1 

Allowable Recovery Support Services (RSS) Expenditures through the SUBG and the MHBG 

Recovery and Recovery Support Services 

The process of recovery is unique to each individual and can take different paths. It can involve clinical treatment, medications, faith-based 

approaches, peer and family support, self-care, and other methods. Recovery is characterized by continuous growth and improvement in health and 

well-being. Since recovery is highly personalized, the services and support offered must be suitable for different age groups and adaptable to ensure 

cultural relevance. Recovery support services are based in the community and occur across the lifespan of the individual. These services address an 

individual’s environment and provide emotional and practical support to sustain recovery. Recovery is defined as a process of change through which 

individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential (SAMHSA, 2010). This definition does 

not describe recovery as a single point in time, but rather as an ongoing process. SAMHSA has identified four dimensions that support a life in 

recovery. Below are these dimensions outlining allowable costs for recovery support services: 

The Four Major Dimensions of Recovery

• Health: Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms, and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional

well-being;

• Home: Having a stable and safe place to live;

• Purpose: Conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the

independence, income, and resources to participate in society;

• Community: Having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

SAMHSA promotes recovery support systems that involve collaboration with individuals in recovery from mental and substance use disorders, as 

well as their family members. These systems aim to guide the behavioral health system and promote approaches at the individual, program, and 

system levels that foster health, wellness, and resilience. They also strive to increase supportive housing services, reduce barriers to employment, 

education, and other life goals, and establish necessary social supports within chosen communities. 

Recovery support services are offered in various settings and help individuals enter and navigate care systems, remove obstacles to recovery, stay 

engaged in the recovery process, and lead fulfilling lives in their chosen communities. These non-clinical services are culturally and linguistically 

appropriate and assist individuals and families working towards recovery from mental and/or substance use problems. They encompass a wide range 

of social, legal, and other services that facilitate recovery, wellness, and connection between service providers and other supports known to enhance 

people's quality of life. Recovery support services can be provided before, during, or after clinical treatment, and may also be available to individuals 

who are not currently receiving treatment but seek support services. Professionals and peers deliver these services through various community and 

faith-based groups, treatment providers, schools, and specialized services. The diverse options for service delivery ensure that the life experiences of 

all individuals are respected and represented. The following are examples of recovery support services that could be covered by block grants (the list 

is not exhaustive).

August, 2023
2 

Examples of Recovery Support Services That Are Allowable through the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment 

Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG)

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 includes language requiring SAMHSA block grant program recipients to report recovery support 

services delivered. This table identifies allowable services under the SUPTRS Block Grant for recovery support services. It includes several 

definitions that grantees will need to meet reporting requirements found in the FY 24-25 MHBG/SUBG Application and Reporting Package. Further 

instructions are found in the application. We look forward to beginning the process of capturing the data to measure the great recovery support 

service work happening throughout the country. 

SUBG Recovery Support Service types listed below are subject to statutory and regulatory conditions, requirements, and restrictions, including 

Public Health Service Act, sections 1921–1935 and sections 1941–1954, 42 U.S.C. §300x-21 to §300x-35, §300x-51 to §300x-68, 45 C.F.R. Part 75, 

45 C.F.R Part 96, Subpart C, §96.1 through §96.33, and 45 C.F.R. Part 96, Subpart L, §96.120 through §96.137, and Office of Financial Resources 

(OFR) policies, procedures, and SUBG Notice of Award (NoA) Terms and Conditions. All SUBG RSS expenditures are subject to SPO and GMS 

annual SUBG Plan approval. 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

I. Home

Yes, allowable for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and activities for eligible SUD individuals (unless otherwise 

disallowed or restricted in this document, or through statute, regulation, or policy). 

Recovery and Supportive 

Housing Assistance. 

Examples of SUD recovery 

housing standards include:

Not allowable as support or assistance that is provided directly to a SUD individual, but rather 

must be provided to an eligible recovery housing organization. 

