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Bill to stop DCYF garnishing of children’s Social Security benefits draws broad support; sponsors say change will return money to youth
Summary
Senate Bill 5488, which would stop DCYF from using federally provided benefits as reimbursement for a child's care and require preservation of those funds for the child, was heard Jan. 28 by the Senate Human Services Committee.
Senate Bill 5488, heard by the Senate Human Services Committee on Jan. 28, would prohibit the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) from applying Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Survivor, Retirement and Disability Insurance benefits to reimburse the state for the cost of a child’s care and would require DCYF to help eligible youth apply for benefits and preserve their funds for the child’s use.
Alison Mendiola, committee staff, summarized the bill and its key provisions: effective Jan. 1, 2026 DCYF would not be allowed to apply benefits paid to or on behalf of a child as reimbursement for care; DCYF must assess eligibility for SSI and related federal benefits and apply on the child’s behalf, with youth over 12 asked to consent to release of information. When DCYF serves as representative payee, the…
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