Bill > SB5911

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, aims to improve the financial stability of young people in the care of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, specifically those in "extended foster care" (individuals aged 18-21 still under the department's care). A key provision prohibits the department from using any benefits, payments, or funds received by these individuals to reimburse the cost of their care. The bill also mandates that the department assess individuals in extended foster care for eligibility for Social Security benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI). If eligible, the department must assist the individual in becoming the payee for their benefits and help them establish a suitable financial account, like a Washington Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account or a standard bank account, with support to determine if they can manage it independently or need an authorized representative. If an authorized representative cannot be found, the department may act in that role temporarily or contract with an external entity. When the department serves as a representative payee for Social Security benefits, it must manage these funds according to federal regulations. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to increase the threshold for funds held by the secretary (representing the department) that can be deposited into a single fund from $500 to $2,000 before requiring deposit into a qualifying protected account, and it clarifies that benefits received by individuals in extended foster care cannot be used as reimbursement for public assistance, except as provided in the new section.