CT SB00293

Permanency plans for children in Department of Children and Families custody must document eligibility for Social Security Administration benefits, including supplemental security income and survivor/disabled adult child benefits, effective October 1, 2012.

Department must complete and submit applications for supplemental security income benefits for eligible children in its care and maintain correspondence regarding applications and benefits.

For children age 17 receiving Social Security benefits, the department must determine if a representative payee is needed, identify an appropriate payee if required, or provide financial management education including bank account maintenance for direct deposit.

Permanency plans for children age 5 and under must document referrals made for early intervention, preschool, or special education services.

Permanency plans for youth ages 16-17 must include a personalized transition plan covering housing, health insurance, education, mentorship, employment services, and a review of current benefits with screening for additional eligible benefits.