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1. Who can apply for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)? 

Any individual with an income at or below the federal poverty guidelines can apply for services under the CSBG.

2. What are the eligibility criteria/guidelines for the CSBG?  

Eligibility is determined by the local CAA providing CSBG services in the county where you reside.  Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for CSBG services.

For households with more than eight (8) members, add $7,480 for each additional member. 

3. Who is the typical CSBG Client?

The typical CSBG program participants are low-income families and individuals struggling to maintain self-sufficiency due to economic and social barriers.  The CAAs gather information on all program participants seeking support in whole or in part from the CSBG.

More than 630,000 individuals and the 235,000 families served:

• 44% are younger than age seventeen; 
• More than 75,000 adults do not have a high school education;
• 10% of individuals have some type of disability;
• 20% of individuals lack health insurance;
• Mean household size is 2.6 persons;
• 35% of families were headed by single females;
• 78% of families with income at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines;
• 15% of families reported no income; and
• 50% are renters.

4. Is there a deadline to apply for CSBG Services?

No, currently the CSBG program is annually funded by Congress.

5. How do I get a job working with the CSBG?

The local CAAs offer a variety of services that promotes self-sufficiency.  To find out if employment services is one of the types of services offered, please contact the local CAA.

6. If I want additional information for receiving CSBG services, who do I contact?

Additional information about the CSBG can be obtained from the local CAA in the area where you reside.  You may also contact the Office of Community Services at 1-800-282-0880.