Community Service & Self-Sufficiency Requirement (CSSR)

Q: What is the community service requirement?
A: Community service is the performance of voluntary work or duties that are a public benefit, and that serve to improve the quality of life, enhance resident self-sufficiency, or increase resident self-responsibility in the community.

Q: Do I have to complete CSSR?
A: Unless you are exempt (see below), residents are required to contribute and document 8 hours of community service per month (96 hours a year) or participate in an economic self-sufficiency program for 8 hours per month.

Q: Who is exempt from CSSR?
A: Persons 62 years of age or older, minors, persons who are blind or disabled, persons who are engaged in a work activity at least 20 hours a week (as required by DHA Policy), and persons who are the primary caretaker for an individual who meets the disability criteria. See the ACOP for a full list of exemptions.

Q: What is a work activity?
A: Work activities include, but are not limited to:

• Unsubsidized employment
• Subsidized private-sector employment
• Subsidized public-sector employment
• On-the-job-training

Work activities may not include political activity. Twenty (20) hours is the minimum number of hours per week an individual must work to be eligible for the exemption.

Q: How do I report my hours?
A: All adult household members who are non-exempt receive a CSSR Self-Certification Form on which they track their community service activities and hours. The self-certification is subject to verification with the organization for which the hours were completed.

Q: Do I have to turn in my community service/self-sufficiency hours every month?
A: CSSR Self-Certification Forms must be submitted at the time of your regular recertification. However, you may turn in CSSR forms monthly if you prefer.

Q: What if I become exempt during my lease?
A: You must report this change in status within 30 calendar days. The exemption will be effective immediately