FSS Participant Journey

Yes, heads of household who are not currently employed are allowed – and encouraged – to join the program. To join the program, you must be willing to seek employment since it is a graduation requirement.

The only way to add to your FSS escrow account is through an increase in income from work. When your rent increases, you will still pay your new, higher rent to your housing authority, but that increase in rent will also be credited to your account.

You cannot use the account for emergencies. You can, however, request an interim disbursement during the program if you plan to use the money to make progress on one of the goals you’ve outlined in your contract.

You do not have access to the account during the program. Your housing authority manages the account for you.

You do not have to complete the full five years, but you do need to complete the graduation requirements to receive the money in your savings. If you’ve completed all graduation requirements before your contract term is up, you can request an early graduation.

When you enroll in the program, your housing authority sets up and manages a FSS savings account for you. An increase in your rent because of an increase in earnings from work will result in a credit to your account.

Yes, any increase in earnings from work in your household while you are enrolled in the program contributes to your FSS savings account. That also means that any earned income in your household when you enroll in the program will be included in the starting income on your contract.

No, during the program, money is only taken out of your escrow account when you request an interim disbursement to make progress toward one of your goals. When your income changes and you recertify with the housing authority your monthly escrow credit will change, but no money will be withdrawn from the account.

There are three requirements you must meet to graduate from the program. First, you’ll need to be employed at the time of graduation. Second, all household members will need to be free of cash welfare assistance for at least 12 months prior to graduation. Finally, you must have completed the goals you set during the program.

Unfortunately, if you lose your voucher or public housing unit while enrolled in FSS, you can no longer participate in the program. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for an early graduation

To graduate and receive your savings, you will need to complete your goals. That said, you will be working with your FSS coordinator throughout the program to create and change goals as your interests and circumstances change.

If you need more time to complete the program, you can request an extension of up to two years depending on the circumstances. For example, if you have unexpected health issues or sudden job loss, you can request an extension.

The FSS program can help you build a more stable financial future. As your income from work increases, your rent increase is saved in an escrow account that you’ll receive when you successfully complete the program. FSS is a five-year program.

No, when you successfully complete the program, you may keep your rental assistance if you still need it. If you don’t graduate from the program, you also will not lose your voucher or public housing unit.