Yesterday, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order, directing Nebraska to stop using young people’s survivor benefits to pay for their foster care. This is a HUGE win for young people and their families, rightfully acknowledging that these are their benefits – not the State’s.
The Governor’s Executive Order not only orders Nebraska to stop taking these benefits, but also ensures youth are engaged and educated on their benefits, and that they are saved responsibly for when they leave care.
In response, Child Welfare Program Director Schalisha Walker says:
In response, Child Welfare Program Director Schalisha Walker says:
“We are thrilled to see Governor Pillen’s Executive Order. For years, Nebraska has indefensibly taken foster youth’s benefits to fund their care, often without their consent or opportunity to object. This executive order rightfully ensures youth are able to save these benefits, forming a financial foundation for later in life. This change will have a positive impact, putting millions of dollars back into their pockets each year.
A huge thank you to the advocates and impacted young people who helped direct, lead, and inform progress on this issue. A special thank you to State Senator Megan Hunt, who worked hard to pass bills protecting these benefits for young people. Your advocacy made this possible.”
Moving forward, we encourage Nebraska to extend these changes to all Social Security Benefits youth in care receive, including Supplemental Security Income, or “SSI” Benefits. For now, we celebrate this huge and positive step for young people, families, and all of Nebraska!