An Act To Increase Participation By The Department Of Health And Human Services Regarding Federal Benefits For Which Children In The Custody Of The Department Are Eligible

This bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to actively check if children in its custody qualify for federal benefits from the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. If a child is found eligible, the department must apply for these benefits on their behalf and notify the child's parents, guardians, and legal representatives. To support these new duties, the legislation allocates approximately $1.76 million in state and federal funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to cover administrative costs, technology updates, and specialized services.