SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK Information Memorandum |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Transmittal No. 03-2007
Date: May 21, 2007
TO: Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) State Officials and State Program Contacts
SUBJECT: Reporting of SSBG Supplemental Emergency Fund Expenditures
PURPOSE: To share with States reporting of SSBG Supplemental Emergency Funds services and activities that are categorized as "Other Services"
Background
The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109-148), also known as the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, provided $550 million in SSBG funding for FY 2006, in addition to the regularly-funded block grant program, to address the social and health services of individuals affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes. Moreover, unlike the regular SSBG funds, the authority as outlined in the Act allows for the use of SSBG Supplemental Emergency Funding by public, non-profit and private entities for the repair, renovation or construction of health care facilities, including mental health facilities affected by the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes.
The States receiving SSBG Emergency Supplemental funds are required to submit a post-expenditure report for the annual SSBG funding and a separate report for the SSBG Supplemental. Due to the unique nature of the SSBG Supplemental, some of the construction activities and health services may not fit the State's definition of services or the Uniform Definition of Services provided by HHS. In such cases, the States are advised to note the activity or service as "Other Services" and differentiate between construction costs, health care or mental health costs and include details in the SSBG Supplemental post-expenditure report using the definition provided below.
SSBG Post-Expenditure Report for Emergency Supplemental Funds
Emergency Supplemental Funds - Reports were due on March 31, 2007. States were reminded to track SSBG Emergency Supplemental fund expenditures separately from the annual SSBG allotments and submit expenditure data for Supplemental funds using the required OMB NO.: 0970-0234 form. In cases where no fit is possible between the State-defined services and the Uniform Definitions of Services, States were informed to note expenditures using item 29, "other services." States should clearly define all expenditures noted under "other services," including construction, health care and mental health services.
Definition of Services
Definitions for construction services should include the type of construction service (e.g. repair and/or renovation) as well as the number and type of facilities (e.g. health and/or mental health) for which Supplemental funds were used. Health care and mental health services should include the types of activities (or services) supported, and the categories or characteristics of individuals served (such as children, adults 59 and younger, adults 60 and older) (42 U.S.C. 1397c) .
Please address inquiries to:
Marsha Werner
Social Services Block Grant Program Manager
Office of Community Services
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW
Washington, DC 20447
Telephone: (202) 401-5281
Fax: (202) 401-5718
Email:mwerner@acf.hhs.gov
_______________________
Josephine B. Robinson
Director
Office of Community Services