National Foster Care Month
Date:
Dear Colleague,
May is National Foster Care Month, an important opportunity to recognize and support those who serve children, youth, and families. Social Security understands that children with disabilities in foster care face unique challenges, especially when transitioning out of foster care.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to help meet the basic needs of persons with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and resources. SSI can help pay for food, shelter, and other necessities, and can make a significant difference in the lives of children with disabilities transitioning out of foster care. Youth with disabilities transitioning out of foster care may file an SSI application if they:
- Allege blindness or disability;
- Appear likely to meet the non-medical requirements when foster care payments terminate;
- Expect foster care payments to cease within 180 days of the application filing date; and
- Are within 180 days of losing foster care eligibility because of age.
Your clients can visit our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) webpage to learn more about SSI and to apply.
Thank you for your commitment to children with disabilities in foster care. Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Acting Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach