§1437u. Family Self-Sufficiency program

(a) Purpose

The purpose of the Family Self-Sufficiency program established under this section is to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate use of assistance under sections 1437f and 1437g of this title with public and private resources, to enable eligible families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.

(b) Continuation of prior required programs

(1) In general

Each public housing agency that was required to administer a local Family Self-Sufficiency program on May 24, 2018, shall operate such local program for, at a minimum, the number of families the agency was required to serve on May 24, 2018, subject only to the availability under appropriations Acts of sufficient amounts for housing assistance and the requirements of paragraph (2).

(2) Reduction

The number of families for which a public housing agency is required to operate such local program under paragraph (1) shall be decreased by 1 for each family from any supported rental housing program administered by such agency that, after October 21, 1998, fulfills its obligations under the contract of participation.

(3) Exception

The Secretary shall not require a public housing agency to carry out a mandatory program for a period of time upon the request of the public housing agency and upon a determination by the Secretary that implementation is not feasible because of local circumstances, which may include-

(A) lack of supportive services accessible to eligible families, which shall include insufficient availability of resources for programs under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.);

(B) lack of funding for reasonable administrative costs;

(C) lack of cooperation by other units of State or local government; or

(D) any other circumstances that the Secretary may consider appropriate.

(c) Eligibility

(1) Eligible families

A family is eligible to participate in a local Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section if-

(A) at least 1 household member seeks to become and remain employed in suitable employment or to increase earnings; and

(B) the household member receives direct assistance under section 1437f of this title or resides in a unit assisted under section 1437f or 1437g of this title.

(2) Eligible entities

The following entities are eligible to administer a local Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section:

(A) A public housing agency administering housing assistance to or on behalf of an eligible family under section 1437f or 1437g of this title.

(B) The owner or sponsor of a multifamily property receiving project-based rental assistance under section 1437f of this title, in accordance with the requirements under subsection (l).

(d) Contract of participation

(1) In general

Each eligible entity carrying out a local program under this section shall enter into a contract with a household member of an eligible family, that elects to participate in the self-sufficiency program under this section. The contract shall set forth the provisions of the local program, shall establish specific interim and final goals by which compliance with and performance of the contract may be measured, and shall specify the resources and supportive services to be made available to the participating family pursuant to paragraph (2) and the responsibilities of the participating family. Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of either successful completion of the contract of participation or failure to complete such contract. A contract of participation shall remain in effect until the participating family exits the Family Self-Sufficiency program upon successful graduation or expiration of the contract of participation, or for other good cause.

(2) Supportive services

An eligible entity shall coordinate appropriate supportive services under this paragraph for each participating family entering into a contract of participation under paragraph (1). The supportive services shall be coordinated for the period the family is receiving assistance pursuant to section 1437f or 1437g of this title and for the duration of the contract of participation, and may include, but are not limited to-

(A) child care;

(B) transportation necessary to receive services;

(C) remedial education;

(D) education for completion of high school or attainment of a high school equivalency certificate;

(E) education in pursuit of a post-secondary degree or certification;

(F) job training and preparation;

(G) substance abuse treatment and counseling;

(H) training in financial literacy, such as training in financial management, financial coaching, and asset building, and money management;

(I) training in household management;

(J) homeownership education and assistance; and

(K) any other services and resources appropriate to assist eligible families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.

(3) Term and extension

Each family participating in a local program shall be required to fulfill its obligations under the contract of participation not later than 5 years after the first recertification of income after entering into the contract. The eligible entity shall extend the term of the contract for any family that requests an extension, upon a finding of good cause.

(4) Employment

The contract of participation shall require 1 household member of the participating family to seek and maintain suitable employment.

(5) Nonparticipation

Assistance under section 1437f or 1437g of this title for a family that elects not to participate in a Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be delayed by reason of such election.

