housing Commission Family Self-Sufficiency Program Pre-Application
HUD Family
Self-Sufficiency Information
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