NH HB661

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to determine within 60 days whether children entering foster care are eligible for Social Security, SSI, or veterans benefits, and to apply for benefits on the child's behalf if eligible

Prohibits the department from using a foster child's federal benefits to reimburse the state for the cost of care; benefits may only be used for the child's unmet needs beyond what the department is required to provide

Mandates the department establish appropriate accounts (special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, or similar) to conserve children's benefits and provide annual accountings to the child, their representative, and parents or guardians

Requires all remaining benefit funds be released to the child upon turning 18, emancipation, or termination of the department's responsibility

Appropriates $1 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, though fiscal analysis estimates actual costs of $1.84 million in FY26 and $2.92 million annually thereafter due to lost federal revenue reimbursements; effective January 1, 2026