Social Services Block Grant

The objective is to enable each state and territory to furnish social services best suited to the needs of the individuals residing in the state or territory. Federal funds may be used by recipients to provide services directed toward one of the foll

The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) is a flexible funding source that allows states and territories to tailor social service programming to their population's needs. Through the SSBG, states and territories provide essential social services that help achieve a myriad of goals to reduce dependency and promote self-sufficiency; protect children and adults from neglect, abuse and exploitation; and help individuals who are unable to take care of themselves to stay in their homes or to find the best institutional arrangements.

The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind are eligible entities for SSBG, and the insular areas for SSBG-Consolidated Block Grant.

Under Title XX of the Social Security Act, each eligible jurisdiction determines the services that will be provided and the individuals that will be eligible to receive services. Typically, children and adults, including seniors, as well as individuals with disabilities of any age, with incomes below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are beneficiaries of services or activities funded by SSBG or SSBG-CBG. However, states and territories set income thresholds for individuals served by the programs in their states with one caveat. States and territories transferring funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program may not serve individuals above 200% of the FPL. Citizens of Compacts of Free Association (COFA) countries (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) residing in the United States are included in the definition of qualified non-citizens* and are eligible as of March 9, 2024, for SSBG. *The statutory term is "qualified alien." The meaning of qualified alien and qualified non-citizen is intended to be synonymous.

Federal funds may be used by states or territories for the proper and efficient operation of social services. There are 29 categories for social services allowable under the SSBG program. These categories include: adoption services; case management services; congregate meals; counseling services; day care services-adults; day care services-children; education and training services; employment services; family planning services; foster care services for adults; foster care services-children; health related and home health services; home based services; home delivered meals; housing services; independent and transitional living services; information and referral; legal services; pregnancy and parenting services for young parents; prevention and intervention services; protective services for adults; protective services for children; recreational services; residential treatment services; special services for persons with developmental or physical disabilities; special services for youth involved in or at risk of involvement with criminal activity; substance abuse services; transportation services; and other services. A portion of funds may be used for technical assistance if needed. A State may transfer up to 10 percent of its allotment for any fiscal year to the preventive health and health services, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health services, primary care, maternal and child health services, and low-income home energy assistance block grants. In addition, funds may be transferred to other federal blocks grants for support of health services, health promotion and disease prevention activities, or low-income home energy assistance (or any combination of those activities). Under section 2002(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397a(d)), funds may be transferred in accordance with the provisions of that section to the preventive health and health services, alcohol and drug abuse and mental health services, primary care, maternal and child health services, and low-income home energy assistance block grants.

Awards are made quarterly on a fiscal year basis. Payments to a state or territory from its allotment for any fiscal year must be expended by the state or territory in such fiscal year or in the succeeding fiscal year. The Division of Payment Management Services will be used based for monthly drawdowns of funds.

All states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the territories, and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind will receive their share of funds if they submit a Pre-Expenditure Report and Intended Use Plan that meets the requirements, in accordance with OMB Form No. 0970-0234 (expires 03/31/2027). The requirements of the program are shared in official transmissions to authorized program officials and posted on the program website. The website address is http://www.acf.gov/ocs/programs/ssbg.

The Pre-Expenditure Report and Intended Use Plan (OMB No. 0970-0234, expires 03/31/2027) must be reviewed by the federal awarding agency program office and accepted as providing all requested information per the OMB-approved model form before the state or territory receives an award. States and territories are awarded funds quarterly by the federal awarding agency.

June 1 and September 1 of each fiscal year are the deadlines for the Pre-Expenditure Report and Intended Use Plan. The Post Expenditure Report is due no later than six months following the close of the fiscal year. For recipients following the state or territory fiscal year July 1 through June 30, the report is due close of business December 30. For recipients following the federal fiscal year September 1 through October 30, their Post Expenditure Reports are due no later than close of business March 30.

See 45 CFR, Part 16, Procedures of the Departmental Appeals Board and 45 CFR § 96.52, Appeals.