Asset Building and Homeownership (FSS/CTO)

ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE 

Resident Services can help you build wealth, buy a home or decrease your reliance on your housing subsidy.

NEW: Join CHA's own, CEO Tracey Scott at the Office of Chicago City Treasurer and Operation HOPE's Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow 2021, a free virtual financial empowerment summit tailored to residents on Thursday, September 23. Learn more here.

Hi-Five_FSS

FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (FSS)

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) is a HUD program that enables families to build financial assets while working toward educational, professional, and personal goals.
 

CTO

CHOOSE TO OWN HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM (CTO)

The Choose to Own (CTO) Homeownership Program provides qualified public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) families with the opportunity to own a home.  Through CTO, over 710 households have purchased their own home!

CTC Y21

2021 Federal Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Here is what you need to know:

  • The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides major tax relief for nearly all working families. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called head of household).
  • The Child Tax Credit has been expanded to $3,000 per child 6-17 years old and $3,600 per child under 6.
  • Starting on July 15 and through the rest of the calendar year for 2021, payments will be monthly (via direct deposit for 80% of families and through the mail for the others) – at $250 per child between 6-17 or $300 per child under 6. Individuals will claim the other half when filing the 2021 income tax return.
  • Families who did not file taxes last year use the IRS’s Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to apply for the benefits.
  • To learn more click on this link - childtaxcredit.gov which will allow families not automatically enrolled in the program to receive the Child Tax Credit. If you filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you are automatically enrolled!
  • NEW: Upcoming CTC trainings for PHAs and Service Coordinators. These trainings will assist families with navigating and leveraging the CTC, ahead of the October 15 non-filer application deadline (unclaimed benefits can still be received by filing a 2021 tax return next year).

The money you receive for the Child Tax Credit does not count against your rent.

Resources:

Child Tax Credit Informational Flyer (English/Spanish)

Register for upcoming webinars hosted by BMO Harris Bank, helping you financially plan for monthly Child Tax Credit payments:

Webinar Registration
Date/Time Webinar Topic Highlights Registration

Sep 9

(6:30-7:30 pm CST)

 Get Financially Fit – Part 1 (Child Tax Credit)
  • Find out how to access up to $3600 per child via the Child Tax Credit.
  • Get all the resources you need to set a budget, start saving and achieve your financial goals.
  • Find out how BMO's special programs can help assist you save and build credit.
 Register Here

Oct 7

(6:30-7:30 pm CST)

Get Financially Fit – Part 2

(Ask the Expert!!)
  • You received advice at the Sep 9 session. Now, let’s do a 30 day check-in and ask all the questions you want!
  • Get tips and advice about saving and achieving your financial goals.
  • Experts will be available to provide 1:1 guidance.
 Register Here

Nov 4

(6:30-7:30 pm CST)		 Homebuying Made Affordable
  • Come find out if you are eligible for down payment assistance of $10,000 or more!
  • Real scenarios with property listings.
  • Homebuying programs for DACA recipients.
 Register Here

Dec 9

(6:30-7:35 pm CST)		 Basics on Investing for the Future
  • Find out how to get started with investing and take control of your future.
  • Get expert advice to invest for short or long term to meet your family’s goals.
 Register Here

 

Check back here for more information on banking, savings and other investment options for you and your family!