The federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to carry out a variety of activities designed to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. The following Q&A is intended to assist state CSBG lead agencies and CAAs in better understanding certain aspects of determining client eligibility for CSBG services or benefits provided by CAAs.

In light of the lessons learned from facilitating supplemental CSBG funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all CAAs should review their income eligibility procedures to better prepare for future emergencies. CAPLAW recently created this supplement resource to provide insights specific to facilitating income verification during disasters and emergencies.