How Does the FSS Program Work - Family Self-Sufficiency Program Requirements & Application

FSS achieves this goal by helping families to increase their earnings and to build assets and financial capability. This training is designed to assist FSS programs in achieving these outcomes.
What does “self-sufficiency” mean?
The FSS program seeks to help participants make measurable progress toward economic security so that they no longer need welfare programs, are less dependent on rental assistance, and are better able to achieve the goals they set out for themselves and plan for the future.
There are two key features to the FSS Program:
​
A financial incentive for participants to increase their earnings in the form of an escrow savings account that increases as residents’ earnings increase.
The escrow account helps participants build savings that they can use to improve their quality of life and advance their personal goals. Escrow funds can also help participants pay for key services - such as car repair or employment training - that they may need to make progress toward their goals.
AND
Case Management or Coaching to help families access services they may need to overcome barriers to employment, strengthen their financial capability, and address other challenges holding them back from achieving their goals.
​
The Escrow Account
The FSS escrow account is a savings account that the PHA or owner maintains on behalf of the FSS participant. Participants build savings in an escrow account as their earnings increase.
How does the Escrow Account Work?
Families with a Housing Choice Voucher or living in public housing or a multifamily development with a project-based Section 8 contract generally pay rent based on a percentage of their income. When a family’s income rises, the amount the family must pay toward rent also rises. One of the great benefits of participating in FSS is the opportunity to recapture a portion of increased rent through the escrow account.
Deposits to the FSS escrow account occur when the household earnings of an FSS participant increase and lead to an increase in rent. Generally, when this happens, the PHA/owner will deposit an amount equal to the family’s increase in rent due to the increased earnings into the FSS escrow account. The escrow account thus allows FSS participants to build savings over time.
For more details on the escrow calculation, see the FSS Escrow Account Credit Worksheet and 24 CFR §984.305(b).
How can FSS Participants Access the Money in their Escrow Accounts?
Once a family successfully graduates from FSS, they may access the escrow funds and use them for any purpose. The requirements for graduation are discussed later in this section.
FSS programs may also allow some earlier disbursements for specific purposes. These so-called “interim disbursements” of escrow are discussed in Chapter 5.
Case Management or Coaching
To achieve their individual goals, many participants will need access to services and educational programs. HUD does not fund services for FSS participants. Instead, HUD funds FSS program coordinators who work closely with FSS participants to help them access services available in the community - a function known as service coordination (see illustration). FSS program coordinators also assess the needs of FSS participants (or make referrals for specialized assessments related to health, education, family dynamics, and other issues), help participants set goals, and provide ongoing support and encouragement to help participants achieve their goals. Guidance on the role that FSS program coordinators play in supporting FSS participants, which is sometimes called “case management” or “coaching,” is provided in Chapter 2.

[@amymuchko7106]

I am enrolled and accepted into this program.

[@Maeb0310]

Today I just got into this program I had to get a little more information

[@619sandiego]

Looking back at videos . Yes, this is where I'm at Mr. Jay so yes it is of importance to me and others that want to move up in this life of Section 8 .

[@darlenemosley7408]

I ported from Hawaii to care for my mother. Now in Georgia I’m told that i cannot enroll in the FSS program and that I should have enrolled before I ported. I had no need there. There are many counties that have combined section 8 and low rent housing that have this program. Unless I’m wrong, the benefits follow the individual and it is a Federal program I need your consultation. Im ready to email Washington DC because there’s no help here in Georgia. BTW I’m so thankful I found your videos

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss your options with you. Information, Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@MiskimVeniceJohnson]

Thank you for your help. Great information always. Be blessed 🙏

[@sarahotero4685]

I have section 8 have not been able to rent a house yet . I need a 3 bedroom and only qualify for 2

[@christopherjohn611]

Im just now seeing this. Question. I was recently approved for disability but I want to use this as a way to lift myself up. Is there a program for the disabled to own a home and exit the system. I don't want to be trapped in low income housing. Thanks

[@brooklynnclark3883]

I hope Indiana does this program!

[@humanaddictions]

they do I'm in Marion and on it.

[@heatherhealy7350]

You rescue people AND cats?🐈 Of course you do. 😇 🐈‍⬛ 🐱

[@shannonsmith5419]

Thankyou for this video it helped answer questions I had about the program 👍🏽

[@Section8Consulting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shannonsmith5419]

@@Section8Consulting 💜❤️💜❤️

[@kimwilliams459]

Thanks for the information 👍

[@Section8Consulting]

No problem 👍

[@humanaddictions]

I am in Indiana on the FSS Program. I have a VA Hud-Vash Section 8 voucher. I have about three grand in the escrow account. I haven't had a car in over a year. I really haven't needed one. I work at home. But I am ready to get out and about again. Do you know of anyone who has took money out to buy a car? Thank you

[@maxxlaw4081]

GREAT INFO!

[@Section8Consulting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielvallelunga1596]

Hey CATS 🐈 🐾 🐾 🐈 🐾 🐾 CATS RULE!!!!! You ROCK JAY!!!!! 🎸 🎸 🎸 🎸 🎸 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@Section8Consulting]

You rock!

[@Scandlous1]

Hi I am currently in both the Homeownership and FSS program. I would like you to please reach out to me in regards to the completion of the FSS program. I am having the most difficult time getting my Housing Authority to follow the guidelines set forth by the programs. My situation is too detailed to write here... Thanks in advance!

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case, appointments can be booked here section8consulting.setmore.com/

[@keenajefferson4527]

My manager in hcv housing in CA won't give my money back after thier mistake. They keep trying to make me use it as a credit. What do I do?

