California has introduced significant changes to the way Social Security benefits are handled for foster youth, thanks to the passage of AB 2906.
Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, this legislation aims to increase transparency and ensure that foster youth receive the Social Security benefits they are entitled to.
This change is expected to greatly impact young people in foster care, especially those eligible for survivor and disability benefits.
What Does the New Law Do?
Under previous practices, counties in California could collect Social Security payments on behalf of foster youth without informing them or their legal guardians.
As a result, many young individuals were unaware of the benefits they had, and they often missed out on receiving them once they aged out of the foster care system.
The AB 2906 law changes this by requiring that foster youth and their legal guardians be informed about any Social Security applications or payments made on their behalf. This ensures that the funds go directly to the young individuals who need them.
Access to Survivor Payments
One of the most impactful aspects of the law is how it addresses survivor payments. These payments are provided to children who have lost one or both parents who contributed to Social Security.
For foster youth, these payments can be a lifeline, offering financial support as they transition into adulthood. However, prior to this law, these funds were often collected by counties and not made accessible to the youth once they turned 18.
Now, AB 2906 mandates that these funds be properly allocated to the foster youth, providing them with crucial resources as they enter adulthood.
Overcoming Challenges and Opposition
The road to passing AB 2906 was not without challenges. Governor Newsom initially vetoed the bill due to concerns about retroactive payments.
The original version of the bill required that foster youth receive back payments for disability and survivor benefits from the previous year, which the governor saw as problematic. However, after advocacy groups pushed for the bill’s passage, a revised version was approved.
In September 2024, counties like Los Angeles and San Diego voiced their support for the legislation, helping to pave the way for its final approval. With the governor’s signature, the bill became law, ensuring that foster youth will now have greater access to the Social Security funds meant for their support.
Impact on Foster Youth
The impact of this new law could be significant for California’s 40,000 to 80,000 foster youth. According to the Children’s Advocacy Institute of California, nearly 29% of foster youth aged 19 to 21 face challenges related to homelessness.
The access to Social Security benefits—particularly survivor and disability payments—could provide financial stability and help prevent homelessness for these young people.
Amy Harfeld, the national policy director at the Children’s Advocacy Institute, praised the law, highlighting that “access to these funds could mean the difference between a young person ending up homeless or being able to support themselves when they turn 18.”
With these changes, California is setting a precedent for other states to follow in protecting foster youth and ensuring they receive the financial support they deserve.
Changes After the Initial Veto
The original version of AB 2906 faced a veto due to its retroactive payment requirements.
Governor Newsom, after feedback from counties and advocacy groups, approved a revised version that removed the retroactive payment provision.
This adjustment made the bill more feasible and allowed it to pass, marking a step forward in protecting foster youth.
Long-Term Implications
With this new law in place, foster youth in California will now have direct control over Social Security benefits that were previously inaccessible.
This change addresses a long-standing issue where counties withheld benefits meant for these young individuals. By providing foster youth with their rightful funds, the law could help reduce homelessness and offer a smoother transition to independence for many young adults.
California’s approach with AB 2906 highlights the importance of transparency and fair access to benefits, potentially encouraging other states to adopt similar measures.
The new legislation reflects a broader commitment to addressing the financial vulnerabilities faced by foster youth and ensuring that they receive the support they are entitled to as they prepare to enter adulthood.
The passage of AB 2906 is a significant step forward in ensuring that foster youth in California receive their Social Security benefits, particularly survivor and disability payments.
By mandating transparency and proper allocation of funds, the law empowers foster youth, providing them with the financial resources they need to build a more secure future. With strong support from advocacy groups and local governments, California is leading the way in addressing the needs of foster youth through legislative reform.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of AB 2906?
AB 2906 ensures that foster youth in California are informed about and have access to Social Security benefits, preventing counties from withholding these funds.
What Social Security benefits are covered under the new law?
The law focuses on survivor and disability payments for foster youth, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to when they turn 18.
Why was AB 2906 initially vetoed?
Governor Newsom initially vetoed the bill due to concerns about retroactive payments, but the bill was later revised and approved.
How does AB 2906 help prevent homelessness?
By ensuring that foster youth receive their Social Security benefits, the law provides financial stability, which can help reduce the risk of homelessness among young adults aging out of the system.
Who benefits from the new law?
Foster youth, especially those eligible for Social Security survivor and disability benefits, will benefit from the law, gaining access to essential financial resources.
