This bill addresses federal benefits for minors who are in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.
This bill:
- defines terms;
- requires the Department of Health and Human Services (department) to evaluate whether a minor in the custody of the department is receiving or is eligible to receive federal benefits;
- provides that, as appropriate, the department shall apply for federal benefits on behalf of a minor in the custody of the department, and may accept appointment as the representative payee for a minor's federal benefits;
- provides accounting, reporting, and administrative requirements for the department concerning a federal benefit provided to a minor in the custody of the department;
- requires the department to offer financial literacy training for a minor who received a federal benefit while in the custody of the department, or for a successor representative payee;
- grants rulemaking authority to the department relating to the administration of federal benefits for minors in the custody of the department;
- requires the department to report annually to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee regarding federal benefits received on behalf of minors in the custody of the department; and
- makes technical and conforming changes.