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 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.
Notice:
The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) does not provide direct grants to individuals; SSBG does not charge a fee for receiving a grant. If you receive a message offering you an SSBG grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
For more information, please visit the Grant Fraud and Scams
Safety Net Resource for 26 Million
SSBG funds may be spent across 28 broad, specified services.
In 2020, states reported serving 26 million children and adults using SSBG.
To learn more, please visit SSBG's Grants Related Information and Funding Opportunities webpage for additional information.
Recovery Resource
The flexibility of SSBG funds helps grant recipients respond and recover from disasters.
Since 2005 states and territories have employed the broadness afforded in SSBG to help their populations.
To learn more, please visit SSBG’s Legislation Uniform Definition of Services webpage for additional information.
Need Help Finding Assistance?
SSBG is a capped entitlement program that provides funds to assist states and territories in delivering social services for children and adults with low incomes.
Each state and territory determines what services to support and which populations to serve.
Contact the SSBG officials in your state to learn what social services may be available to you.
To support social services directed towards achieving economic self-sufficiency; preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or the exploitation of children and adults; preventing or reducing inappropriate institutionalization; and securing referrals for institutional care, where appropriate, SSBG has made readily available their Fact Sheet for informational purposes and quick reference.
Grant Recipient Resources
The SSBG Online Data Portal is a data collection site that states/territories use to submit their Intended Use Plan and the Pre- and Post-Expenditure data for their block grant. Users of this site are state and territory program administrators for SSBG. Users also have access to program resources including program forms, SSBG legislation, policies, and webinar recordings.
Grant Recipient Spotlight
Welcome to SSBG’s Grant Recipient Resource Hub where States and Territories are featured for their great accomplishments:
- Florida (PDF)
- Louisiana (PDF)
- Oregon (PDF)
- US Virgin Islands (PDF)
To obtain guidance for assistance with implementing SSBG legislations, program instructions, and policy clarifications, in addition to disseminating information and program practices to stakeholders, please visit SSBG Policy and Guidance webpage.
Reports
SSBG’s annual reports contain information about the Social Services Block Grant Program and the latest report was prepared for the Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by Walter R McDonald & Associates (WRMA), Inc. , a TriMetrix Company under contract solicitation #75P00120R00183.
Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program is authorized under Title XX of the Social Security Act, as amended, and is codified at 42 USC 1397 through 1397e. See also Title V of the Omnibus Territories Act (Public Law 95-134), as amended. The implementing regulations for this and other block grant programs authorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 are published at 45 CFR Part 96. Those regulations include both specific requirements and general administrative requirements in lieu of 45 CFR Part 75 (the HHS implementation of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) for the covered block grant programs. Requirements specific to SSBG are found in 45 CFR Sections 96.70 through 96.74. Additionally, jurisdictions (insular areas) that apply for a consolidated grant are subject to 45 CFR Part 97 — Consolidation of Grants to the Insular Areas.
Consolidated Block Grant (CBG)
In accordance with the Omnibus Territories Act, Public Law 95-134, Section X of Title XX of the Social Security Act, Public Law 97-81, and 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 97.10-.17, the U.S. insular areas (hereafter, territories) of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands may consolidate up to 22 grant programs to form the Consolidated Block Grant (CBG).
Contact:
Office of Community Services
Division of Social Services
Social Services Block Grant
330 “C” Street, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Leadership
- Dr. Lanikque Howard, Director Office of Community Service
- Jolleen Janelle George, Deputy Director Office of Community Service