How does Family Self Sufficiency work?
Each FSS participant creates a five-year plan that includes employment goals and identifies training or educational needs. FSS staff will work with the household to identify, locate, and arrange for the services they need to accomplish their goals. What kinds of services might be provided? Services might include childcare, education, transportation, personal development, resumes, job training and placement. As FSS participants succeed in raising their family income, the portion of their monthly income contributed toward their Section 8 rent payment also increases. HUD regulations allow a percentage of this rent increase to be deposited into an interest bearing escrow account for the family. If the family meets its goals within five years and “graduates” from welfare assistance for a period of twelve consecutive months, they will receive the funds accumulated in this account. This is a great incentive for those new in the work force and for those ready to reach goals set early in life.
