When a court decides a child or youth needs to be in foster care for their safety, DCYF takes care of the child or youth and their benefits. DCYF can apply for benefits and manage them for foster children and youth because the law (RCW 74.13.060) allows it.
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves DCYF as payee, the benefits help pay for the child’s foster care. If there is extra money after paying for care, it goes into a savings account for the child. If the child leaves foster care, leftover money is returned to SSA.
Most public benefits DCYF receives for children in foster care come from the SSA. SSA decides if a child or youth qualifies for benefits when:
- A parent passes away.
- A parent retires.
- A parent becomes disabled and worked long enough to qualify.
- A child or youth has a disability or a condition that limits daily life.
Qualifying for Unmet Needs
An unmet need is something important for a child’s well-being that is not already covered by foster care payments or other programs. This could be an item or service that supports the child’s emotional, mental, social, or physical health. Foster care payments cover basics like food, housing, school supplies, and some transportation. Foster children also get medical, dental, and mental health care while in care. These payments and services cover most basic needs.
How Can a Caregiver Request Additional Funds on Behalf of a Child or Youth with Unmet Needs?
If a child or youth qualifies for any public benefits, caregivers need to contact the child’s caseworker to request funding for an unmet need.