Also approved when provided under §96.129 “Revolving funds for establishment of homes in 

which recovering substance abusers may reside”. 

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)
3 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

• Nationally or state

certified and/or

licensed

• Peer Respite Centers

• Temporary housing

assistance

• Deposits

• Assistance setting-up

power (electricity,

heating, internet, etc.)

as deemed appropriate

and allocable

• Peer recovery efforts

that engage culturally

diverse and

underserved

populations

• Naloxone distribution

Recovery Housing* provides an individual or group in SUD recovery with recovery housing, 

delivered in an approved facility by an approved recovery housing organization. Recovery 

Housing facilities are required to be nationally or state certified and/or licensed as a SUD 

recovery housing facility by a government entity. Recovery Housing facilities are required to 

ensure that any approved activities are consistent with the definition of, and best practices for, 

recovery housing (42 U.S.C. 290ee-5; section 550 PHS Act, as amended), and meet the “Ten 

Guiding Principles” of SAMHSA’s Recovery Housing: Best Practices and Suggested 

Guidelines, 2018, THIS DOCUMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF REVISION BY SAMHSA. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv);

§300x-25;

§96.129

42 U.S.C. 290ee-5; section

550 PHS Act, as amended

• Homeless outreach

programs

• Peer recovery efforts

that engage culturally

diverse and

underserved

populations

Peer-to-Peer Support Individual* provides persons in or seeking SUD recovery with an 

individual recovery support service delivered by a peer recovery support specialist, family support 

provider, youth specialist, recovery coach or the equivalent. The RSS participant receives an 

approved RSS from a peer with lived experience in SUD recovery. The grantee and/or 

subrecipient agency must approve the RSS and the group or organization providing the service. 

The delivery of the service is time limited and cost approved.

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A) (ii)

and (iv)
4 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

II. Health

Federal Marijuana Restriction: SAMHSA grant funds may not be used to purchase, prescribe, or provide marijuana or treatment using marijuana. See, e.g., 45 

CFR § 75.300(a) (requiring HHS to ensure that Federal funding is expended in full accordance with U.S. statutory and public policy requirements); 21 U.S.C. 

812(c)(10) and 841 (prohibiting the possession, manufacture, sale, purchase, or distribution of marijuana). [From FY 23 SUBG Notice of Award Terms and 

Conditions]

SUBG Restriction on Purchase or Distribution of Hypodermic Needles or Syringes for Illicit Drug Use: No funds ... shall be used to purchase sterile needles 

or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug: 

Provided, That such limitation does not apply to the use of funds for elements of a program other than making such purchases if the relevant State or local 

health department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, determines that the State or local jurisdiction, as applicable, is 

experiencing, or is at risk for, a significant increase in hepatitis infections or an HIV outbreak due to injection drug use, and such program is operating in 

accordance with State and local law. This restriction does not apply to the purchase or distribution of hypodermic needles or syringes, as part of an overdose 

reversal kit, that are purchased or distributed to be used in the legal administration of naloxone as an opioid overdose reversal agent. 

45 CFR § 75.300 (a); 

§96.135(a)(6)

Peer-led support groups, 

both in-person and virtual. 

Examples include but are 

not limited to:

Yes, allowable for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and 

activities for eligible SUD individuals (unless otherwise disallowed or restricted in this document, 

or through statute, regulation, or policy). 

Not approved as a RSS when delivered as a SUBG clinical treatment service, a medical treatment 

service, or as an identified Primary Prevention Program strategy, activity, or service under 

§96.125.

• All Recovery Meetings

• Family Groups

(CRAFT, parenting

classes, etc.)

