FSS FAQs

Table of Contents

  1. How long is this program?
  2. What are the requirements to apply?
  3. What are the benefits to participants and their families?
  4. How does this Escrow Savings account work?
  5. What is the Section 8 Homeownership program?
  1. How long is this program?
    Families may participate in the FSS program for up to five years. In some cases, FSS may extend the contract for two more years. Families graduate from FSS when they have achieved self-sufficiency - meaning they have not received welfare cash assistance for 12 consecutive months, have met all their FSS goals, and are working an average of 30 hours a week.

  2. What are the requirements to apply?
    Families receiving Section 8 housing who are leasing a residence and whose goal is economic independence are eligible to participate in the program. Once the person who is Head of Household on the voucher signs an FSS Contract of Participation, all family members in the home who are 18 years or older are also eligible for the services. The designated Head of Household must be able to seek and maintain employment for an average of 30 hours a week. Families who receive SSI or SSD may participate in the FSS Program and will be required to work the maximum number of hours their disability assistance allows.

  3. What are the benefits to participants and their families?
    Through the FSS Program, clients can develop job skills and gain the training needed to achieve economic independence. With a case manager as advocate, clients and other adult family members will access the resources needed to achieve short-term and long-term goals. In addition, a family purchasing a home has the option of entering the Section 8 Homeownership Program.

  4. How does this Escrow Savings account work?
    Normally, when income increases and a family lives in subsidized housing, the portion the family pays for rent will increase. However, if participating in FSS and a family's earned income increases, the Housing Authority will put a portion of the rent increase into an escrow savings account and will continue to do so each month that the client pays higher rent. When the family accomplishes its goals of self-sufficiency within the period of the FSS contract, they will graduate and receive the money in his/her escrow savings account, which will have earned interest. Clients have received anywhere from several hundred to $36,000.

  5. What is the Section 8 Homeownership program?
    Once a family enrolled in the FSS Program purchases a home, their Section 8 assistance can be applied to their monthly mortgage payment for the first 15 years of a 30-year mortgage. After the 15 years of receiving assistance the families will be responsible to begin paying the mortgage payment on their own.

FSS Index