Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
Fact Sheet
What We Do
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. Grant recipients provide essential social services that help 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.
Who We Serve
SSBG serves households with low incomes.
2021 Highlights
Was appropriated to SSBG
Was transferred from State TANF funds
Children received SSBG services
Adults received SSBG services
Advancing Equity
In FY 2021, 19 states used $279 million in SSBG funds to provide services to approximately 630,000 individuals who had a disability or had a family member with a disability. Services provided include:
• Employment training programs • Independent living services and activities • Health support and connection services • Transportation • Case management
In FY 2021, 45 states used $226 million in SSBG funds to provide services to approximately 1 million vulnerable older adults. Services provided include:
• Home-delivered and congregate meals • Protective services to address or remedy abuse • Case management • Transportation • Counseling and referral • Health connective and support services
High Level Service Areas
SSBG funding can be used to support 29 social service areas, which are grouped into eight high level service areas (HLSAs).
Child Welfare/Youth at Risk
Adoption Services
Foster Care Services
Protective Services
Special Services for Youth at Risk
Self-Sufficiency
Education and Training Services
Employment Services
Independent/Transitional Living
Special Services
Individuals with Disabilities
Child Care
Day Care - Children
Health and Wellbeing
Family Planning Services
Health-Related Services
Pregnancy and Parenting
Residential Treatment
Substance Abuse Services
Vulnerable and Older Adults
Congregate Meals
Day Care
Foster Care Services
Home-Delivered Meals
Protective Services
Counseling and Support
Case Management
Counseling Services
Information and Referral
Additional Support Services
Home-Based Services
Housing Services
Legal Services
Prevention and Intervention
Recreational Services
Transportation
Other Services
Eligible Applicants
States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories (Guam, US Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa).
Program Highlights
The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) served 21 million individuals in fiscal year 2021. Of the 21 million individuals served, 9.5 million were children and 11.4 million were adults, including at least 1.8 million adults, aged 60 and older. In FY 2021, the top three service areas where states spent 64% of their SSBG include: • Child Welfare/Youth-at-Risk • Additional Support Services • Special Services – Disabled
*The presented data for FY 2021 should be considered preliminary pending final data validation.
Division of Social Services Office of Community Services ssbg@acf.hhs.gov