This bill amends section 43-907 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to enhance the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding children under its care, specifically concerning their eligibility for social security benefits. The bill mandates that the DHHS screen all children for social security benefit eligibility within sixty days of entering its charge and requires the department to manage social security benefit payments for child beneficiaries. It also stipulates that the department must provide timely written notifications to the child and their guardian ad litem regarding eligibility determinations, approvals, and any appeals related to social security benefits.

Additionally, the bill introduces several provisions aimed at ensuring the proper management and conservation of social security benefits for children. It requires the DHHS to maintain detailed records of all financial transactions related to the children's assets and to consult with beneficiaries aged fourteen and older about their needs every six months. The bill also outlines the process for disbursing unspent or conserved benefits when a child exits the department's charge and mandates the creation of a publicly available form for beneficiaries to request access to their social security payments for personal use by October 1, 2026. The original section 43-907 is repealed to accommodate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-907