--- title: Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Interest Form --- ![](https://info.idahohousing.com/hubfs/Banners/2026_FSS_Banner_1611X412.jpg) **Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) Interest Form** Fill out the form below and an FSS Specialist will reach out to you. Did you know that as a participant of the IHFA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program you have a wealth of resources available that will help you achieve your employment goals and save for the future? The goal of the FSS program is to achieve financial independence within 5 years by accomplishing your employment goals. Benefits of participation include: - *Saving for the future -* Build an escrow savings account - *Employment Assistance -* Job search/advancement, education, training - *Financial Planning -* Credit repair, budgeting, home ownership - *Supportive Services **-*** Child care, transportation, family counseling How does the savings account work? Is it a good fit for me? How does the program work? FAQ's Typically when you or someone in your household earns more money, your rent goes up, making saving difficult.   With FSS you:  - Do NOT pay any extra money beyond your normal rent even though your household income may increase. INSTEAD the rent increase is funded by the program and automatically put into a savings account. So you get to: - Keep paying rent like normal. - Don't have to make deposits into a savings account. The savings account:  - Is funded by the Program, not by you taking money out of your own pocket. - Is based on the increase in your rent that happens when your income goes up by accomplishing your goals. - Once you graduate from the program, your savings are disbursed to you tax free. The FSS Program is a good fit if...  - You have goals but don't know where to start. - You feel stuck and want support to accomplish your goals. - You want to increase your income and have more stability. As a participant you will get:  - One-on-one support from an FSS Specialist. - Career and education guidance. - Financial coaching and tools. - Help overcoming barriers. - Goal setting that fits your life. Participating in the FSS Program does not affect your Voucher. ![FSS How it Works Graphic defining the steps of the program.](https://info.idahohousing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FSS/FSS.png?width=1711&height=1009&name=FSS.png)   **Does FSS affect my Voucher subsidy?**  - No. Participating in FSS does not affect a household's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) subsidy. **Do I become a homeowner by participating in FSS?**  - You do not automatically become a homeowner by participating in the program. If homeownership is your goal, then you will work with your FSS Specialist to pursue homeownership. Many FSS participants have had homeownership as their goal and used their escrow savings for a down payment on a home. **Do I get a Homeownership Voucher by participating in FSS?**  - No. Participating in FSS does not get you a Homeownership Voucher. Homeownership Vouchers is part of a different program called the Homeownership Voucher Program and is subject to its own eligibility criteria. **What are my responsibilities as a participant?**  - Meet with an FSS Specialist regularly (typically once a month). - Develop a personalized training  (ITSP) for your goals with the FSS Specialist. - Become free of welfare assistance (TAFI)  - This does NOT include food stamps (SNAP), SSI, SSD, medical assistance (Medicaid, Medicare), child care assistance (ICCP) or your Housing Choice Voucher subsidy. - Attain suitable employment. **How do I access my savings account?**   - When you complete the program you must be: suitably employed, free of cash assistance (TAFI), finish the goals in your ITSP and be in good standing with IHFA.  If you have all four of those things, you get your check to make a large purchase, no strings attached! **What if I need more time to accomplish my goals?**  - FSS is flexible! You could be eligible to extend your contract from 5 years to 7 years if you need more time. **Can I finish early?**   - Yes! If you accomplish your goals and get a quick rise in income, you can graduate before your 5 year contract ends. BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THIS FORM : You MUST be an Active Participant in an IHFA Housing Choice Voucher Program.  *If you are on a waiting list or have a voucher that is not from IHFA, you are NOT eligible to participate in the Idaho Housing FSS program at this time.* - [News and Media Center](https://www.idahohousing.com/news-and-media-center/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.idahohousing.com/privacy-policy/) - [Legal Disclaimer](https://www.idahohousing.com/legal-disclaimer/) - [Investors](https://www.idahohousing.com/investors/) - [The Housing Company](http://www.thehousingcompany.org/) - [Housing Information Referral](https://www.idahohousing.com/about/housing-information-referral/) - [Fair Housing](https://www.idahohousing.com/fair-housing/) - [![](https://info.idahohousing.com/hubfs/Brand%20Icons/facebook_ellipse.png)](http://www.facebook.com/idahohousing) - [![](https://info.idahohousing.com/hubfs/Brand%20Icons/twitter_link_image.png)](http://www.twitter.com/idahohousing) - [![](https://info.idahohousing.com/hubfs/Brand%20Icons/youtube_link_image.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/IDhousing) © 2021 Idaho Housing and Finance Association [Powered by Valice](https://www.valice.com/websites/valice-website-platform/)