Summary
The Trump administration is urging states to stop taking Social Security benefits from foster children. These benefits are intended to support children whose parents have died. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wants states to make sure these funds go directly to the children.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is highlighting a problem where states take Social Security benefits from foster children.
- These benefits are meant for children who have lost parents, to help with living costs like housing and food.
- The Administration for Children and Families has reached out to governors, asking them to stop this practice.
- New Jersey has passed a law to prevent this practice.
- Around 27,000 children in foster care receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
- A representative payee can manage these benefits if the child cannot do so directly.
- The idea is for the child to receive their entitled support without states using it for other costs.
