Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Maryland Department of Human Services received a Social Services Block Grant (SSBG, CFDA 93.667) award of $19.6 million from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. Under this formula grant, Maryland will provide a flexible portfolio of social services tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations throughout the state, including child welfare services, adult protective services, mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, nutrition assistance, energy assistance, employment and training programs, and community support services. These services are designed to reduce dependency, promote self-sufficiency, protect individuals from neglect and abuse, and help those unable to care for themselves maintain independence or access appropriate care arrangements.

As a formula-based program requiring no competitive application process, Maryland's allocation is distributed quarterly upon the state's submission and federal acceptance of Pre-Expenditure Reports and Intended Use Plans. The state is expected to maintain comprehensive records documenting all expenditures and may sub-award portions of the grant to county governments, nonprofit organizations, community action agencies, and local service providers to facilitate comprehensive service delivery across the state. Compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and HHS-specific provisions under 2 CFR Part 300 applies to the award, with certain compliance requirements waived to maximize programmatic flexibility in addressing Maryland's specific social service priorities.