Bill > A08036

This bill requires commissioners of local social services districts to proactively manage federal benefits for children in foster care by establishing comprehensive screening, application, and management protocols. Specifically, commissioners must screen foster children for potential eligibility for various federal benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and veterans' benefits within 60 days of a child entering foster care, and then rescreen annually. When appointed as a representative payee, commissioners must develop financial plans with the child, use benefits to meet unmet needs not covered by foster care, monitor asset limitations, and deposit excess funds into specialized accounts like special needs trusts or ABLE accounts. The bill also mandates that commissioners provide annual accounting of benefit usage, assist children in becoming their own payees when possible, and offer at least five hours of annual financial literacy training for foster children aged 14 and older and potential representative payees. Importantly, commissioners are prohibited from using a child's benefits to reimburse foster care costs, ensuring the funds directly support the child's immediate and future needs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8036