• Gender specific

support groups

• Youth and young adult

groups

• Older adult groups

• Co-occurring peer

support efforts

• Peer recovery efforts

that engage culturally

diverse and

underserved

populations

• Naloxone distribution

Peer-Led Support Group* provides persons in or seeking SUD recovery with group support 

delivered by a peer support specialist. The RSS participant receives an approved RSS from a peer 

with lived experience in SUD recovery. The grantee and/or subrecipient agency must approve the 

RSS and the group or organization providing the service. The delivery of the service is time 

limited and cost approved.

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Requirements.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)
5 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

• Coordination and 

education on physical 

health for 

testing/treatment of:

o HIV/AIDS

o HCV

o STD

o COVID (infectious 

diseases)

• Fitness activities 

including gyms, fitness 

groups

• Complementary and 

alternative approaches 

• Peer recovery efforts 

that engage culturally 

diverse and 

underserved 

populations

• Naloxone distribution 

• Smoking cessation 

education

Recovery Health and Wellness Educational Event or Activity** provides persons in or seeking 

SUD recovery with individual or group recovery health and wellness educational events or 

activities delivered by a qualified individual. The grantee and/or subrecipient agency must 

approve the RSS and the group or organization providing the service. The delivery of the service 

is time limited, and cost approved.

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State [or subrecipients] shall not expend the Block 

Grant on the following activities: To make cash payments to intended recipients of health services. 

[Title 45, Subtitle A, Subchapter A, Part 96, Subpart L, §96.135(a)(2)] 

Payments are restricted to approved vendors as described above and may not include payments to 

clients or client’s family members.

Not approved for the payment of fitness center, gym, or related fitness or recreational organization 

membership fees or equipment. 

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv);

§300x-31; 

§96.135(a)(2) 

• Peer support worker 

providing: 

o Overdose Prevention

o Naloxone distribution 

o Peer recovery efforts 

that engage culturally 

diverse and 

underserved 

populations

o Naloxone distribution

Peer-Led Recovery Educational Workshop or Event** RSS provides persons in or seeking SUD 

recovery with recovery educational workshops or event services, delivered by a peer support 

specialist in SUD recovery. The RSS participant receives an approved RSS from a peer with lived 

experience in SUD recovery. The grantee and/or subrecipient agency must approve the RSS and 

the group or organization providing the service. The delivery of the service is time limited, and 

cost approved.

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)
6 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

• Culturally based 

recovery practices, 

such as:

o Learning Circles

o Sweat lodge

o Traditional healing 

ceremonies

o Pow wows

• Peer recovery efforts 

that engage culturally 

diverse and underresourced populations

• Naloxone distribution

Culturally Based Recovery Practice or Creative and Expressive Arts Recovery Activity**

provides persons in or seeking SUD recovery with individual or group culturally based recovery 

practices or creative and expressive arts recovery activities, delivered by a qualified individual. 

The grantee and/or subrecipient agency must approve the RSS and the group or organization 

providing the service. The delivery of the service is time limited, and cost approved.

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)

III. Purpose

Yes, allowable for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and activities for eligible SUD individuals (unless otherwise 

disallowed or restricted in this document, or through statute, regulation, or policy). 

Not approved for the payment of tuition, fees, loan repayments, or educational related costs for secondary school, college, technical school, or other educational 

institutions for SUBG supported staff or clients. 

Not approved as a RSS when delivered as a SUBG clinical treatment service, a medical treatment service, or as an identified Primary Prevention Program 

strategy, activity, or service under §96.125.

• Educational 

Workshops: 

o Recovery 101 

o Mutual aid groups

o Wellness training

o Shared Decision 

Making

o GED classes

o Peer Provided Life 

Skills

o Stress Management

o Stigma Reduction

o Leadership 

Development

o Rights protection

o Naloxone distribution

Peer-Led Recovery Educational Workshop or Event** RSS provides persons in or seeking SUD 

recovery with recovery educational workshops or event services, delivered by a peer support 

specialist in SUD recovery. 

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

Federal Prohibition on Lobbying: SUBG funds may not be used to support advocacy or lobbying 

activities that are prohibited by federal law. 

