Bill > S161

This bill proposes establishing a guaranteed monthly cash stipend of $1,000 for young adults who have transitioned out of foster care between the ages of 18 and 23. The stipend would be available for up to 5 years or a total of 60 monthly payments throughout the individual's lifetime, and would be paused if the person returns to foster care. Importantly, the stipend would not be counted as income when determining eligibility for other state benefits. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (referred to as "the department" in the bill) would be required to proactively inform eligible youth about the stipend when they are 17 and a half years old, and provide case management support to help them apply. This support would include assistance with setting up bank accounts, connecting youth to other state benefits, and offering financial literacy education. The department must also track and publish data on the number of young adults receiving the stipend, and cannot suspend or terminate the payments except in cases where the individual returns to foster care. The goal of this legislation is to provide financial stability and support for young adults as they transition out of the foster care system.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S161