Bill > HB1229

This bill addresses the handling of Social Security payments for children in foster care in Hawaii by prohibiting the Department of Human Services from using Social Security income (SSI) payments received on behalf of foster children to cover foster care costs. Instead, the bill requires the department to establish a dedicated savings account for each foster child who receives Social Security payments, which will be collected and preserved for the child's future use. The bill aims to protect foster children's financial resources by ensuring that their Social Security benefits (which may come from deceased parents or be related to a child's disability) are not used to offset foster care expenses, but are instead saved and made accessible to the child when they leave foster care, either by returning to their family, being adopted, or aging out of the system. The legislation is motivated by findings that approximately 10% of foster youth in the United States are entitled to Social Security benefits, and that child welfare agencies have historically intercepted these payments without fully considering the long-term financial interests of the children. By mandating the creation of these savings accounts, the bill seeks to support foster children's future financial independence and educational opportunities.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1229&year=2026