Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House passes Krajewski bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa.

House passes Krajewski bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa.

Rep. Rick Krajewski    September 28, 2026 | 5:16 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier that would end the practice of intercepting public benefits intended for foster youth.?? 

The bill (H.B. 151) would prevent Pennsylvania agencies from intercepting the Social Security benefits foster youth receive, such as survivor 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. 

“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.”?? 

“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.”???? 

Krajewski joined former foster youth and advocates at a Capitol news conference earlier this year 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 of his?benefits.?? 

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.???  

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.