Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Fact Sheet
What We Do
The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) is a flexible funding source that allows 57 grant recipients, including states and territories, to tailor social service programming to their populations’ needs. Through SSBG, grant recipients 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 stay in their homes or find the best institutional arrangements.
Who We Serve
SSBG target population is households with low incomes.
2022 Highlights
Appropriated by Congress
In total funding
Total recipients
Children received SSBG services
Adults received SSBG services
In FY22, 43 states allocated $238 million in SSBG funds to provide services to approximately 984,000 vulnerable older adults.
High Level Service Areas
SSBG funding supports 29 social service areas, which are grouped into eight high level service areas:
Child Welfare and Youth at Risk
Allocated to support child welfare and youth at risk. Three million individuals received support in the areas of:
- Adoption services
- Foster care services
- Protective services
Self-Sufficiency
Allocated to support services for self-sufficiency. One million individuals received services in the areas of:
- Education and training services
- Employment services
- Independent or transitional living
Additional Support Services
Allocated to support additional support services that help individuals through a variety of services. Two million people were reached with additional support services in the areas of:
- Home-based services
- Housing services
- Legal services
- Transportation
- Other services
Health and Wellbeing
Allocated for health and well-being. 628,000 individuals received support for services to maintain their health and well-being, including:
- Family planning services
- Pregnancy and parenting
- Substance abuse services
- Special services
Special Services
Allocated to support special services. 546,000 individuals received support for special services aimed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Counseling and Support
Allocated to support counseling and other support services. Nine million individuals were reached with support services, including:
- Case Management
- Counseling Services
Child Care
Allocated for child-care services. Two million individuals received support to maintain child care at day care centers.
Vulnerable and Older Adults
Allocated to support vulnerable and older adults. 984,000 vulnerable and adults 65 years and older were reached with special services, including:
- Congregate and home delivered meals
- Day care