Family Self-Sufficiency Program
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What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)?
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary five-year program for families with Section 8 vouchers. The program helps families become financially independent. The main goal of the program is to help families get good jobs and earn enough money so they do not need public cash assistance. Families get education, job training, and other services.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a HUD program that is run by public housing agencies (PHAs) in Massachusetts. PHA case managers help FSS families define their goals and set up a plan to achieve them. Goals may include a good job, homeownership, college, and/or starting a business.
The PHAs work with local agencies to help FSS families get the services they need to reach their goals. In addition, when a family's income goes up, the PHA puts money in a special FSS bank account. The family gets the money when they finish the program.
How does the FSS program work?
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Local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) run the Family Self-Sufficiency program. Families must have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to enroll in the program. The program is voluntary. Families can choose to join the program or not.
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FSS families meet with a case manager to define their goals and set up a five-year plan. The head of the family and the PHA sign a contract that states the family's goals and the steps they will take to reach them. The PHA helps the family get the services they need.
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As part of the program, the PHA sets up a special FSS bank account for the family. If the family’s income increases during the program, the PHA does not charge the family more rent. Instead, the rent increase that the family would normally have to pay each month goes into the family's account. The money stays in the account and earns interest until the family finishes the program. If the family successfully completes the program, they get to keep the money. They can use the money to make a down payment on a house, buy a car, pay for college, or for any other purpose.
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Most PHAs allow families to borrow from their account if they need money to pay for education or other approved services during the program. On average, FSS families have $5000 or more in their accounts at the end of the program.
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To complete the program and get the money, the family must meet all the terms of their contract. The head of the family must have a job, and all members of the family must be off of public cash assistance for the last 12 months of the program.
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Families can end their FSS contracts at any time if they do not want to continue with the program. Families do not lose their Section 8 vouchers if they leave the FSS program. However, any money in their account goes to the PHA.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the Family Self-Sufficiency program (FSS):
- You must have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- You must be motivated to become self-sufficient
- Your public housing agency (PHA) must have a Family Self-Sufficiency program and agree to let you enroll
Note: Not all PHAs have FSS programs. Space may be limited.
- You must sign a five-year contract of participation
What benefits will I get?
The Family Self-Sufficiency program has two types of benefits:
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Case management:
A case manager from your public housing agency (PHA) will help you define your job goals and the steps you will take to achieve them. Your case manager will help you get the services you need to reach your goals. Services may include:
- GED classes and other education programs
- Job training
- Career counseling and job search
- Child care and transportation
- Financial planning
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FSS bank account:
The PHA will set up a special FSS bank account for your family. If your family's income goes up during the program, the rent increases you would normally have to pay under Section 8 go into this account. Money goes into your account each month. The money stays in the account and earns interest until the end of the program.
If you successfully complete the program, your family can use the money for any purpose you choose. During the program, your PHA will usually let you borrow from the account if you need money to help you reach your goals.
You can cancel your FSS contract at any time if you do not want to continue. You do not lose your Section 8 voucher. However, you do not get to keep the money in your FSS account.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, you should ask your public housing agency (PHA) if they offer the program. Only families with Section 8 housing choice vouchers can apply for FSS. Your PHA will tell you about the program and help you decide if it is right for you. PHAs with FSS usually explain the program to all new Section 8 families.
For local PHA contact information, see the HUD Massachusetts PHA Contact Information list and the list of Regional Housing Agencies. You may also call the Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers toll-free at 1-800-224-5124 for more information.
Useful links
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The Family Self-Sufficiency Program: HUD's Best Kept Secret for Promoting Employment and Asset Growth
A 2001 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities that describes the FSS program, how it benefits tenants and PHAs, and how it could be more effective (requires Adobe Reader).
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Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency
General information about the FSS program, eligibility, services provided, escrow account information, and federal regulations governing the program (24 CFR 984). From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
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Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency
Description of the FSS program in Massachusetts, including eligibility and the application process. From the Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development.
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