A new bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom has made groundbreaking changes to Social Security survivor benefits for foster youth in California. The recently passed AB 2906 mandates that foster children and their legal guardians must be informed whenever someone applies for Social Security survivor benefits on their behalf.
This measure seeks to ensure that these payments, which are meant to support foster youth as they transition into adulthood, actually reach the children instead of being redirected by the state. For years, California has kept this money from the rightful beneficiaries, but now the law aims to correct that injustice.
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Changes
Social Security benefits will now be better protected under California law. The bill was signed after gaining widespread support from local and state officials. Following pressure from advocacy groups and foster care activists, Governor Newsom decided to sign the legislation into law despite vetoing a similar bill last year.
The bill’s approval was bolstered by support from the Los Angeles and San Diego Boards of Supervisors and a coalition of 70 judges who sent a letter urging the governor to approve the measure. The timing of this bill couldn’t be more crucial, as it addresses not only fairness but also the homelessness crisis faced by foster youth.
Benefits
One of the main voices behind the bill, Amy Harfeld from the Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) at the University of San Diego School of Law, explained that this bill could be life-changing for many foster youth. For years, Social Security survivor benefits that could have provided housing or basic necessities were diverted to county funds. The bill now ensures that these funds go directly to the children who need them, especially as they age out of foster care and face the risk of homelessness.
In California, up to 80,000 youth are on welfare, many of whom find themselves struggling after turning 18. According to CAI, approximately 29% of former foster youth experience homelessness between ages 19 and 21. This new measure will help prevent these young adults from facing such severe hardships.
Diverted Funds
Before this bill, counties in California were allowed to apply for Social Security benefits for foster children without informing the child or their legal representatives. Often, foster children never saw a penny of the benefits meant for them. These Social Security payments, which are supposed to assist children whose parents have passed away or become disabled, were instead funneled into county budgets, which ignored the federal mandate to prioritize the children’s interests.
According to Robert Fellmeth, the executive director and founder of CAI, this practice of withholding benefits was only a minor concern to county budgets but represented a huge loss to foster youth. Had these funds been allocated as intended, they could have drastically changed the lives of thousands of foster children, providing access to stable housing, food, transportation, and education. With AB 2906 in place, foster youth will now have a chance to receive what they are rightfully owed.
Nationwide Efforts
California isn’t alone in reforming how Social Security payments are handled for foster youth. As of this summer, 30 states and jurisdictions have enacted similar measures to ensure that these benefits go directly to foster children. States like Arizona, Washington D.C., Oregon, and Massachusetts have eliminated the practice of holding payments intended for foster care recipients.
The nationwide effort to protect Social Security benefits for foster children is a positive step forward, providing necessary support for some of the most vulnerable members of society. California’s new law ensures that these young individuals have a better chance at achieving financial stability and escaping the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Brighter Future
The passage of this law represents a significant milestone in the fight for the rights of foster youth. It ensures that foster care survivors who depend on Social Security benefits are no longer disregarded or deprived of the support they deserve. By safeguarding these payments, the state of California is taking a big step toward helping these youth transition into stable, independent lives.
With this law in place, foster children now have a better opportunity to secure their future, knowing that they will receive the financial assistance they are entitled to. This new measure will have long-lasting effects, providing essential financial support for years to come and helping foster youth build a brighter, more secure future.
FAQs
How does AB 2906 protect foster youth?
It ensures foster children and their guardians are informed about Social Security survivor benefits.
Who benefits from this new bill?
Foster youth in California who are eligible for Social Security survivor benefits.
Why was this law necessary?
The state diverted funds meant for foster children, leaving them without support.
How many foster youth face homelessness?
About 29% of former foster youth between 19-21 experience homelessness.
What other states have enacted similar measures?
Arizona, Washington D.C., Oregon, and Massachusetts have passed similar laws.