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)
7 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

Recovery Friendly 

Workplace (RFW) and 

Supportive Employment

• Services such as:

resume building, onthe-job training,

employment coaching

• Outreach to employers

to hire individuals in

recovery

• Supported Education

and employment

• Naloxone distribution

Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative, Activity, or Supportive Employment Service**

provides an individual in or seeking SUD recovery with Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) 

initiatives, activities, or supportive employment services. The grantee and/or subrecipient agency 

must approve the RSS and the group or organization providing the service. The delivery of the 

service is time limited, and cost approved.

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)

• Computer equipment

to provide training for

GED, job skills,

resume development

and job applications

Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative, Activity, or Supportive Employment Service**

provides an individual in or seeking SUD recovery with Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) 

initiatives, activities, or supportive employment services

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

Yes, allowable for the purchase or leasing by SUBG grantees or approved subrecipient providers, 

for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and activities for 

eligible SUD individuals.

Not approved to allow for the purchase of electronic equipment, technology services, or 

technology services supports for clients or family members of clients.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)

• Recovery high schools /

RSS programs

• Collegiate recovery

programs schools /

RSS

• Naloxone distribution

Secondary School, High School, or Collegiate Recovery Program Service or Activity* provides 

persons in SUD recovery with an individual or group Secondary School, High School, or 

Collegiate Recovery Program sponsored service or activity. The grantee and/or subrecipient 

agency must approve the RSS and the group or organization providing the service. The delivery of 

the service is time limited, and cost approved. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)

• Training of Peer

Specialists with

guidance from model

standards set forth by

SAMHSA in June 2023

Peer-Led Training or Peer Certification Activity* provides persons in SUD recovery with an 

approved individual or group peer-led training or peer certification activity, that is delivered by a 

qualified training entity. The grantee and/or subrecipient agency must approve the RSS and the 

group or organization providing the service. The delivery of the service is time limited, and cost 

approved. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)
8 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

IV. Community

Yes, allowable for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and activities for eligible SUD individuals (unless otherwise 

disallowed or restricted in this document, or through statute, regulation, or policy). 

Not approved as a RSS when delivered as a SUBG clinical treatment service, a medical treatment service, or as an identified Primary Prevention Program 

strategy, activity, or service under §96.125.

• Peer-to-Peer Support

to include peer

specialists, peer

coaches, family

support providers,

peer mentors, youth

peer specialists, peer

support specialists

• Telephonic and other

technology-assisted

recovery support

including recovery

check-ins

• Co-occurring peer

support efforts

• Peer recovery efforts

that engage culturally

diverse and

underserved

populations

• Outreach

• Naloxone distribution

Peer-to-Peer Support Individual* provides persons in or seeking SUD recovery with an 

individual recovery support service delivered by a peer recovery support specialist, family support 

provider, youth specialist, recovery coach or the equivalent. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)
9 

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

• Information and 

Referral

• Recovery Community 

Organizations 

• Recovery Cafes 

• Drop-in centers

• Peer-led Warm lines

• Social support and 

social inclusion 

activities including 

support for Recovery 

Month activities and 

Recovery Community 

Centers (RCCs) events

• Naloxone distribution

Recovery Community Organization (RCO) or Recovery Community Center (RCC) Service or 

Activity** provides individual or group services and activities sponsored by an RCO or RCC. The 

grantee and/or subrecipient agency must approve the RSS and the RCO or RCC providing the 

service. The delivery of the service is time limited and cost approved.

**Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting 

Requirements, to be reported under “Other SAMHSA Approved RSS Event or Activity”.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv);

§96.135(a)(3) 

• Social support and 

social inclusion 

activities including 

support for Recovery 

Month activities and 

Recovery Community 

Centers (RCCs) events

Recovery Social Support or Social Inclusion Activity* provides persons in or seeking SUD 

recovery with group recovery social support or social inclusion activities, through a recovery 

organization or recovery community center. The grantee and/or subrecipient agency must approve 

the RSS and the group or organization providing the service. The delivery of the service is time 

limited, and cost approved. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv)

• Family Caregiver 

Support

RSS Childcare Fee or Family Caregiver Fee* provides funding to an approved childcare or 

adult care vendor that is authorized by a grantee or subrecipient agency for a limited defined fee 

payment agreement. No more than four (4) RSS community events per participant per month are 

eligible for reimbursement. Licensed Childcare and Adult Care Providers are required to obtain 

approval for childcare and adult care fees for RSS participants who are receiving services in the 

community, for a period of not more than one (1) calendar year. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State [or subrecipients] shall not expend the Block 

Grant on the following activities: To make cash payments to intended recipients of health services. 

[Title 45, Subtitle A, Subchapter A, Part 96, Subpart L, §96.135(a)(2)] 

Payments are restricted to approved vendors as described above, and may not include payments to 

clients, participants, or their family members.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv);

§300x-31(a)(1)(B)

§96.135(a)(2) 
10

Recovery Support Services 

(RSS)

SUBG Allowable Expenditures SUBG Citation or 

Reference

• Transportation RSS Transportation Fee* provides funding to an approved transportation vendor that is 

authorized by a grantee or subrecipient agency for a limited defined fee payment agreement. 

Funding is limited to no more than four (4) RSS community events per participant per month, for a 

bus pass, a taxicab voucher, or a Lyft or Uber charge. RSS transportation fees are required to be 

authorized as necessary as determined by the grantee or subrecipient agency for an RSS 

participant to receive RSS offered in the community, for a period of no more than one (1) calendar 

year.

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State [or subrecipients] shall not expend the Block 

Grant on the following activities: To make cash payments to intended recipients of health services. 

[Title 45, Subtitle A, Subchapter A, Part 96, Subpart L, §96.135(a)(2)] 

Payments are restricted to approved vendors as described above, and may not include payments to 

clients, participants, or their family members.

§300x-21 (b);

§300x-32 (b)(1)(A)(iv);

§96.135(a)(2) 

• Other SAMHSA 

Approved SUD RSS 

Event or Activity 

Other SAMHSA Approved SUD RSS Event or Activity* provides persons in or seeking SUD 

recovery with an RSS event or activity delivered by a peer support specialist. The grantee and/or 

subrecipient agency must approve the RSS and the group or organization providing the service. 

The delivery of the service is time limited, and cost approved. 

*Included in the OMB approved FY 24-25 SUBG Application and Reporting Package.

It is recommended that CSAT SPOs should be consulted by grantees regarding any planned 

expenditures of SUBG funds for any other Recovery Support Services, for the SPO to obtain 

OFR-DGM written preapproval for such expenditures. 

***********************
11

Examples of Recovery Support Services Allowable through the Community Mental Health Services Mental Health 

Block Grant (MHBG)

Recovery support services are integral to the provision of comprehensive and high-quality mental health care. Recovery support services play an 

important role in assisting individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) or Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) on their path to recovery. It is 

imperative for states to actively explore avenues to integrate recovery support services, including those delivered by peers, into their continuum of 

care. SAMHSA’s BG guidelines as demonstrated in the following MHBG table outline allowable recovery support services within the federal 

statutory and regulatory parameters. This concerted effort ensures that individuals receive holistic care, treatment, recovery, and other support 

services.

MHBG Recovery Support Service types listed below are subject to statutory and regulatory conditions, requirements, and restrictions, including 42 

U.S.C. §300x to §300x-9, 45 C.F.R. §96.30, and Office of Financial Resources (OFR) policies, procedures, and MHBG Notice of Award (NoA) 

Terms and Conditions. In addition, please refer to 42 U.S.C §300x-5 for prohibited activities. All MHBG RSS expenditures are subject to SAMHSA 

approval.

Recovery Support Services (RSS) MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

I. Home

Yes, allowable for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and activities for eligible MHBG individuals (unless otherwise

disallowed or restricted in this document, or through statute, regulation, or policy

• Peer Respite Centers The RSS participant with SMI/SED receives an approved 

RSS from a peer with lived experience in mental health 

recovery. The grantee (state) must approve the RSS and the 

group or organization providing the service as a mental health 

provider and an approved service for people with SMI/SED 

§300x–2(b) (1) Services under the plan will be

provided only through appropriate, qualified

community programs (which may include

community mental health centers, child mentalhealth programs, psychosocial rehabilitation

programs, mental health peer-support programs,

and mental-health primary consumer-directed

programs)

• Supported Housing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) including case 

management services for individuals with SMI/SED are 

allowable expenditures

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance

• Homeless outreach programs Yes, if it for individuals with SMI/SED §300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance
12

Recovery Support Services (RSS) MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

II. Health

Federal Marijuana Restriction: SAMHSA grant funds may not be used to purchase, prescribe, or provide marijuana or treatment using marijuana. See, e.g., 45

CFR § 75.300(a) (requiring HHS to ensure that Federal funding is expended in full accordance with U.S. statutory and public policy requirements); 21 U.S.C.

812(c)(10) and 841 (prohibiting the possession, manufacture, sale, purchase, or distribution of marijuana).

Peer-led support groups, both inperson and virtual. Examples include 

but are not limited to:

• All Recovery Meetings

• Family Groups (CRAFT, parenting

classes, etc.)

• Gender specific support groups

• Youth and young adult groups

• Older adult groups

• Co-occurring peer support efforts

• Peer recovery efforts that engage

culturally diverse and underserved

populations

Peer-Led Support Groups provide persons/families seeking 

mental health recovery with group support delivered by a 

peer support specialist. The grantee (state) must approve the 

RSS and the group or organization providing the service as a 

mental health provider and an approved service for people 

with SMI/SED

§300x–2(b) (1) Services under the plan will be

provided only through appropriate, qualified

community programs (which may include

community mental health centers, child mentalhealth programs, psychosocial rehabilitation

programs, mental health peer-support programs,

and mental-health primary consumer-directed

programs)

• Tobacco Cessation Tobacco cessation programs provided as part of treatment 

and recovery support services for individuals with SMI/SED 

is an allowable expenditure

§300x–66. Services for individuals with cooccurring disorders

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance

• Clinician training on recovery-based

approaches

Clinician training as an educational activity is an allowable 

expenditure as long as the training is for providers and 

employees who are providing services to individuals with 

SMI/SED

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and

educational activities related to providing services

under the plan

• Person-Centered Planning Person-Centered Planning for those with SMI/SED is an 

allowable expenditure.

42 CFR § 441.725 SAMHSA is adopting the 

definition of person-centered planning in CMS 

medical assistance programs

Peer support worker providing:

• Overdose Prevention Peer-Led Recovery Educational Workshop or Event

RSS provides persons in or seeking mental health or cooccurring (MH/SUD) recovery with recovery educational 

workshops or event services, delivered by a peer support 

specialist for individuals with SMI/SED.

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance

§300x–66. Services for individuals with cooccurring disorders

• Outreach Outreach to people with SMI/SED for recovery support 

services and treatment is an allowable expenditure.

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance
13

Recovery Support Services (RSS) MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

• Culturally based recovery practices, 

such as: 

o Learning Circles

o Sweat lodge

o Traditional healing 

ceremonies

o Pow wows

The grantee (state) must approve the RSS and the group or 

organization providing the service as a mental health provider 

and an approved service for people with SMI/SED 

Please note:

1. Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State 

[or subrecipients] shall not expend MHBG to make 

cash payments to intended recipients of health 

services. [300x-5] 

§300x–2(b) (1) Services under the plan will be 

provided only through appropriate, qualified 

community programs (which may include 

community mental health centers, child mentalhealth programs, psychosocial rehabilitation 

programs, mental health peer-support programs, 

and mental-health primary consumer-directed 

programs) 

45 CFR Part 96.30 – Block Grants

§ 96.30 Fiscal and administrative requirements. 

