Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa. unanimously approved by House committee

Bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa. unanimously approved by House committee

Rep. Rick Krajewski    June 24, 2026 | 4:36 PM

HARRISBURG, June 24 – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier that would end the practice of intercepting public benefits intended for foster youth was reported out of committee today with a unanimous vote and is ready for a vote by the full House.

The bill (H.B. 151) would prevent PA agencies from intercepting the Social Security benefits intended foster youth receive, such as survivors benefits, and instead require those benefits to be conserved in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care.

The federal Office of Administration for Children and Families in December demanded that states no longer intercept benefits, and 10 states have already worked to prohibit it. 

“These are funds that for many could mean the difference between homelessness and stable housing, between needing to work multiple jobs and having time to attend college, between lacking healthcare and receiving necessary treatment. These youth are not asking for handouts, they’re asking for what’s already theirs,” said Delozier, R-Cumberland, the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “It’s a bipartisan issue. Not one that’s defined by Republicans or Democrats, urban or rural. This is an issue that affects children in the foster care system no matter where they live.” 

“What makes up a fraction of our state’s spending could make a huge difference in the lives of foster youth, who often face high rates of homelessness, addiction and depression,” said Krajewski, D-Phila., the lead sponsor of the bill. “This is about fairness and the protection of our kids. Just as other foster children do not pay for their own costs of care or other county services, children who receive public benefits shouldn’t either. We must do what’s right for the future of these children.”  

Krajewski joined former foster youth and advocates at a Capitol news conference in April to highlight the issue. Former foster youth Antonio Gonzalez-Dennis spoke about his experience missing seasons of sports while in high school and college because he struggled to purchase basic items, like running shoes or a bowling ball, only to find out that officials had been intercepting more than $500 a month in his benefits.  

“Now, I’ve been lucky enough to have some great people in my life who were willing to help when I needed it. But if DHS had done a better job of seeing to my needs or if I had access to my benefits, I wouldn’t?have had to lean so heavily on teachers, friends, and caregivers,” Gonzalez-Dennis said. “That’s why H.B. 151 is needed right now. It would make sure that kids in the system have their benefits saved for them in individual accounts that they actually know about. Passing H.B. 151 is a real chance to make sure DHS is accountable to the children it’s supposed to serve.” 

Krajewski’s legislation was first introduced in the 2023-24 session, following revelations that Philadelphia was not conserving foster benefits despite a city ordinance banning the practice.