Access to the Self-Sufficiency Matrix as a Case Management Measurement tool is available upon request to the Data Center (hmis@ncceh.org).

The Self-Sufficiency Matrix (SSM) is a standardized measurement tool used in HMIS to track a client’s progress across multiple life domains over time. While not required by HUD, the SSM supports case management, outcome tracking, and program evaluation when used correctly.

This guide walks you through when to use SSM, how to complete it in HMIS, and how the data is used—from basic setup to advanced reporting.

SSM It Is Not

❌ A HUD-required assessment

❌ A replacement for HUD Entry, Annual, or Exit Assessments

❌ Required for all HMIS projects

SSM Is Used to

Track a clients self-sufficiency with a goal of showing changes over time. Clients’ status on each domain
is measured on a 5 point scale. To do this, the SSM should only be created once and updating it as the clients situations change.

Domains

Domains are questions that are standard areas of client self sufficiency. These "domains' are added up to create a total number or average sum. There is no standard across HMIS on when it is appropriate to start using this tool. Please consult with your agency admin on when that is.

When to Create or Update an SSM

First Point of Measurement

The First Point of Measurement is the initial or first SSM ever completed for a client within a project. This will be already pre-selected as Intake. HMIS uses the scores entered for each domain (question) to average a number for the total measurement tool. This helps to create a visual point (or set of points) on the SSM graph.

Use this when:

The client is newly enrolled in the project, or
The SSM has not previously been started for that client in the project

This establishes the client’s baseline and starting point.

Each SSM that is created afterwards is then used to create a point in the clients’ progress graph, giving you points you can see on a graph or bar chart.

SSM Updates

Once an SSM has already been created for a client in the same project the SSM has been started. You will only be able to select from Interim, Final and Follow up. SSM Updates are completed after the First Point of Measurement has been created.

Use updates when:

A client’s circumstances change
Progress has been made (or Clients sufficiency decreases)
You are completing a scheduled review based on program practice (30, 60, 90 Interim review)

Updates should always be added to the existing SSM, not by starting a new one.

Do not create a new SSM for the same client and project

How to Access the SSM in HMIS

In HMIS from your clients information tab, Select the Measurements tab.

If you do not see the Measurements tab, contact the Data Center

Select Measurements and select Add New Measurement

This will populate the New Measurement dialog box.

2. Select the point of measurement in which you are collecting the data. (Initial, Interim, Final or Follow-up)

3. For 'Information Reported to'; Select: Community Services User

4. Enter your agency information and your username. (Remember the Agency should match Your EDA mode.)

5. Point of Measurement: Initial will be used for Start Assessments, Interim is to be used for Interim Assessments and Final for Exit assessments

Self sufficiency is scored on a scale from 1 a client being more unstable to 5 client is stable and self sufficient.

6. Complete SSM in accordance to your clients response. There are 19 domains in total. Use the Self-Sufficiency Matrix Paper Form for physical documentation.

Shelter/Housing

Employment

Income

Food and Nutrition

Child Care

Children's Education

Adult Education

Health Care Coverage

Life Skills

Family Relations

Mobility

Community Involvement

Parenting Skills

Legal

Mental Health

Substance Abuse

Safety

Credit

Disabilities

Select: Save & Exit to complete.

Selecting Show Summary gives you an overview of all your clients SSMs.

Understanding the SSM Summary:

At the bottom of the SSM summary, there is a total number of each domains response and total number of each SSM with the average total of each SSM. You can use this to see how your client self sufficiency has gone up or down and share with others if needed.