A bill sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier has received unanimous approval from the House Children and Youth Committee. The bill, HB 151, would prevent Pennsylvania agencies from intercepting Social Security benefits for foster youth, such as survivors’ benefits. Instead, these benefits would be placed in a savings account to be given to the individual once they exit foster care.
Background
In December, the federal Office of Administration for Children and Families demanded that states no longer intercept benefits. Ten states have already worked to prohibit interceptions. The bill’s sponsors argue that these benefits are essential for the well-being and stability of foster youth, who often face high rates of homelessness, addiction, and depression.
Former foster youth Antonio Gonzalez-Dennis spoke about his experience struggling to purchase basic items while in high school and college because officials had been intercepting his benefits. He emphasized the importance of HB 151 in ensuring that foster youth have access to their benefits and are not forced to rely on others for support.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
