"End of a Troubling Practice: States Reversing Decision to Seize Orphan's Benefits. In a significant victory for foster children and their advocates, 35 states have announced an end to the long-standing practice of intercepting federal Social Security survivor benefits intended for orphans in foster care. For decades, state agencies have been taking these benefits, which were meant to provide essential financial support to children who have lost their parents, often leaving them vulnerable and without a safety net. The move marks a major shift in policy, with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) praising the states for recognizing the importance of preserving these vital benefits for vulnerable children."
Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Tuesday that 35 states have ended the practice of intercepting federal benefits intended for orphans in foster care. For decades, state agencies have taken Social Security survivor benefits from children in foster care after the death of their parents, who paid into the program....
