HHS touts 35 states that have scaled back 'orphan tax' on Social Security benefits

HHS touts 35 states, including Tennessee, that have scaled back 'orphan tax' on Social Security benefits

(The Hill) - Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Tuesday that 35 states, including Tennessee and Kentucky, have ended the practice of intercepting federal benefits intended for orphans in foster care. For decades, state agencies have taken Social Security survivor benefits from children in foster care after the death of [...]

Map of 34 states who have ended "orphan tax" on Social Security

"When a parent dies, those benefits are meant to help their child—not reimburse the government," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.

HHS touts 35 states that have scaled back 'orphan tax' on Social Security benefits

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Tuesday that 35 states have ended the practice of intercepting federal benefits intended for orphans in foster care. For decades, state agencies have taken Social Security survivor benefits from children in foster care after the death of their parents, who paid into the program....