House Bill 737

Effective August 28, 2025, House Bill 737 ensures that when a child enters the custody of the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) - Children's Division (CD), their eligibility for benefits from federal sources such as the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security Administration, or Veterans Administration is determined within 60 days. The law requires CD to apply for such benefits on the child's behalf if they are eligible, and only serve as a representative payee if no other suitable person is available.

Before this legislation was enacted, the Children’s Division was permitted to utilize funds from the child's accounts to cover care or services for the child. House Bill 737 stipulates that such funds shall not be used for those purposes. However, U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security, or Veterans Administration benefits may be utilized by CD to address the child's unmet needs beyond the Division's existing obligations.

House Bill 737 authorizes CD, or its contractor, to establish accounts with financial institutions which may include: “Achieving a Better Life Experience” or “ABLE account” (a savings account for individuals with disabilities); special needs trusts; pooled special needs trusts; or any other account determined not to interfere with federal and state asset limitations which may affect benefit eligibility.

Questions & Comments

Questions or comments may be submitted to the following:

Missouri Children’s Division
Attn: Child Centered Benefits Management Program
P.O. Box 88
Jefferson City, MO 65103-0088

Comments may also be submitted by e-mail to: AskCD@dss.mo.gov