WA HB2169

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families may not use benefits, payments, or funds paid to or on behalf of foster youth ages 18-21 as reimbursement for their cost of care

The department must assess whether foster youth ages 18-21 are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security disability/survivor benefits, and help eligible individuals become their own payee

Foster youth designated as payees must receive assistance establishing appropriate financial accounts, including Washington ABLE accounts, checking/savings accounts, or other electronic banking options

When foster youth ages 18-21 need help managing benefits, the department must try to identify a suitable authorized representative; if none is found, the department may serve in that role or contract with an external entity

The threshold for depositing a person's funds into a savings account increases from $500 to $2,000, with new authority to use savings or investment accounts for youth ages 18-21