(e) Incentives for participation

(1) Maximum rents

During the term of the contract of participation, the amount of rent paid by any participating family shall be calculated under the rental provisions of section 1437a of this title or section 1437f(o) of this title, as applicable.

(2) Escrow savings accounts

For each participating family, an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by the family in accordance with the provisions of section 1437a or 1437f(o) of this title, as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the participating family, shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account established by the eligible entity on behalf of the participating family. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an eligible entity may use funds it controls under section 1437f or 1437g of this title for purposes of making the escrow deposit for participating families assisted under, or residing in units assisted under, section 1437f or 1437g of this title, respectively, provided such funds are offset by the increase in the amount of rent paid by the participating family. All Family Self-Sufficiency programs administered under this section shall include an escrow account. The Secretary shall not escrow any amounts for any family whose adjusted income exceeds 80 percent of the area median income. Amounts in the escrow account may be withdrawn by the participating family after the family ceases to receive income assistance under Federal or State welfare programs, upon successful performance of the obligations of the family under the contract of participation entered into by the family under subsection (d), as determined according to the specific goals and terms included in the contract, and under other circumstances in which the Secretary determines an exception for good cause is warranted. An eligible entity establishing such escrow accounts may make certain amounts in the accounts available to the participating families before full performance of the contract obligations based on compliance with, and completion of, specific interim goals included in the contract; except that any such amounts shall be used by the participating families for purposes consistent with the contracts of participation, as determined by such eligible entity.

(3) Forfeited escrow

Any amount placed in an escrow account established by an eligible entity for a participating family as required under paragraph (2), that exists after the end of a contract of participation by a household member of a participating family that does not qualify to receive the escrow, shall be used by the eligible entity for the benefit of participating families in good standing.

(f) Effect of increases in family income

Any increase in the earned income of a family during the participation of the family in a local program established under this section may not be considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the family, under any program administered by the Secretary.

(g) Program coordinating committee

(1) Functions

Each eligible entity carrying out a local program under this section shall, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the unit of general local government, develop an action plan under subsection (h), carry out activities under the local program, and secure commitments of public and private resources through a program coordinating committee established by such eligible entity under this subsection.

(2) Membership

The program coordinating committee may consist of representatives of the eligible entity, the unit of general local government, the local agencies (if any) responsible for carrying out programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.], and other organizations, such as other State and local welfare and employment agencies, public and private primary, secondary, and post-secondary education or training institutions, nonprofit service providers, and private businesses. The eligible entity may, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the unit of general local government and tenants served by the program, utilize an existing entity as the program coordinating committee if it meets the requirements of this subsection.

(h) Action plan

(1) Required submission

The Secretary shall require each eligible entity carrying out a self-sufficiency program under this section to submit, for approval by the Secretary, an action plan under this subsection in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall require.

(2) Development of plan

In developing the plan, the eligible entity shall consult with the chief executive officer of the applicable unit of general local government, the program coordinating committee established under subsection (g), representatives of the current and prospective participants of the program, any local agencies responsible for programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.], other appropriate organizations (such as other State and local welfare and employment or training institutions, child care providers, nonprofit service providers, and private businesses), and any other public and private service providers affected by the operation of the local program.

(3) Contents of plan

The Secretary shall require that the action plan contain at a minimum-

(A) a description of the size, characteristics, and needs of the population of the families expected to participate in the local self-sufficiency program;

(B) a description of the number of eligible participating families who can reasonably be expected to receive supportive services under the program, based on available and anticipated Federal, State, local, and private resources;

(C) a description of the services and activities under subsection (d)(2) to be coordinated on behalf of participating families receiving direct assistance under this section through sections 1437f and 1437g of this title, which shall be provided by both public and private resources;

(D) a description of the incentives pursuant to subsection (e) offered by the eligible entity to families to encourage participation in the program;

(E) a description of how the local program will coordinate services and activities according to the needs of the families participating in the program;

(F) a description of both the public and private resources that are expected to be made available to provide the activities and services under the local program;

(G) a timetable for implementation of the local program;

(H) assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that development of the services and activities under the local program has been coordinated with programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.] and any other relevant employment, child care, transportation, training, and education programs in the applicable area, and that implementation will continue to be coordinated, in order to avoid duplication of services and activities; and

(I) assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that nonparticipating families will retain their rights to assistance under section 1437f or 1437g of this title notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

(i) Family Self-Sufficiency awards

(1) In general

Subject to appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a formula by which annual funds shall be awarded or as otherwise determined by the Secretary for the costs incurred by an eligible entity in administering the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.

