COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY (CSR) PROGRAM

The Community Service and Self-Sufficiency Requirement (CSR) is mandated under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.  Under this act Congress requires all adults (except those that meet federal specified exemptions specified below) living in public housing to participate in at least 96 hours per year of community service and/or self-sufficiency activities.

Those persons who are exempt from the CSR are as follows:

  • Elderly Persons: anyone who is 62 years of age or older
  • Person who is Blind or Disabled: anyone who is a person with a disability and who certifies that they are unable to comply with the CSR due to their disability
  • Primary Caretaker of a Person who is Blind or Disabled: anyone who is the primary caretaker of a person who is blind or disabled
  • Engaged in Work Activities: anyone who, at least 8 hours per month, is engaged in work activities such as (but not limited to) employment, attending high school, or attending a program to get a GED/vocational training
  • Exempt from Work Requirements by State Program: someone who is receiving TANF or benefits from a state welfare program and exempt from work requirements
  • Member of a Family Receiving State Benefits: member of a household where at least one person is receiving state benefits such as TANF or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as “food stamps”) assistance”