To ensure that foster children are able to use their Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, and other assets and benefits to address their needs and improve their lives.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · December 18, 2024
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
The Protecting Foster Youth Resources Act would prevent states from using foster children's Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits to pay for foster care maintenance or other state expenses. Instead, states must use these benefits to meet the children's unmet current needs and save the remainder for their future health, education, housing, and employment needs through protected accounts. The bill requires states to screen all foster children within 60 days of their initial review and annually thereafter to determine eligibility for Social Security and SSI benefits, and to assist eligible children in applying for these benefits before they leave foster care. States must develop individualized asset management plans for each foster child in collaboration with the child if age 14 or older, their attorney, and guardian ad litem, with plans reviewed at each status hearing. The legislation mandates that states provide annual accountings to foster children detailing all assets the state used for their care and requires technical assistance to be available from the federal government, with $4.5 million authorized for fiscal year 2025 and additional funding through 2030. The bill becomes effective within one year for federal Social Security requirements and at the start of the first quarter following enactment for state plan requirements, with flexibility for states needing legislation to comply.
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