(2) Eligibility for awards

The award established under paragraph (1) shall provide funding for family self-sufficiency coordinators as follows:

(A) Base award

An eligible entity serving 25 or more participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section is eligible to receive an award equal to the costs, as determined by the Secretary, of 1 full-time family self-sufficiency coordinator position. The Secretary may, by regulation or notice, determine the policy concerning the award for an eligible entity serving fewer than 25 such participants, including providing prorated awards or allowing such entities to combine their programs under this section for purposes of employing a coordinator.

(B) Additional award

An eligible entity that meets performance standards set by the Secretary is eligible to receive an additional award sufficient to cover the costs of filling an additional family self-sufficiency coordinator position if such entity has 75 or more participating families, and an additional coordinator for each additional 50 participating families, or such other ratio as may be established by the Secretary based on the award allocation evaluation under subparagraph (E).

(C) State and regional agencies

For purposes of calculating the award under this paragraph, each administratively distinct part of a State or regional eligible entity may be treated as a separate agency.

(D) Determination of number of coordinators

In determining whether an eligible entity meets a specific threshold for funding pursuant to this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider the number of participants enrolled by the eligible entity in its Family Self-Sufficiency program as well as other criteria determined by the Secretary.

(E) Award allocation evaluation

The Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the award allocation under this subsection, and make recommendations based on this evaluation and other related findings to modify such allocation, within 4 years after May 24, 2018, and not less frequently than every 4 years thereafter. The report requirement under this subparagraph shall terminate after the Secretary has submitted 2 such reports to Congress.

(3) Renewals and allocation

(A) In general

Funds allocated by the Secretary under this subsection shall be allocated in the following order of priority:

(i) First priority

Renewal of the full cost of all coordinators in the previous year at each eligible entity with an existing Family Self-Sufficiency program that meets applicable performance standards set by the Secretary.

(ii) Second priority

New or incremental coordinator funding authorized under this section.

(B) Guidance

If the first priority, as described in subparagraph (A)(i), cannot be fully satisfied, the Secretary may prorate the funding for each eligible entity, as long as-

(i) each eligible entity that has received funding for at least 1 part-time coordinator in the prior fiscal year is provided sufficient funding for at least 1 part-time coordinator as part of any such proration; and

(ii) each eligible entity that has received funding for at least 1 full-time coordinator in the prior fiscal year is provided sufficient funding for at least 1 full-time coordinator as part of any such proration.

(4) Recapture or offset

Any awards allocated under this subsection by the Secretary in a fiscal year that have not been spent by the end of the subsequent fiscal year or such other time period as determined by the Secretary may be recaptured by the Secretary and shall be available for providing additional awards pursuant to paragraph (2)(B), or may be offset as determined by the Secretary. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall remain available for 3 years in order to facilitate the re-use of any recaptured funds for this purpose.

(5) Performance reporting

Programs under this section shall be required to report the number of families enrolled and graduated, the number of established escrow accounts and positive escrow balances, and any other information that the Secretary may require. Program performance shall be reviewed periodically as determined by the Secretary.

(6) Incentives for innovation and high performance

The Secretary may reserve up to 5 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection to provide support to or reward Family Self-Sufficiency programs based on the rate of successful completion, increased earned income, or other factors as may be established by the Secretary.

