Prohibits DCF from using federal benefits received by a child in out of home placement to reimburse State for cost of child's care, except under certain circumstances.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits (like Social Security or Veterans benefits) received by children in foster care to cover state costs for their care, except to maintain eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or avoid violating federal asset limits. It requires DCF to manage these benefits as representative payee, monitor federal resource limits, establish ABLE accounts for eligible children, and provide annual financial reports to children, families, and courts. The law specifically directs DCF to prioritize children’s SSI eligibility over seeking state reimbursement for foster care costs under federal law. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.162.