RI S2841

Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) must screen foster children for eligibility for federal benefits (SSI, RSDI) within 60 days of entering custody, apply for benefits on their behalf, and conduct annual reviews for newly eligible children.

DCYF is prohibited from using children's benefits to reimburse the state for foster care placement costs; benefits must be spent on unmet needs or conserved for the child in ABLE accounts or interest-bearing accounts.

Beginning January 1, 2028, DCYF must provide timely notice to court-appointed special advocates, guardians ad litem, and parents' counsel regarding benefit applications, decisions, and appeals.

Foster children must receive financial information starting at age 14 and financial literacy training (budgeting, banking, credit, debt management) starting 18 months after enactment, with continued support through age 22 for young adults.

DCYF must submit annual reports to the legislature by December 31 detailing the number of children receiving benefits, amounts conserved, types of accounts established, and screening compliance data.