ACF Critiques Minnesota’s Use of Survivor Benefits

The Trump administration’s Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has called out Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for what they see as hypocrisy regarding Social Security survivor benefits for orphans. ACF accuses Minnesota of redirecting these funds, intended for children, to cover other expenses in the state’s child welfare system.

In December, ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams highlighted the issue, reaching out to 39 states. He urged them to prioritize the needs of children receiving these survivor benefits, rather than using that money to balance other budgets. Sadly, many state welfare agencies are taking these benefits meant for orphans and applying them toward their operational costs.

A document from the Social Security Administration outlines that children can receive up to 75 percent of their deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefits if they are eligible for survivor benefits. So, Adams is essentially pushing governors to advocate for orphans’ rights to receive these benefits directly, ensuring they get what they are entitled to.

Walz, embroiled in a scandal related to Somali fraud in the state, has previously mentioned how Social Security benefits helped his family. However, his administration hasn’t taken adequate steps to change the current treatment of these benefits, despite other states making progress.

Adams pointed out that Walz has been vocal about respecting the dignity of receiving such survivor benefits. Yet, he emphasizes that as long as the governor sees this as merely a budget issue, orphans could be unfairly affected. There are claims that Minnesota could address its budgetary concerns by tackling the issue of fraud, which is widespread in the state.

Recent reports indicate Minnesota received $2.79 million in benefits designated for foster youth, showing a potential increase in these funds for 2022. Unfortunately, if the state legislature doesn’t act before their session concludes on May 18, these orphans might face further delays in obtaining the benefits they deserve.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. summed it up by stating, “Every child has the right to a home and a fair opportunity to thrive.” He noted that the department intervenes when children’s rights are not upheld. The Trump administration remains committed to ensuring all children in the country can reach their full potential.