The proposed bill, HB2559, mandates the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) to assess the eligibility of children in its care for federal benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) within 60 days of their entry into DCS care. If a child is found eligible or potentially eligible, DCS is required to apply for these benefits on the child's behalf. Additionally, if a child is already receiving benefits or if DCS applies for them, the department must identify a representative payee in consultation with the child and their attorney, applying to become the payee only if no other suitable candidates are available.

The bill also stipulates that if DCS serves as the representative payee, it cannot use the child's benefits to cover care costs but may use them for unmet needs. DCS is required to maintain a separate account for the child's benefits, provide annual accounting to the child and their guardians, and notify relevant parties of any applications or decisions regarding benefits. Furthermore, upon termination of DCS's responsibility for a child, any remaining funds must be released to the child or their responsible party, depending on the child's age and status. This bill introduces new requirements and clarifications regarding the management of federal benefits for children in DCS care, replacing previous provisions that allowed DCS to use these funds for care costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-468
House Engrossed Version: 8-453, 8-468, 8-451, 8-824, 8-845, 8-548, 8-806, 8-521, 8-521.01, 95-608, 35-146, 35-147, 41-192, 35-173
Chaptered Version: 8-453, 8-468, 8-451, 8-824, 8-845, 8-548, 8-806, 8-521, 8-521.01, 95-608, 35-146, 35-147, 41-192, 35-173