PA HB151

County agencies must screen each foster child for eligibility for Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits, and other federal/state benefits within 60 days of placement and annually thereafter, and apply for benefits within 60 days if potentially eligible.

Foster children's benefits cannot be used to reimburse the Commonwealth for costs of care; benefits must be used or conserved in the child's interest for services, unmet needs, or future needs, with funds placed in accounts like PA ABLE savings accounts to avoid asset limitations.

County agencies must provide quarterly itemized accounting of all benefits received and spent to the child through their attorney or guardian ad litem, and publish annual public reports on benefit application, use, and conservation data.

Beginning at age 16 years and 6 months, agencies must prepare transition plans to maintain benefits as youth leave foster care or reach adulthood, and provide financial literacy training starting at age 14.

The Department of Human Services must issue implementation guidance within 9 months, including best practice guidelines developed with stakeholders such as county welfare directors, child advocates, and current/former foster youth.