[@latinachula20002000]

Thank you so much for this video. Ok so for the FSS program the thing to do is make money save save and open up a credit card from your bank to build credit correct?

[@Section8Consulting]

Glad it helped!

[@Rawgoddessofficial]

Im.soooooo frustrated and irritated.....the gov.... Expects us to knw wht tf to do....like im homless with a duaghter....i needd some assistance...i need srxtion 8 ....im soooo stresssed snd ughhhh

[@Lissie771]

What happens in the event that you're eventually making enough to pay your full rent? Will the HA match that amount?

[@Section8Consulting]

If you make to much money they end the voucher.

[@juliaannbenavidez7314]

Am in the housing choice voucher program under housing authority section 8, am interested in buying a house 🏠 for homeownership program in San Antonio Texas!

[@Luv_N_It]

Hello with a sec 8 voucher do I contact the FHA or hot PHA or is it done by my case worker

[@I.trust.theLord]

Can I use the help in owning a home for a mobile tiny home?

[@dinakata]

Hi I’m in Hawaii and I am living in the public housing. Can I apply for the FSS program or is the FSS program only for people under Section 8

[@Section8Consulting]

Yes, if they have it.

[@kellydray4443]

So if I understand correctly the FSS program is separate from the homeowner program ?

[@Section8Consulting]

Yes

[@darrionpetry196]

Hello ...I live in Dallas TX in a community called Providence village tx, the hoa just voted and they are evicting every tenant on section 8 ...please help us

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss your options with you. Appointments section8consulting.setmore.com/ Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@BLACKCOCO86]

At this moment I am being threatened to keep me kicked out of my house my apartment rather because the landlord wants it back and I’m scared I don’t know what to do and I am a section 8 holder and I have a little bit of money in the bank very interested in this Fss

[@fosholyfe6115]

Thank you

[@Section8Consulting]

You're welcome

[@9090063mimimose]

I have been asking for years about this program, but have always gotten the run around. I need help with this.

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss your options with you. Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@GrandmaRuby143]

Are the caseworkers supposed to offer the FSS program? Nobody has ever told us about what FSS is. We have just incomed out of the Section8 program and now I I just received a 30 day or greater notice to vacate by July 31st. We renewed our lease March 3rd. Passed inspection and have a finalized lease agreement contract. Owner states the caseworker advised them that they can give us proper notice to leave. But we have no violations, we have always paid rent in time. Never had any issues. Is this legal? Im also working with legal aid. To much to explain my situation but if you could reach out I would really appreciate it. Thank you

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case. Information, Appointments & Prices can be found here section8consulting.setmore.com/ and our website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@kellydray4443]

What gets me is the Illinois FSS explains nothing in their information on how the voucher becomes available or works when you purchase a home

[@Section8Consulting]

That rings true for alot of the programs

[@traitaothomusa-dangcaumong926]

I DO HAVE SECTION 8 VOUCHER WANT TO BUY HOUSE BUT INCOME IS ONLY SSI. HOW I CAN ABLE TO GET HELP ? PLEAASE

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss your options with you. Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@kellydray4443]

I am in Illinois and wanting to join the self suffiency but have concern questions and get no answers. I want to improve and benefit in owing a home. What can I do?

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss your options with you. Information, Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com/ Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@wilsonrychara3097]

Hi can you help me with enrolling in this program please

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us, we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss your options with you. Information, Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@carolynhill7794]

Hello what about people that are disabled clients. Are they able to use this service? Thank You

[@teaisme675]

If you went from 17.00 an hr to 70.00 wouldn’t they discontinue you due to not being low income?

[@Section8Consulting]

Yes, they would.

[@victoriamorales7952]

@@teaisme675 the goal is to not stay in poverty

[@carrissagrussell2680]

Hello, How can my family apply for this program?

[@Section8Consulting]

You will need to contact your local housing authority.

[@chelechele2145]

When is your next video or live?

[@Section8Consulting]

Tonight!

[@619sandiego]

Can I do this program on ssdi disabled . However , I am going to get my ex husband's pension from military. Would I qualify ?

[@Section8Consulting]

Thanks for reaching out to us on KZbin, unfortunately we don’t have enough information to give you a professional answer in the comment section of this video but if you’re willing to book an appointment with our office we would be happy to assist you with your case and discuss all your options. Information, Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com Website www.section8consulting.com Reviews booking.setmore.com/scheduleappointment/3e1420c3-f468-499f-b362-347e300799a2/reviews

[@olliresealie5877]

I am just getting started with this FSS program. I have been trying to get on the program since I started section 8, but had been denied because I didn't make $23000 earned income from my employment. Is this normal? Seems like I should have already been enrolled and my rent match down through the years.

[@Section8Consulting]

It doesn't sound normal based on our client cases.

[@valderialand234]

This has also happened to me. I moved to a different county 6 years ago specifically because they offered the FSS program and every year it’s a different reason why I don’t qualify even though I’ve been on section 8 the whole time. I recently went to a hud home buying class and the instructor is a FSS counselor and said I should have been on the program from the beginning. Now I’m thinking about moving when my lease is up to get help in another town.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@valderialand234kudos to you for persevering thru the madness of government tape

[@carrissagrussell2680]

I'm from DC

[@gloriamabini9514]

Do I qualify if Im disabled and can only make a 1000. a month over my disability

[@Section8Consulting]

I know nothing about your case and naming one issue is not sufficient to make any determination of eligibility, it simply doesn’t work that way. I would advise seeking outside professional advice or booking an appointment with us. Information, Appointments & Prices section8consulting.setmore.com/