(j) On-site facilities

Each eligible entity carrying out a local program may, subject to the approval of the Secretary, make available and utilize common areas or unoccupied units for the provision or coordination of supportive services under the local program.

(k) Flexibility

In establishing and carrying out the self-sufficiency program under this section, the Secretary shall allow eligible entities, units of general local government, and other organizations discretion and flexibility, to the extent practicable, in developing and carrying out local programs.

(l) Programs for tenants in privately owned properties with project-based assistance

(1) Voluntary availability of FSS program

The owner of a privately owned property may voluntarily make a Family Self-Sufficiency program available to the tenants of such property in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. Such procedures shall permit the owner to enter into a cooperative agreement with a local public housing agency that administers a Family Self-Sufficiency program or, at the owner's option, operate a Family Self-Sufficiency program on its own or in partnership with another owner. An owner, who voluntarily makes a Family Self-Sufficiency program available pursuant to this subsection, may access funding from any residual receipt accounts for the property to hire a family self-sufficiency coordinator or coordinators for their program.

(2) Cooperative agreement

Any cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall require the public housing agency to open its Family Self-Sufficiency program waiting list to any eligible family residing in the owner's property who resides in a unit assisted under project-based rental assistance.

(3) Treatment of families assisted under this subsection

A public housing agency that enters into a cooperative agreement pursuant to paragraph (1) may count any family participating in its Family Self-Sufficiency program as a result of such agreement as part of the calculation of the award under subsection (i).

(4) Escrow

(A) Cooperative agreement

A cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall provide for the calculation and tracking of the escrow for participating residents and for the owner to make available, upon request of the public housing agency, escrow for participating residents, in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (e), residing in units assisted under section 1437f of this title.

(B) Calculation and tracking by owner

The owner of a privately owned property who voluntarily makes a Family Self-Sufficiency program available pursuant to paragraph (1) shall calculate and track the escrow for participating residents and make escrow for participating residents available in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (e).

(5) Exception

This subsection shall not apply to properties assisted under section 1437f(o)(13) of this title.

(6) Suspension of enrollment

In any year, the Secretary may suspend the enrollment of new families in Family Self-Sufficiency programs under this subsection based on a determination that insufficient funding is available for this purpose.

(m) Reports

(1) To Secretary

Each eligible entity that carries out a local self-sufficiency program approved by the Secretary under this section shall submit to the Secretary, not less than annually a report regarding the program. The contents of the report shall include-

(A) a description of the activities carried out under the program;

(B) a description of the effectiveness of the program in assisting families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency;

(C) a description of the effectiveness of the program in coordinating resources of communities to assist families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency; and

(D) any recommendations of the eligible entity or the appropriate program coordinating committee for legislative or administrative action that would improve the self-sufficiency program carried out by the Secretary and ensure the effectiveness of the program.

(2) HUD annual report

The Secretary shall submit to the Congress annually, as a part of the report of the Secretary under section 3536 of this title, a report summarizing the information submitted by public housing agencies under paragraph (1) and describing any additional research needs of the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The report under this paragraph shall also include any recommendations of the Secretary for improving the effectiveness of the self-sufficiency program under this section.

(n) GAO report

The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress reports under this subsection evaluating and describing the Family Self-Sufficiency program carried out by the Secretary under this section.

(o) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means an entity that meets the requirements under subsection (c)(2) to administer a Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.

(2) Eligible family

The term "eligible family" means a family that meets the requirements under subsection (c)(1) to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.

(3) Participating family

The term "participating family" means an eligible family that is participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.

