Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary program that helps Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher tenants achieve economic independence over a cumulative five-year period.

FSS participants:

Work toward self-identified goals focused on education, workforce development and asset building.
Receive one-on-one counseling.
Have the opportunity to build an escrow account if their earned income increases so they may obtain the education, employment and business skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

Requirements:

The following are requirements of the FSS Program:

Head of Household must be employed in order to accumulate escrow.
Head of Household must sign COP (Contract of Participation) and complete a goal plan.
The participant should complete their goal plan and accomplish their goals within the five-year time frame.
All household members must be free of public assistance benefits one (1) year before the end of their contract.

Savings Account:

For participants in the FSS Program, a percent of your rent is deposited monthly by HUD into an escrow account as your earned income increases. Earned income consists of new employment or an increase in salary.

When you accomplish your goal of self-sufficiency within the period of your FSS contract, you will graduate and receive funds in your escrow savings account, which will have earned interest.

For more information and to enroll in FSS program, call 516-572-0826 to speak with an FSS Coordinator.