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Dear Colleague,

The Social Security Administration (SSA) remains committed to helping youth in foster care access the benefits and payments available through our programs. We take careful measures to assist foster youth in obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled or eligible. We encourage child welfare agencies to proactively identify youth in their care who may be eligible for Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and, when appropriate, assist with the application process.

In many cases, child welfare agencies serve as representative payees for foster youth who receive Social Security benefits or SSI payments. We rely on child welfare agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of representative payees, including maintaining regular contact with beneficiaries and making individualized decisions about how benefits are used or conserved in the beneficiary’s best interest.

State and Tribal agencies are essential partners in supporting youth in foster care. By working together, we can help ensure that Social Security benefits and SSI payments are managed in the beneficiary’s best interest and support positive outcomes for youth. We stand ready to provide information, guidance, and assistance on matters involving our programs.

Several states have acted within their authority and capacity to enhance how Social Security benefits and SSI payments are used and conserved on behalf of foster youth. We commend the jurisdictions that have already implemented changes, as well as those exploring new approaches. These efforts play an important role in supporting foster youth. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with State and Tribal agencies to improve outcomes for youth in foster care.

Sincerely,

Mark Steffensen
Chief of Law and Policy