(Sept. 1, 1937, ch. 896, title I, §23, as added Pub. L. 101–625, title V, §554(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4225 ; amended Pub. L. 102–550, title I, §§106, 185(b), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3684 , 3747; Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §122(l), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3837 ; Pub. L. 104–330, title V, §501(b)(8), Oct. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 4042 ; Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §509(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2530 ; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(31), (f)(23)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337 , 2681-425, 2681-433; Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §512(ii), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1721 ; Pub. L. 115–174, title III, §306(a), May 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 1339 .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(A), is Pub. L. 105–220, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 936 , and was repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §§506, 511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1703 , 1705, effective July 1, 2015. Title I of the Act was classified principally to former chapter 30 (former §2801 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. Pursuant to section 3361(a) of Title 29, references to a provision of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 are deemed to refer to the corresponding provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425 , effective July 1, 2015. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, referred to in subsecs. (g)(2) and (h)(2), (3)(H), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425 . Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§3111 et seq.) of chapter 32 of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 29 and Tables.

Amendments

2018-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(1), struck out "public housing and" after "coordinate use of" and substituted "sections 1437f and 1437g of this title" for "the certificate and voucher programs under section 1437f of this title".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to establishment of program.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(5), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(A), substituted "Each eligible entity" for "Each public housing agency", "a household member of an eligible family" for "each leaseholder receiving assistance under the certificate and voucher programs of the public housing agency under section 1437f of this title or residing in public housing administered by the agency", and "Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of either successful completion of the contract of participation or failure to complete such contract. A contract of participation shall remain in effect until the participating family exits the Family Self-Sufficiency program upon successful graduation or expiration of the contract of participation, or for other good cause." for "The contract shall provide that the public housing agency may terminate or withhold assistance under section 1437f of this title and services under paragraph (2) of this subsection if the public housing agency determines, through an administrative grievance procedure in accordance with the requirements of section 1437d(k) of this title, that the family has failed to comply with the requirements of the contract without good cause (which may include a loss or reduction in access to supportive services, or a change in circumstances that makes the family or individual unsuitable for participation)."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(B)(i), in introductory provisions, substituted "An eligible entity" for "A local program under this section", "shall coordinate" for "shall provide", "for each participating family" for "to each participating family", "coordinated for" for "provided during", and "pursuant to section 1437f or 1437g of this title and for the duration of the contract of participation" for "under section 1437f of this title or residing in public housing" and inserted ", but are not limited to" after "may include".

Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(B)(ii), inserted "or attainment of a high school equivalency certificate" after "completion of high school".

Subsec. (d)(2)(E), (F). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(B)(iv), (v), added subpar. (E) and redesignated former subpar. (E) as (F). Former subpar. (F) redesignated (G).

Subsec. (d)(2)(G). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(B)(iii), (iv), redesignated subpar. (F) as (G) and struck out former subpar. (G) which read as follows: "training in homemaking and parenting skills;".

Subsec. (d)(2)(H). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(B)(vi), inserted "financial literacy, such as training in financial management, financial coaching, and asset building, and" after "training in".

Subsec. (d)(2)(J), (K). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(B)(iv), (vii), (viii), added subpar. (J) and redesignated former subpar. (J) as (K).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(C), inserted "the first recertification of income after" after "not later than 5 years after", substituted "eligible entity" for "public housing agency", and struck out "of the agency" after "upon a finding".

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(D), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The contract of participation shall require the head of the participating family to seek suitable employment during the term of the contract. The public housing agency may, during such period, provide counseling for the family with respect to affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in the private housing market and money management counseling."

