Advocates push states to save foster children's federal benefits, not spend them
Time:2024-05-20 06:26:09 Source:businessViews(143)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — By the time Jesse Fernandez turned 18, the federal government had paid out thousands of dollars in Social Security survivor’s benefits because of the death of his mother. But Jesse’s bank account was empty.
The money had all been used by Missouri’s foster care system or relatives responsible for his care.
“I was shocked,” said Jason White, a foster parent to Fernandez.
“Those dollars are a big deal,” he continued. “Had they been saved, or a chunk of it saved, he’d have money for a car and a first-time apartment.”
For decades, states have routinely applied for Social Security survivor and disability benefits on behalf of foster children and then used that money to help cover the costs of foster care services. The tactic has saved states from having to spend millions of their own tax dollars on foster care programs.
You may also like
- Pregnant Lea Michele, 37, walks arm
- Pakistani court grants bail to Imran Khan in a graft case. But he won't be released just yet
- Celtic secures third straight league title in Scotland and stays on course for a trophy double
- Community colleges offer clean energy training as climate
- Noncitizen voting becomes a center of 2024 GOP messaging
- Peterka scores twice for Germany in 8
- Jennifer Lopez, 54, shows off her abs at dance rehearsal as she prepares for tour kick off
- Meghan Markle touches down in LAX in £990 sweater, a £2,900 blazer and £815 shoes after marathon 18
- Over 4,000 species affected by wildlife trafficking: UN report