Federal Grant Award Summary

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the Department of Social Services California a Social Services Block Grant (SSBG, CFDA 93.667) in the amount of $123.5 million, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. This formula grant enables California to deliver a comprehensive range of social services tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations throughout the state, including child welfare services, adult protective services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, nutrition assistance, energy assistance, employment and training programs, and community support services. The funding supports California's capacity to reduce dependency, promote self-sufficiency, and protect individuals from neglect and abuse.

California's Department of Social Services Finance and Accounting Division administers these funds through a coordinated distribution network spanning all 58 counties, channeling resources to county-level social services agencies, nonprofit organizations including Catholic Charities of California, community colleges, local educational agencies, and community action organizations. Recipients are required to submit Pre-Expenditure Reports and Intended Use Plans semi-annually and maintain detailed expenditure records to demonstrate program compliance. The award reflects California's substantial federal social services portfolio, with the state receiving over $4.1 billion in combined federal grant funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, positioning it as a primary administrator of critical federal social services programs serving low-income families, children in foster care, refugees, elderly individuals, and persons with developmental disabilities.