Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)-Presentation

Presentation - FSS

Pdf Summary

This training provides a comprehensive overview of HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program for housing staff, supervisors, and coordinators. It explains the program’s purpose: helping low-income families increase earned income, achieve economic independence, and reduce reliance on welfare and housing subsidies. The course covers the regulatory framework, including key CFR rules, program history, HUD oversight findings, and recent changes affecting action plans, contracts, escrow, and reporting.<br /><br />Major topics include FSS program design, funding, staffing, caseload expectations, and the required Program Coordinating Committee (PCC). It details how to develop and update the FSS Action Plan, including required contents such as participant selection procedures, outreach, service coordination, grievance policies, and optional local policies. The course emphasizes fair, non-discriminatory recruitment and explains motivational screening rules.<br /><br />The training also focuses on case management and participant assessment, including strengths-based approaches, active listening, motivational interviewing, goal setting, and creating individualized Training and Services Plans (ITSPs). It explains required final goals, including independence from welfare assistance and the head of household’s employment obligation.<br /><br />A substantial portion is devoted to contract administration and escrow. Participants learn how to execute the Contract of Participation, determine contract dates, calculate rent and escrow credits, manage escrow accounts, credit interest, handle underreported income, and track balances. The course also addresses termination, graduation, forfeitures, extensions, portability, and homeownership options.<br /><br />Finally, the training covers reporting requirements in PIC/IMS, including FSS addenda, action codes, progress reporting, and common errors, along with HUD monitoring and the FSS Achievement Metric. The course closes with exam guidance and certification requirements.

Keywords

HUD Family Self-Sufficiency

FSS program

housing subsidies

earned income

economic independence

action plan

case management

escrow accounts

contract of participation

HUD reporting