FAQs • Portland Housing Authority, ME • CivicEngage

Does the escrow start as soon as I sign the Family Self-Sufficiency contract?: No, the escrow never starts when you sign the contract or when the contract becomes effective. The FSS Escrow doesn't begin to have deposits until:
- FSS Contract becomes effective (FSS Contract states current Annual Income, Earned Income, Family Rent)
- A rent calculation is completed by PHA after the FSS contract effective date and Family Rent has increased above what is stated on FSS Contract or wages (earned income) has increased above what is stated on FSS Contract.

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Family Self-Sufficiency

1. Am I qualified/eligible for the Family Self-Sufficiency program?: You are qualified if you both:
- Want to work at least 32 hours per week (or suitable part-time hours if you are disabled)
- Possess a Section 8 Housing Voucher or live in Public Housing.

2. If I am already working, can I still join Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)?: Yes, you are still eligible for FSS as long as you have other self-sufficiency goals. To name a few:
- Attain promotion
- Attain suitable childcare
- Explore Homeownership
- Financial Stability
- Increase employment skills
- Increase wages
- Maintain employment
- Save money

3. Does the escrow start as soon as I sign the Family Self-Sufficiency contract?: No, the escrow never starts when you sign the contract or when the contract becomes effective. The FSS Escrow doesn't begin to have deposits until:
- FSS Contract becomes effective (FSS Contract states current Annual Income, Earned Income, Family Rent)
- A rent calculation is completed by PHA after the FSS contract effective date and Family Rent has increased above what is stated on FSS Contract or wages (earned income) has increased above what is stated on FSS Contract.

4. How much escrow will I receive?: Escrows vary depending on your family's income as it varies throughout the term of your Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) contract. Some families don't earn an escrow at all, but are still successful at completing their self-sufficiency goals.

The basic escrow calculation comes after a rent calculation has been completed, and both family rent and wages increased.

Once this process has occurred, the current Family Rent is subtracted from the base Family Rent listed on the current FSS contract.

If escrow is earned, the deposits begin monthly.

5. What are the benefits of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) besides the "savings incentive"?: That's easy! The FSS Program Manager is available for one-on-one assistance throughout your FSS contract to provide encouragement and referrals to area resources to assist you with completing all of your self sufficiency goals.

In addition, free workshops and family fun activities are offered to FSS participants throughout the year.