Number: RL33855
Title: Child Welfare: Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits for Children in Foster Care
Authors: Adrienne L. Fernandes, Scott Szymendera, and Emilie Stoltzfus, Domestic Social :Policy Division 
Abstract: This report begins with a discussion of the foster care system and the Social Security benefits available to eligible children, including those in foster care. It then describes the role of representative payees and their responsibilities. The report provides data on the use of Social Security benefits to reimburse states for child welfare, and includes a discussion of the Keffeler decision. Finally, the report concludes with proposals supported by some advocates to change the current practice of using SSI and other Social Security benefits to fund foster care, as well as with a discussion of state initiatives to screen all foster children for Social Security and to pass along some benefits to eligible children.
Pages: 35
Date: January 22, 2008