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.
2023 Highlights
Total SSBG Expenditures by Service Areas:
Individuals served
Of those served were children
Of those served were adults
Child welfare and youth at risk
Additional support services
Day care for children
Counseling and support
Special services for individuals with disabilities
Vulnerable and older adults
Health and well-being
Self-sufficiency
Individuals served
Of those served were children
Of those served were adults
Total SSBG expenditures by service areas:
Child welfare and youth at risk
Additional support services
Day care for children
Counseling and support
Special services for individuals with disabilities
Vulnerable and older adults
Health and well-being
Self-sufficiency
High Level Service Areas
SSBG funding supports 29 social service areas, which are grouped into eight high level service areas:
1. Child welfare and youth at risk
More than 3 million individuals received support in the areas of:
- Adoption services
- Foster care services
- Protective services
- Self-sufficiency
2. Self-sufficiency
More than 1 million individuals received services in the areas of:
- Education and training services
- Employment services
- Independent or transitional living
- Additional support services
3. Additional support services that help individuals through a variety of services
More than 2 million people were reached with additional support services in the areas of:
- Home-based services
- Housing services
- Legal services
- Transportation
- And other services
4. Health and well-being
More than 629,000 individuals received support for services to maintain their health and well-being, including:
- Family planning services
- Pregnancy and parenting
- Substance abuse services
- Special services
5. Special services for individuals with disabilities
More than 633,000 individuals received support for special services aimed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
6. Counseling and other support services
Over 7 million individuals were reached with support services, including:
- Case management
- Counseling services
- Child care
7. Child-care services
More than 2 million individuals received support to maintain child care at day care centers.
8. Vulnerable and older adults
More than 1 million vulnerable and adults 65 years and older were reached with special services, including:
- Congregate and home delivered meals
- Day care
