Community Services Block Grant
Program Description
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded program administered by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services. Funding is provided to states, territories, and a nationwide network of local designated eligible entities to reduce poverty, strengthen communities, and help individuals and families achieve greater economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Local Community Services Block Grant Providers
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is administered by the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity and funding is provided exclusively to the established network of designated CSBG eligible entities, referred to as Community Action Agencies (CAAs). CSBG funds are not awarded to nonprofit organizations outside of this designated network. Reference South Carolina Code of Laws - Title 43 - Chapter 45. Local Community Action agencies (CAAs) assess the unique needs in the agency’s service area and offer assistance to address the priorities of the individuals, families and communities they serve. Therefore, each agency may offer different CSBG services which may include:
- Employment and workforce development
- Education and training
- Housing and stability
- Utility assistance
- Nutrition assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Income and asset building
- General emergency assistance
- Services that remove barriers to self-sufficiency
- Community initiatives
CSBG Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for assistance, individuals/households must be income and program eligible, and at a minimum provide the following:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (or qualified immigrants) for all household members;
- Proof of primary physical residency in South Carolina (government-issued identification);
- Gross 30-day income for all household members 18 and older; and
- Present a need at the time of application (ex. have a bill due).
Additional items may be required by the local CAA to receive assistance.
South Carolina determines income eligibility for CSBG at 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. HHS poverty guidelines are published in the Federal Register annually.
| CSBG Federal Poverty Guidelines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | 200% Annual | 200% Monthly |
| 1 | $31,920 | $2,660.00 |
| 2 | $43,280 | $3,606.67 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $4.553.33 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $5,500.00 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $6,446.67 |
| 6 | $88,720 | $7,393.33 |
| 7 | $100,080 | $8,340.00 |
| 8 | $111,440 | $9,286.67 |
| For each additional person,add | $11,360 | $946.67 |
Your Next Step
For more information about CSBG services, eligibility, or how to access assistance, please contact the Community Action agency serving your area.
Appeals Process
If you feel you were (1) treated unfairly or (2) denied service(s), please notify the Community Action Agency in your county of residence to appeal and request a fair hearing. Your application will be properly reviewed to determine eligibility based on the required documents provided.
If your appeal is denied by the Community Action Agency, a written appeal can be submitted to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Please send the appeal to the following address:
Office of Economic Opportunity
Attention: Legal Counsel
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 355
Columbia, South Carolina 29201