Pennsylvania House Passes Bill to Protect Foster Youth Social Security Benefits
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation, H.B. 151, sponsored by state Representatives Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier, aimed at preventing state agencies from intercepting Social Security benefits intended for foster youth. The bill mandates that these benefits, such as survivor benefits, be conserved in a savings account for the foster youth to access upon exiting care. This move follows a December directive from the federal Office of Administration for Children and Families, which urged states to cease such interceptions. Ten other states have already implemented similar prohibitions. Representative Krajewski highlighted that the funds, while a small fraction of state spending, can significantly impact the lives of foster youth who often face high rates of homelessness, addiction, and depression. The legislation seeks to ensure fairness, arguing that foster children receiving public benefits should not have those funds used to cover their care costs, similar to othe...
