Approximately 10%-12% of foster children are entitled to Social Security benefits either because of a disability, or as survivors of parents who paid into the system. Most Minnesota counties use these revenues to pay for foster care. This fact sheet has details.
However House File 3211, authored by Rep. Dave Pinto, preserves these funds for youth when they reach adulthood. The Department of Human Services and counties are working with Safe Passage and Foster Advocates to craft a bill all can support.
Benefits average $700/month, which accumulates quickly even for brief foster placements. Youth who have even modest assets do better when they transition to independence.
As this NPR story shows, New York City is already taking this step.
There are still differences to hammer out, but if this bill passes an estimated 1,300 foster children will gain access to their income.
Listen to this blog and the accompanying comments and analysis from the author, Rich Gehrman, here or wherever you hear your favorite podcast shows.
Read the full transcript at here.