NE LB275

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services must screen each child in state custody for social security benefit eligibility within 60 days of entering care and apply for benefits on behalf of potentially eligible children

When serving as representative payee, the department must hold benefit payments in separate trust accounts, notify children and guardians within 30 days of receiving payments, and provide accounting records at each court review hearing

Minimum percentages of social security benefits must be conserved (not used for state reimbursement): 20% for children 14+, 30% for 16+, 40% for 17+, and 50% for 18+

Children 14 and older must be consulted at least every six months about their current and future needs, and may petition juvenile court to direct how their benefits are spent or conserved

The department must create a publicly available form for benefit access requests by October 1, 2026, and adopt implementing rules and regulations by the same date