AARP Hearing Center
Background
Two federal programs help states provide a broad range of social services important to older adults: the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). States can use the SSBG to help older adults maintain self-sufficiency, prevent or remedy abuse or exploitation, provide in-home services to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, and offer services to individuals in institutions as needed. States allocate funds from the CSBG to entities to help alleviate poverty in communities with low incomes. These entities provide services and activities that address employment, education, housing, and other needs.
The value of these block grants has declined in recent decades. This is due to inflation, spending freezes, and budget cuts. At the same time, service demand continues to grow as the number of older people increases.
SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANTS: Policy
SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANTS: Policy
Funding
Congress should increase funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Funding should reflect the increased population of older Americans. It also should help meet the service needs of communities with low incomes.
Addressing the needs of older people
The federal government should require state CSBG and SSBG officials to consult with state and local agencies, organizations representing older people, and other groups served by the programs. They should ensure that the services provided are appropriate to meet community needs.
State and local governments must devote a fair proportion of their block-grant funds to meeting the needs of older people.
Congress should maintain and enhance existing data collection requirements. In addition, Congress should require states to prepare yearly expenditure reports with age-specific and uniform data on program activities related to the social service needs of specific populations. These populations include racial and ethnic groups that are discriminated against, rural residents, and people with disabilities.
Eligible agencies
States should distribute public revenue only to social service agencies that are formally accountable to taxpayers. This should be demonstrated by performance-based measures.
States also must ensure that religious organizations receiving funds do not discriminate against or impose religious practices or beliefs on those who apply for or receive services.