Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

What is Family Self-Sufficiency?

FSS is a program designed to help housing assistance recipients achieve independence from all types of government assistance. This is done by providing opportunities for employment, education, home ownership, as well as counseling and other forms of social services.

What types of assistance are included in "government assistance?"

For purposes of FSS, government assistance is any financial assistance that comes directly from the government, such as food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, or child care assistance. It does not include financial support from other sources that the government regulates but does not provide, such as child support or alimony.

How can my family become self-sufficient?

First, express an interest in the program with your Section 8 Occupancy Specialist or your Public Housing Service Coordinator.

Once you've discussed the FSS program with your caseworker, you'll be scheduled for an orientation. At this orientation, you will:

• complete an application
  
• undergo an individual interview with the FSS Coordinator to assess your needs, desires, and goals to become self-sufficient
  
• sign a Contract of Participation
  
• generate your Individual Training & Service Plan (ITSP), which outlines your goals (anything from obtaining your GED to owning your own business)and the steps that are needed for you to achieve them within a prescribed timeframe

Is there a time limit in which my family must become self-sufficient?

Yes: 5 years. This limit can be extended to 7 years with valid cause. Each individual is different, but most households achieve their goals and become self-sufficient well before the 5 years are up. To achieve self-sufficiency, you must have been off all government assistance for 12 months.

Are there any stipulations?

Yes. The head of household must participate in the program for other family members to participate. The head of household must seek, obtain, and maintain suitable employment during the term of the Contract of Participation. The Individual Training & Service Plan (ITSP) has to be signed by the head of household.

Are there any other benefits of becoming a participant of the FSS program?

Yes. An escrow account (an interest-bearing savings account) is opened on your behalf by the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale. The account is not opened until your rent increases because you had an increase in your earned income.

The amount deposited into this account every month is the difference between what your rent was when you signed the FSS contract and what your rent was increased to after your rent change*.

Example: When you signed the FSS contract, you were paying $100 per month in rent. Two months later, you got a raise, and your rent increased to $200 per month as a result in your change in income. The HACFL deposits the difference - $100 - in your escrow account every month.

The deposit amount will change each time your earned income changes. You are still responsible for paying the new rent amount to your landlord. You will be entitled to the full amount of the escrow account plus the interest only when you become self-sufficient (within the 5- to 7-year deadline described above).

* Under some circumstances, the deposit amount may be calculated differently. The FSS Coordinator will discuss these circumstances with you during your initial interview.