Multifamily Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
Multifamily FSS Trainings
Multifamily FSS trainings provide helpful information on the requirements for launching and running a Multifamily FSS program.
Multifamily FSS Resources
View a variety of resources explaining the Multifamily FSS Program and providing guidance for launching your program.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that provides incentives and supports to help families living in multifamily assisted housing to increase their earned income and reduce their dependence on public assistance programs. FSS promotes local strategies to connect HUD-assisted families with public and private resources that help them progress toward economic independence.
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.
The FSS program helps assisted housing residents increase their earnings and build financial assets. The program has two key features:
- A financial incentive for residents to increase their earnings in the form of an escrow account that grows as residents’ earnings increase. The escrow account helps residents build savings that they can use to improve their quality of life and advance their personal goals.
- Case management or coaching to help residents access services they may need to overcome barriers to employment and strengthen their financial capabilities.
NOTE: This page is for FSS programs serving residents of HUD-assisted multifamily housing. For information on FSS programs serving public housing residents or Housing Choice Voucher holders, visit PIH's FSS page.
Featured Resources & Topics
Message from the Deputy Assistant Secretary
Lamar Seats, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing, shares an important message about the FSS program in this brief video.
“I encourage our housing owners and management agents to learn more about Family Self-Sufficiency and choose to offer this opportunity to their residents. Please join HUD in offering our residents the opportunity to build a brighter financial future. We all must work together to create access to opportunity and vibrant communities for all.”
Watch DAS Seat’s brief invitation video | View the transcript
What is FSS?
This video, produced by Compass Working Capital, provides an overview of the FSS program.
FSS Program Guidebook for Owners of Project-Based Section 8 Developments
This guidebook provides owners with information on promising practices that can help them establish and run an effective FSS program.
Multifamily FSS Escrow Credit Worksheet
This Excel worksheet calculates escrow credit for participating households. It is meant to be used for initial calculation and at each income recertification.