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(6)(E), added par. (5).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(7)(A), substituted "shall be calculated under the rental provisions of section 1437a of this title or section 1437f(o) of this title, as applicable." for "whose monthly adjusted income does not exceed 50 percent of the area median income for occupancy in the public housing unit or dwelling unit assisted under section 1437f of this title may not be increased on the basis of any increase in the earned income of the family, unless the increase results in an income exceeding 50 percent of the area median income. The Secretary shall provide for increased rents for participating families whose incomes are between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income, so that any family whose income increases to 80 percent or more of the area median income pays 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income for rent. Upon completion of the contract of participation, if the participating family continues to qualify for and reside in a dwelling unit in public housing or housing assisted under section 1437f of this title, the rent charged the participating family shall be increased (if applicable) to 30 percent of the monthly adjusted income of the family."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(7)(B), substituted "For each participating family, an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by the family in accordance with the provisions of section 1437a or 1437f(o) of this title, as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the participating family, shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account established by the eligible entity on behalf of the participating family. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an eligible entity may use funds it controls under section 1437f or 1437g of this title for purposes of making the escrow deposit for participating families assisted under, or residing in units assisted under, section 1437f or 1437g of this title, respectively, provided such funds are offset by the increase in the amount of rent paid by the participating family." for "For each participating family whose monthly adjusted income is less than 50 percent of the area median income, the difference between 30 percent of the adjusted income of the participating family and the amount of rent paid by a participating family shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account established by the public housing agency on behalf of the participating family.", "All Family Self-Sufficiency programs administered under this section shall include an escrow account." for "For families with incomes between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income, the Secretary shall provide for escrow of the difference between 30 percent of the family income and the amount paid by the family for rent as determined by the Secretary under paragraph (1).", "under subsection (d)" for "under subsection (c)", "An eligible entity" for "A public housing agency", and "as determined by such eligible entity" for "as determined by the public housing agency".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(7)(C), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each public housing agency carrying out a local program under this section shall establish a plan to offer incentives to families to encourage families to participate in the program. The plan shall require the establishment of escrow savings accounts under paragraph (2) and may include any other incentives designed by the public housing agency."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(4), (8), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and struck out before period at end ", unless the income of the family equals or exceeds 80 percent of the median income of the area (as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families)". Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(9)(A), substituted "Each eligible entity" for "Each public housing agency", "subsection (h)" for "subsection (g)", and "such eligible entity" for "the public housing agency".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(9)(B), substituted "eligible entity" for "public housing agency" in two places, struck out "or the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act" after "under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act", and inserted "primary, secondary, and post-secondary" after "public and private" and "and tenants served by the program" after "the unit of general local government".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(A), substituted "eligible entity" for "public housing agency" and "carrying out a" for "participating in the" and struck out "to the Secretary" after "to submit".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(B), substituted "eligible entity" for "public housing agency", "subsection (g)" for "subsection (f)", and "the current and prospective participants of the program" for "residents of the public housing" and struck out "or the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act" after "under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act".

Subsec. (h)(3)(C). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(C)(i), substituted "subsection (d)(2)" for "subsection (c)(2)", "coordinated on behalf of participating" for "provided to", and "sections 1437f and 1437g of this title" for "the section 8 and public housing programs" and inserted "direct" before "assistance".

Subsec. (h)(3)(D). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(C)(ii), substituted "subsection (e)" for "subsection (d)" and "eligible entity" for "public housing agency".

Subsec. (h)(3)(E). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(C)(iii), substituted "coordinate" for "deliver".

Subsec. (h)(3)(H). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(C)(iv), struck out "the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act and" after "coordinated with".

Subsec. (h)(3)(I). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(10)(C)(v), substituted "assistance under section 1437f or 1437g of this title" for "public housing or section 8 assistance".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(11), amended subsec. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (i) related to allowable public housing agency administrative fees and costs.

Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i) and struck out former subsec. (i) which related to public housing agency incentive award allocation.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(12), substituted "Each eligible entity" for "Each public housing agency" and "units" for "public housing units in public housing projects administered by the agency", inserted "or coordination" after "provision", and struck out at end "The use of the facilities of a public housing agency under this subsection shall not affect the amount of assistance provided to the agency under section 1437g of this title."

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(13), substituted "eligible entities" for "public housing agencies".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(17), added subsec. (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (m).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(16), redesignated subsec. (l) as (m). Former subsec. (m) redesignated (n).

Subsec. (m)(1). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(18)(A)(i), (ii), in introductory provisions, substituted "Each eligible entity" for "Each public housing agency" and "The contents of the report shall include" for "The report shall include".

