The goal of the Preserving Our Kids’ Equity Through Trusts and Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Amendment Act of 2022 (“POKETT Act” or the Act) is to conserve Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) and Social Security Disability Income (“SSDI”) benefits for youth in the District’s care to provide greater financial stability and a safety net when they exit care. The Act requires CFSA to screen all children entering care for eligibility, apply for benefits on their behalf, and conserve them in accounts that avoid transgressing federal resource limitations.

The POKETT Act modifies the representative payee program and process for CFSA. As of October 1, 2023, SSI and SSDI benefits are no longer used to supplement costs associated with the care of foster youth. Benefit funds are currently being held in a non-interest-bearing checking account until a financial vendor is identified to transfer and manage the funds in tax-advantage accounts for foster youth.

The law requires the Mayor to submit an annual status report on CFSA’s efforts to conserve the Social Security benefits of children under its care.

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