300x-5 Restrictions on Use of Payments

III. Purpose

Educational Workshops:

• Recovery & Self-Management

• WRAP

• E-CPR

Training as an educational activity is an allowable 

expenditure as long as it is for individuals with SMI/SED, 

providers, and/or employees who are providing services to 

individuals with SMI/SED 

Please note:

1. Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State 

[or subrecipients] shall not expend MHBG to make 

cash payments to intended recipients of health 

services. [300x-5] 

2. Not approved for the payment of tuition, fees, loan 

repayments, or educational related costs for 

secondary school, college, technical school, or other 

educational institutions for MHBG supported staff or 

clients.

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and 

educational activities related to providing services 

under the plan

45 CFR Part 96

• Recovery 101

• Mutual aid groups

• Wellness training

• Shared Decision Making

• GED classes (as part of supported 

education) 

• Peer Provided Life Skills 

• Stigma Reduction

• Stress Management

Peer-Led Recovery Educational Workshop or Event 

RSS provides persons with SMI/SED in or seeking mental 

health recovery with recovery educational workshops or 

event services, delivered by a peer support specialist in 

mental health recovery. 

The grantee (state) must approve the RSS and the group or 

organization providing the service as a mental health provider 

and an approved service for people with SMI/SED 

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and 

educational activities related to providing services 

under the plan

45 CFR Part 96 
14

Recovery Support Services (RSS) MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) 

Initiatives and Supportive 

Employment/Education:

• Services such as: resume building,

on-the-job training, employment

coaching

• Outreach to employers to hire

individuals in recovery

• Training of Peer Specialists with

guidance from model of standards set

forth by SAMHSA in May 2023.

Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative, Activity, 

or Supportive Employment Services: Provides an 

individual in or seeking mental health recovery with 

Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiatives, activities, 

or supportive employment/education services. The service 

must be part of a recognized non-clinical, evidence-based 

practice for individuals with SMI/SED (for example, as part 

of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Supported Employment or 

Case Management)

Training as an educational activity is an allowable 

expenditure as long as the training is for individuals with 

SMI/SED as part of Supported Education, Supported 

Employment and/or Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 

Please note:

1. Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State [or

subrecipients] shall not expend MHBG to make cash

payments to intended recipients of health services. [300x-5]

2. Not approved for the payment of tuition, fees, loan

repayments, or educational related costs for secondary

school, college, technical school, or other educational

institutions for MHBG supported staff or clients.

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and

educational activities related to providing services

under the plan

45 CFR Part 96

• Supported Education and

employment

Supported Employment and Supported Education are 

allowable expenditures as long as these are for individuals 

with SMI/SED.

Please note:

1. Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State [or

subrecipients] shall not expend MHBG to make cash

payments to intended recipients of health services. [300x-5]

2. Not approved for the payment of tuition, fees, loan

repayments, or educational related costs for secondary

school, college, technical school, or other educational

institutions for MHBG supported staff or clients.

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance
15

Recovery Support Services (RSS) MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

• Computer equipment to provide 

training for GED, job skills, resume 

development and job applications

Allowable if it is for a psychosocial rehabilitation program 

provider.

Please note: 

Purchasing computer equipment, software, Wi-Fi are not 

allowable for individual clients. (Restriction on Cash 

Payments to Clients: The State [or subrecipients] shall not 

expend MHBG to make cash payments to intended recipients 

of health services. [300x-5])

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health 

services for adults with a serious mental illness and 

children with a serious emotional disturbance 

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and 

educational activities related to providing services 

under the plan

IV. Community

Yes, allowable for the provision of recognized non-clinical RSS evidence-based practices and activities for eligible individuals with SMI/SED (unless otherwise 

disallowed or restricted in this document, or through statute, regulation, or policy). 