Subsec. (m)(1)(D). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(18)(A)(iii), substituted "eligible entity" for "public housing agency" and struck out "local" before "program coordinating committee".

Subsec. (m)(2). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(18)(B), inserted "and describing any additional research needs of the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the program" after "under paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(14), (16), (19), redesignated subsec. (m) as (n), substituted "shall submit" for "may submit", and struck out former subsec. (n) which related to definitions.

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 115–174, §306(a)(15), (20), added subsec. (o) and struck out former subsec. (o) which related to effective date and regulations.

2014-Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §512(ii)(1), substituted "lack of supportive services accessible to eligible families, which shall include insufficient availability of resources for programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" for "lack of supportive services accessible to eligible families, which shall include insufficient availability of resources for programs under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §512(ii)(2), substituted "the local agencies (if any) responsible for carrying out programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act," for "the local agencies (if any) responsible for carrying out programs under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act,".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 113–128, §512(ii)(3)(A), substituted "any local agencies responsible for programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act" for "any local agencies responsible for programs under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act".

Subsec. (g)(3)(H). Pub. L. 113–128, §512(ii)(3)(B), substituted "programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and any other relevant employment, child care, transportation, training, and education programs in the applicable area" for "programs under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and any other relevant employment, child care, transportation, training, and education programs in the applicable area".

1998-Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(1)(A)(i), struck out "and" at end.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(1)(A)(ii), substituted ", subject to the limitations in paragraph (4); and" for period at end.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(1)(A)(iii), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(23)(A)], struck out "the Job Training Partnership Act or" after "programs under".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(31)(A)], substituted "the Job Training Partnership Act or title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or the" for "the Job Training Partnerships Act or the".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(1)(B), substituted "Subject to paragraph (4), each" for "Each" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(1)(C), (D), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(2), struck out heading and text of par. (3) relating to use of escrow savings accounts. Text read as follows: "Notwithstanding paragraph (3), a family that uses assistance under section 1437f(y) of this title to purchase a dwelling may use up to 50 percent of the amount in its escrow account established under paragraph (3) for a downpayment on the dwelling. In addition, after the family purchases the dwelling, the family may use any amounts remaining in the escrow account to cover the costs of major repair and replacement needs of the dwelling. If a family defaults in connection with the loan to purchase a dwelling and the mortgage is foreclosed, the remaining amounts in the escrow account shall be recaptured by the Secretary."

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 105–276, §509(a)(3), inserted "carrying out a local program under this section" after "Each public housing agency".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(23)(B)], struck out "the Job Training Partnership Act or" after "programs under".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(31)(B)], substituted "programs under the Job Training Partnership Act or title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or the" for "programs under the Job Training Partnership Act and the".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(23)(C)(i)], struck out "the Job Training Partnership Act or" after "programs under".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(31)(C)(i)], substituted "programs under the Job Training Partnership Act or title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or the" for "for programs under the Job Training Partnership Act and the".

Subsec. (g)(3)(H). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(23)(C)(ii)], struck out "the Job Training Partnership Act or" after "programs under".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(31)(C)(ii)], substituted "programs under the Job Training Partnership Act or title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and any other" for "program under the Job Training Partnership Act and any other".

1996-Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 104–316 substituted "may" for "shall" after "United States", struck out "(1) In general.-" before "The Comptroller General", and struck out par. (2) which read as follows:

"(2) Timing.-The Comptroller General shall submit the following reports under this subsection:

"(A) An interim report, not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on November 28, 1990.

"(B) A final report, not later than the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on November 28, 1990."

Subsec. (o)(2). Pub. L. 104–330 struck out heading and text of par. (2). Text read as follows: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this section shall be optional for Indian housing authorities."

1992-Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(b), added subpars. (A) to (D) and concluding provisions and struck out former subpars. (A) to (D) which read as follows:

"(A) lack of supportive services funding;

"(B) lack of funding for reasonable administrative costs;

"(C) lack of cooperation by other units of State or local government; or

"(D) any other circumstances that the Secretary may consider appropriate."

