Advocates push states to save foster children's federal benefits, not spend them
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.
Related articles
Tchouaméni a doubt for Real Madrid's UCL final
Real Madrid's 2-1 win at home to Bayern Munich that qualified them for the UEFA Champions League2024-05-20Micron Tech cements bond with China
U.S. memory chipmaker Micron Technology will strengthen cooperation with local supplier ecosystem in2024-05-20Wukesong Sports Center for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics completed
Photo taken on September 16 shows Wukesong Sports Center. (Photo: Beijing Major Projects Constructio2024-05-20Pic story of shadow play artist in Shaanxi
Shadow play artist Cai Shancun makes a shadow puppet at home in Ducun Village of Yangxian County, no2024-05-20Ryan Gosling's new movie pays tribute to Chinese kung fu legends
In an exciting fusion of Hollywood flair and Chinese martial arts tradition, the upcoming action com2024-05-20China's generative AI firms rush to enter commercialization amid domestic innovation
Domestic AI start-ups show strength, potential amid global competitionKimi chatbot, a large language2024-05-20
atest comment