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

The Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating a significant shift as 35 states have stopped the controversial "orphan tax," where they intercepted Social Security survivor benefits meant for children in foster care. This long-standing practice has been criticized for unfairly penalizing orphaned kids. The change is a major step toward ensuring these vulnerable children receive the support they need, highlighting broader efforts to improve the foster care system and the treatment of children who have lost their parents. This move not only addresses a longstanding issue but also sets a positive precedent for other states to follow suit.