Resource Library FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (FSS)

Overview

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) invests in your future by contributing money into a savings account when your earned income increases. Available to current Housing Choice Voucher holders, FSS is a HUD-funded program. The program’s goals are to help households increase income, reduce the need for public assistance, and connect participants with community resources to help you reach your self-sufficiency goals such as obtaining reliable transportation, relieving personal debt, or funding a down payment on a home. There are typically around 30 active participants in the FSS program. Of FSS participants who graduated from the program in 2017, their income increased by 65% at exit compared to entry. 

The amount of money FSS graduates received from their accounts when they exited the program ranged from $1,300 to over $13,000. The more you earn through work, the more Scott County CDA can contribute!

Important things to know about the FSS program:

• You will have an account that Scott County CDA opens for you and maintains while you are on the program.
• Scott County CDA contributes money (through funding from HUD) to the account as you earn more income through work.
• The more earned income, the more the CDA will contribute.
• The type of account is called an escrow account.  
• If you graduate from the program, you will get a check for the money you earned.
• All Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based participants are eligible to participate in the program.
• You will still only have one caseworker; your FSS worker is your Section 8 worker, making it easy to communicate!
• FSS is a voluntary program designed to encourage you to achieve goals and increase income.
• The program is free!

What are the requirements of the program?

Required:

• Meet with the FSS Program Coordinator initially to sign up for the program and every 6 months thereafter to set goals and make actions plans.

Recommended:

• Attend one Community Meeting per 12 month period to learn about other resources in the community and give program feedback.

Download the FSS flyer by clicking here.

Ask a question about the program by connecting with a caseworker here.