Washington § 74.13.337 - Extended foster care — Financial reimbursement — Financial assistance — Authorized representatives.

(1) Beginning January 1, 2027, the department may not apply any benefits, payments, funds, or accrual paid to, or on behalf of, a person in extended foster care as reimbursement for the cost of care.

(2) When a person in extended foster care is not already receiving social security benefits, including supplemental security income and retirement, survivors, and disability insurance benefits, the department shall assess whether the person is eligible for such benefits. When a person is assessed to be eligible for social security benefits, the department shall:

(a) Assist the person to become the payee for their social security benefits and maintain eligibility for those benefits while the department is the representative payee; and

(b) Assist persons who are designated as payees for their benefits establish a financial account appropriate for receiving those benefits such as a Washington achieving a better life experience account, a checking or savings account, or another form of electronic banking. The department may provide support to determine if the person can manage the account on their own or if they need an authorized representative to manage their account.

(3) If a person in extended foster care is determined to need additional support in managing their benefits, the department shall make reasonable efforts to identify a suitable individual to serve as the person's authorized representative. If neither the person nor the department is able to identify a suitable authorized representative, the department may serve in that role until the person or the department can identify a suitable individual to serve in place of the department. The department may contract with an external entity to administer and manage the accounts governed by this section on the department's behalf.

(4) If the department is the representative payee for social security benefits for a person in foster care or extended foster care, the department maintains a fiduciary duty to manage the funds consistent with federal social security administration rules and regulations.

(5) For purposes of this section, "person in extended foster care" means a person who is age 18 to 21 who is in the care of the department under chapter 13.34 RCW.