Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)-Participant Guide

Participant Guide - Family Self-Sufficiency
Pdf Summary
The document is a comprehensive training and guidance manual on the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, outlining its purpose, regulations, program requirements, and operational procedures. The FSS program aims to enable low-income families receiving HUD assistance to achieve economic independence by increasing earned income and reducing reliance on government assistance.

Key areas covered include:

1. <strong>Regulations & History</strong>: Overview of FSS foundational laws and HUD updates, including the 2022 final rule implementing the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act changes. It covers eligible HUD programs, updated escrow calculations, program scope, and compliance deadlines.

2. <strong>Program Components</strong>: Descriptions of mandatory/voluntary FSS programs, funding sources, program design models, and the requirement for HUD-approved local Action Plans detailing policies, service coordination, recruitment, family demographics, incentives, grievance procedures, and outreach efforts.

3. <strong>Program Administration</strong>: Formation and roles of Program Coordinating Committees, marketing and recruitment strategies, case management emphasizing client assessment, barrier identification, motivational interviewing, and strengths assessment.

4. <strong>Individual Training and Services Plans (ITSP) & Goal Setting</strong>: ITSPs are personalized plans with interim and final goals. Mandatory goals include the family’s independence from welfare and the head of household’s employment. Goal-setting models focus on realistic and measurable objectives like education, job training, financial literacy, and homeownership preparation.

5. <strong>Rent Calculations and Escrow</strong>: Detailed definitions of rent components, income inclusions/exclusions, allowances, and the formula for calculating escrow credits. Changes in how forfeited escrow funds are used to benefit families in good standing are highlighted.

6. <strong>Contract of Participation (CoP)</strong>: Execution, terms, eligibility, responsibilities of families and housing agencies, contract modification, escrow management, and the transition from old to new CoP regulations.

7. <strong>Homeownership Option</strong>: HUD’s HCV homeownership program guidelines, eligibility criteria, minimum income requirements, assistance terms, and PHA administrative plan flexibility.

8. <strong>Reporting and Monitoring</strong>: Use of HUD’s PIC/IMS systems for tracking FSS participation, escrow, progress reports, and SEMAP indicator #14. Monitoring by HUD field offices and self-assessment tools are discussed.

9. <strong>Graduation, Forfeiture, and Escrow Disbursement</strong>: Conditions for program completion, contract extensions, escrow disbursement rules, and handling forfeited escrow funds.

10. <strong>Resources and Case Studies</strong>: Sample contracts, escrow calculations, HUD forms, training exercises, case management dilemmas, and goal setting scenarios to aid FSS coordinators in practical application.

In summary, the document serves as an essential resource for PHAs, multifamily housing owners, and FSS coordinators to effectively implement, manage, and monitor FSS programs consistent with HUD’s regulations, thereby assisting families toward economic self-sufficiency and homeownership.
Keywords
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
HUD assistance
Economic independence
Program regulations
Program administration
Individual Training and Services Plans
Rent calculations
Contract of Participation
Homeownership option
Reporting and monitoring