What is FSS?

The FSS program is a voluntary, five-year employment incentive program for families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Participants learn to set goals each year toward economic self-sufficiency and receive community resources and support to meet their goals. Participants also have the opportunity to earn money in an escrow account when their earned income increases.

How do I Join FSS?

Make an appointment with an FSS Program Coordinator within 90 days of your most recent recertification or interim change. Contact Your FSS Coordinator Today!

Am I Eligible for the FSS Program?

All HCV participants are eligible to join FSS.  However families must be able to increase their earned income in order to benefit from the escrow incentive and be able to successfully complete the program.

How does the FSS Escrow Work?

When a FSS family increases their earned income the family is expected to pay a higher percentage of the rent. CMHA will put an amount equal to the rental increase into an escrow account each month that the family pays a higher rent amount. For example:

What do I Need to do to Receive My Escrow?

Families must meet the program goals to be eligible to receive escrow funds.  The program goals are:

• Be suitably employed
• Be in good standing with CMHA and your HCV landlord
• Be free of cash welfare assistance for at least the last 12 consecutive months of the contract
• Meet the goals that you have set  for yourself in the Individual Training and Service Plan

How can I Benefit from FSS?

If you are ready to make the necessary changes in your life to achieve financial self-sufficiency, the FSS program can assist you in making SMART goals, provide you with the support and community resources you need to meet your goals and give you an opportunity to earn money in a tax-free escrow account.

Do I Have to Use My Escrow to Buy a House?

The escrow that is accrued during FSS participation may be used to meet any financial or personal goals and/or obligations. FSS staff strongly encourage participants to attend financial counseling and budget development classes.

What is an Acceptable FSS Goal?

An acceptable goal is one that leads to a participant becoming more self-sufficient and less dependant on entitlement programs.