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NY S07778
Bill
Status
5/6/2025
Primary Sponsor
Jabari Brisport
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requires local social services commissioners to screen all foster children for federal benefits eligibility (Social Security, SSI, veterans' benefits) within 60 days of entering foster care, with annual rescreening thereafter
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Mandates that commissioners seek to appoint family members or other preferred payees as representative payees before serving in that role themselves, following federal preference categories
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Prohibits commissioners from using a child's federal benefits to reimburse the district for foster care costs, including administrative expenses
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Requires benefits not used for immediate needs to be deposited into special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, or similar mechanisms to preserve eligibility while allowing savings above asset limits
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Mandates at least 5 hours of annual financial literacy training for foster youth age 14 and older, and for family members serving as representative payees
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Requires commissioners to assist youth approaching discharge with re-certification for benefits and identification of new representative payees at least 3 months before leaving care
Legislative Description
Requires commissioners of local social services districts to screen, apply for, and use and conserve retirement, survivors and disability insurance, supplemental security income, veterans' or any other federal social security benefits on behalf of children placed in foster care; provides for responsibilities of local commissioners of social services appointed to serve as the representative payee for a child; provides for technical assistance and financial literacy for foster children; makes related provisions.
Last Action
REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
1/7/2026