• Peer-to-Peer Support to include peer 

specialists, youth peer specialists, 

peer coaches, peer mentors, peer 

support specialists 

• Drop-in centers

• Peer recovery efforts that engage 

culturally diverse and underserved 

populations 

• Co-occurring peer support efforts 

• Telephonic and other technologyassisted recovery support including 

recovery check-ins 

• Social support and social inclusion 

activities including support for 

Recovery Month activities and 

Recovery Community Centers 

(RCCs) events

• Peer-led Warm lines

Peer-to-Peer Support Individual provides persons in or 

seeking mental health recovery with an individual recovery 

support service delivered by a peer recovery support 

specialist, youth specialist, recovery coach or the equivalent. 

The grantee (state) must approve the RSS and the group or 

organization providing the service as a mental health provider 

and an approved service for people with SMI/SED 

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health 

services for adults with a serious mental illness and 

children with a serious emotional disturbance 

§300x–2(b) (1) Services under the plan will be 

provided only through appropriate, qualified 

community programs (which may include 

community mental health centers, child mentalhealth programs, psychosocial rehabilitation 

programs, mental health peer-support programs, 

and mental-health primary consumer-directed 

programs) 

• Information and Referral Information and Referral is an allowable expenditure when 

providing these services for individuals with SMI/SED. 

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health 

services for adults with a serious mental illness and 

children with a serious emotional disturbance 

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and 

educational activities related to providing services 

under the plan
16

Recovery Support Services (RSS) MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

• Peer-Operated Services including

Recovery Community Organizations

The grantee (state) must approve the RSS and the group or 

organization providing the service as a mental health provider 

and an approved service for people with SMI/SED. 

§300x–2(b) (1) Services under the plan will be

provided only through appropriate, qualified

community programs (which may include

community mental health centers, child mentalhealth programs, psychosocial rehabilitation

programs, mental health peer-support programs,

and mental-health primary consumer-directed

programs)

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community mental health

services for adults with a serious mental illness and

children with a serious emotional disturbance

45 CFR Part 96 – Block Grants § 96.30 Fiscal and

administrative requirements.

• Family Caregiver Support The service must be part of a recognized non-clinical, 

evidence-based practice for individuals with SMI/SED (for 

example, psychoeducation). The grantee (state) must approve 

the RSS and the group or organization providing the service 

as a mental health provider and an approved service for 

people with SMI/SED. 

Please note: 

1. Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State

[or subrecipients] shall not expend MHBG to make

cash payments to intended recipients of health

services. [300x-5]

2. The grantee (state) must approve the RSS and the

group or organization providing the service as a

mental health provider and an approved service for

people with SMI/SED.

§300x-(b) (4) Planning, administration, and

educational activities related to providing services

under the plan
17

***********************

Recovery Support 

Services (RSS)

MHBG Allowable Expenditure MHBG Citation or Reference

• Transportation RSS Transportation Fee provides funding to an approved transportation vendor that is 

authorized by a grantee or subrecipient agency for a limited defined fee payment 

agreement. Funding is limited to a bus pass, a taxicab voucher, or a Lyft or Uber charge. 

RSS transportation fees are required to be authorized as necessary as determined by the 

grantee or subrecipient agency for an RSS participant to receive RSS offered in the 

community. 

Please note: Restriction on Cash Payments to Clients: The State [or subrecipients] shall 

not expend the Block Grant on the following activities: To make cash payments to intended 

recipients of health services. [300x-5]. Payments are restricted to approved vendors as 

described above, and may not include payments to clients, participants, or their family 

members.

§300x-(b) (1) Providing community

mental health services for adults with a

serious mental illness and children with a

serious emotional disturbance