Bill > SB2571

This bill, known as the Foster Youth Earned Benefits Protection for Success Act, requires the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (Department) to identify and apply for any federal benefits, such as survivors' or dependent benefits, that a child in its custody is eligible for within 60 days of the child entering care. If no suitable person is available, the Department will become the child's representative payee, meaning it will manage these benefits on the child's behalf, with strict rules against using the funds for the child's basic care costs and instead only for the child's unmet needs. The Department must also establish a "Success Sequence Savings and Disbursement Plan" for each child, allowing them to access portions of their conserved benefits upon achieving specific milestones like obtaining a driver's license, graduating high school, or securing employment, and providing financial literacy support. Upon the child leaving the Department's care, any remaining conserved benefits will be released to the child or their guardian. The bill also mandates annual reviews to check for new benefit eligibility and requires the Department to notify relevant parties about benefit applications and decisions, including appealing denials if it's in the child's best interest.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2571.xml