Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a program that enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependence on welfare assistance and rental subsidies. Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) work in collaboration with a Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) to secure commitments of public and private resources for the operation of the FSS program, to develop the PHA’s FSS Action Plan (the FSS policy framework), and to implement the program.
Once an eligible family is selected to participate in the program, the PHA, and the head of each participating family execute a FSS Contract of Participation that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The term of the FSS contract is generally 5 years, but it may be extended for another 2 years by the PHA for good cause.
The program is also available for residents of multi-family assisted housing. Owners of privately-owned HUD assisted multifamily housing with Section 8 contracts can voluntarily establish and operate an FSS program at their housing sites. Participation in the FSS program is voluntary for families living in these properties.