FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM
Achieve financial independence.
Achieve your dream.
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program designed to help RIHousing Housing Choice Voucher or Project Based Voucher program participants make progress towards economic security.
Eligibility
- Must have a housing voucher through RIHousing
- Be interested in working, part-time or full-time
- 18 years of age or older
How does the program work?
As an RIHousing voucher holder, you can work with program coordinators to set financial, educational and/or employment goals and receive resources and services to help achieve those goals and financial independence.
You can receive cash bonuses that can add up to thousands of dollars. The cash bonus comes in the form of an FSS escrow savings account. You can “save your raise” – as your income from work increases, RIHousing matches your increase in rent and puts that match into a savings account, which you’ll receive when you successfully complete the program.
Successfully completing the program means being employed at the time of graduation and meeting the goals you and your family set during your time in the program. Please see “Graduation requirements” under Frequently Asked Questions below.
Watch this quick video to learn more about how it all works. >
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my voucher by joining the FSS program?
No. You may keep your rental assistance if you still need it when you successfully complete the program. If you don’t graduate from the program, you will not lose your voucher.
How does the FSS escrow savings account work?
When you enroll in the program, RIHousing sets up and then manages an escrow savings account for you. An increase in your rent as a result of an increase in income from work will result in a credit to your savings account. Your savings account will also gain a small amount of interest during your time in the program.
If I am not working, but have a household member who is working, does that income count toward my FSS escrow savings account?
Yes. Any increase in your rent due to an increase in household income from work will grow your FSS escrow savings account. To receive these funds at graduation, the FSS participant must also be employed.
Can I add to the escrow savings account?
The only way to add to your FSS escrow savings account is through an increase in income from work. When your rent increases, you will still pay your new, higher rent to your landlord, but that increase in rent will also be credited to your savings account by RIHousing.
Do I have access to the savings account at any time? Who manages this account?
No, you do not have access to the account while in the program. RIHousing manages the account on your behalf. You can request an interim withdrawal during the program only if you plan to use the money to make progress on one of the goals you’ve outlined in your contract. Your eligibility to borrow funds is determined and approved by your FSS coordinator.
Can I use the FSS escrow savings account for emergencies or to pay my rent?
No, you cannot use the FSS escrow savings account for emergencies or to pay for your rent.
What are the graduation requirements?
There are three requirements you must meet in order to graduate from the program. First, you’ll need to be suitably 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.
