Lauria proposal to be enacted in state budget, ending confiscation of federal benefits from kids in state care

State House – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria to prevent the state from taking federal benefits meant for children in state care has been incorporated into the state budget bill.

Currently, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) takes federal benefits, like Social Security or veterans’ benefits, from children in state care to offset the cost of their care.

Senator Lauria’s legislation (2026-S 2841), which she identified as one of her top legislative priorities this year, requires DCYF to establish segregated savings accounts for foster children receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and veterans’ benefits.

While that bill is moving though the General Assembly this week, its provisions have also been added to the state budget bill (2026-H 7127Aaa), which passed the General Assembly today and is headed to the governor.

“Taking benefits away from children, especially children who have likely already experienced trauma and suffering in their lives, is just not an acceptable practice for our state. In some cases, these federal benefits result from the death of their parent or another tragedy the child has experienced. The money is meant for them, and they should have it,” said Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence). “Especially for the children who will remain in state care until they age out, that money would be a critical resource for expenses like college tuition, security deposits or a down payment on a first car. It could make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people who have walked a tough road, often with little or no support. They deserve these funds, and making sure they have them will give them a better shot at a successful start in life.”