With individualized needed supportive services provided to the FSS participating family, there should be a higher level of income generated. The higher level income will cause an increase in rent. Ronan Housing Authority will establish an interest-bearing escrow account for the participating FSS family, and credit to this account a portion of the rent increases paid that would otherwise result from increases in earned income of family member during the term of the contract.The participant’s part of the escrow account will be paid to the head of the household at the end of the contract period if the family is no longer receiving assistance. There are no requirements to use the funds for any particular purpose. In addition, RHA may allow families to withdraw escrow funds during heir participation in FSS to cover certain work or education related expenses (such as car repairs) or for other purposed related to the goals in the family’s FSS contract.
Welfare recipients and students who will graduate soon with no current earnings will have more to gain from the escrow feature of the program than other families that are already employed.
When an FSS participant goes to work, the family’s escrow account grows as its total income increases.
The FSS contract period is a maximum of 5 years but can be completed earlier if wages earned reach a high enough rate that it no longer becomes beneficial to the participant.
If you are interested in either becoming a participant or providing a supportive service please contact the Ronan Housing Authority office at: 406-676-5900 or toll free 877-237-5900.