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(c), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(d), in second sentence, inserted ", shall establish specific interim and final goals by which compliance with and performance of the contract may be measured," after "program" and substituted last sentence for former last sentence which read as follows: "The contract shall provide that the public housing agency may terminate or withhold assistance under section 1437f of this title and services under paragraph (2) of this section if the family fails to comply with the requirements under the contract."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(e), struck out "to each participating family" after "paragraph (1)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(g)(1), substituted "Incentives for participation" for "Maximum rents and escrow savings accounts" in heading.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(f), substituted "after the family ceases to receive income assistance under Federal or State welfare programs, upon successful performance of the obligations of the family under the contract of participation entered into by the family under subsection (c), as determined according to the specific goals and terms included in the contract, and under other circumstances in which the Secretary determines an exception for good cause is warranted. A public housing agency establishing such escrow accounts may make certain amounts in the accounts available to the participating families before full performance of the contract obligations based on compliance with, and completion of, specific interim goals included in the contract; except that any such amounts shall be used by the participating families for purposes consistent with the contracts of participation, as determined by the public housing agency." for "only after the family is no longer a recipient of any Federal, State, or other public assistance for housing."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–550, §185(b), added par. (3) relating to use of escrow savings accounts.

Pub. L. 102–550, §106(g)(2), added par. (3) relating to a plan to offer incentives.

Subsec. (g)(3)(D) to (I). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(h), added subpars. (D) and (I) and redesignated former subpars (D) to (G) as (E) to (H), respectively.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(a), amended last sentence generally. Prior to amendment, last sentence read as follows: "Of any amounts appropriated under section 1437g(c) of this title for each of fiscal years 1991 and 1992, $25,000,000 is authorized to be used for costs under this paragraph."

Subsec. (n)(3) to (6). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(i), added par. (3), redesignated former pars. (3) and (4) as (4) and (5), respectively, and added par. (6).

Subsec. (o)(2). Pub. L. 102–550, §106(j), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "(2) Applicability to indian public housing.-In accordance with section 1437aa(b)(2) of this title, the provisions of this section shall also apply to public housing developed or operated pursuant to a contract between the Secretary and an Indian housing authority."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment; Regulations

Pub. L. 115–174, title III, §306(b), May 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 1347 , provided that: "Not later than 360 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 24, 2018], the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue regulations to implement this section [amending this section] and any amendments made by this section, and this section and any amendments made by this section shall take effect upon such issuance." [Final rule implementing section 306 of Pub. L. 115–174 effective June 16, 2022, see 87 F.R. 30020.]

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–128 effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3101 of Title 29, Labor.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendments

Amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(31)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 21, 1998, and amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(23)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective July 1, 2000, see section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(g)(1), (2)(B)] of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 3502 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §509(b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2531 , provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [probably means subsec. (a), amending this section] are made on, and shall apply beginning upon, the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998]."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–330 effective Oct. 1, 1997, except as otherwise expressly provided, see section 107 of Pub. L. 104–330, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4101 of Title 25, Indians.

GAO Study on Linking Federal Housing Assistance to Economic Self-Sufficiency Programs

Pub. L. 101–625, title V, §554(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4231 , directed Comptroller General to submit to Congress, not later than 18 months after Nov. 28, 1990, a report (1) evaluating the policy and administrative implications of requiring State and local governments to require participation in an economic self-sufficiency program as a condition of the receipt of rental assistance under 42 U.S.C. 1437f and public housing assistance, (2) determining the additional costs to public housing agencies under such programs and recommending a change in the amount of the administrative fee under 42 U.S.C. 1437f(q) to cover the additional costs of carrying out the Family Self-Sufficiency Program under this section, and (3) examining how housing and social service policies affect beneficiaries, particularly persons receiving public assistance, when such beneficiaries gain employment and experience a rise in income.