Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)-Presentation

Presentation - FSS

Pdf Summary

This document is a National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) training guide for the HUD Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, aimed at PHA leadership, supervisors, and FSS coordinators/managers. It outlines program purpose, regulatory requirements, operations, and compliance practices under 24 CFR Part 984 (and newer multifamily-related provisions).<br /><br />The training explains FSS history and major regulatory updates, including the 2022 Final Rule implementing Economic Growth Act changes (effective June 16, 2022). It highlights HUD-OIG findings that oversight weaknesses led to noncompliant action plans, incorrect escrow calculations, inaccurate PIC reporting, and poor documentation—emphasizing the need for strong internal controls.<br /><br />Core program goals are to help assisted families increase earned income, achieve economic stability, and reduce reliance on welfare and housing subsidies by coordinating HUD assistance with community services. Key operational components include: developing and maintaining a HUD-approved FSS Action Plan (policies, family selection procedures, outreach, supportive services, termination/grievance policies, implementation timetable, and coordination certifications); forming a Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) to secure public/private resources; and implementing effective marketing and recruitment strategies.<br /><br />The guide covers case management best practices such as participant assessment, strength-based coaching, active listening, motivational interviewing, and creation of the Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP) with SMART interim and final goals. It details Contract of Participation (CoP) execution rules, including updated contract term calculations and welfare/employment mandatory goals.<br /><br />A major focus is escrow: calculating credits at annual/interim reexams, applying the new 80% AMI eligibility threshold, managing interest-bearing escrow accounts with participant ledgers, handling underreported income and fraud, issuing annual statements, and using forfeited escrow for participant benefits (not staff/admin costs).<br /><br />Finally, the training addresses PIC/IMS reporting (HUD-50058 FSS addendum, action codes, deadlines), portability rules, graduation/termination and extensions, homeownership option basics, and performance monitoring through SEMAP and the FSS Achievement Metric (FAM).

Keywords

HUD Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program

NAHRO training guide

24 CFR Part 984 compliance

2022 FSS Final Rule (Economic Growth Act)

FSS Action Plan requirements

Program Coordinating Committee (PCC)

Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP)

Contract of Participation (CoP) rules

FSS escrow account calculation and management

PIC/IMS reporting (HUD-50058 FSS addendum)