HR-4385 : Still Just a Bill

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The "Helping More Families Save Act" proposes to establish the Family Self-Sufficiency Escrow Expansion Pilot Program to enhance the existing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Pilot Program Establishment: The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would establish a pilot program with up to 25 eligible entities to manage escrow accounts for up to 5,000 "covered families" who receive housing assistance under Section 8 or 9 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.
• Escrow Account Deposits: Eligible entities would establish interest-bearing escrow accounts. Deposits would be equal to any increase in rent paid by a covered family that is directly attributable to an increase in their *earned income* while participating in the pilot program. Funds from Section 8 or 9 can be used for these deposits, offset by the rent increase.
• Income Limitation: Families with adjusted incomes exceeding 80 percent of the area median income would not be eligible for escrow deposits.
• Withdrawal Conditions: Covered families could withdraw funds, including interest, after they cease receiving welfare assistance. Withdrawals would generally occur between 5 and 7 years after account establishment, or earlier if housing assistance ceases, funds are used for approved self-sufficiency goals, or an exemption for good cause is granted by the Secretary.
• Flexible Participation: Families would not be required to complete a standard contract of participation or an individual training and services plan to join the pilot program. They could also recertify their income multiple times per year.
• No Impact on Other Benefits: Increases in earned income during pilot program enrollment would not be considered income or resources for determining eligibility or benefit amounts for other programs administered by HUD.
• Opt-Out Provision: Eligible entities would inform covered families of their enrollment, program details, and that simultaneous participation in both the pilot and the traditional FSS program is not allowed. Families would have the option to opt out before account establishment or at any time during the program.
• Nonparticipation Protections: Housing assistance would not be delayed, denied, or terminated based on a family's decision to participate or not participate in the pilot program.
• Timeline and Study: HUD would select entities within 18 months of enactment. The pilot program would terminate 10 years after enactment. A study on outcomes and effectiveness would be submitted to Congress 8 years after entities are selected.
• Funding: The bill authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 for technical assistance and evaluation of the pilot program.

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