NewsBreitbartMay 7, 2026United States
ACF Criticizes States for Using Orphan Benefits
Photo: Breitbart
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is criticizing Minnesota and 38 other states for diverting Social Security survivor benefits meant for orphaned children to cover child welfare costs. ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams urged states to protect these funds, emphasizing that children are entitled to these benefits.
Read the full story at BreitbartWhy It Matters
Residents should care because state governments may be misusing funds intended for vulnerable orphaned children.
Key Facts
- States are using Social Security survivor benefits intended for orphaned children to pay for child welfare costs.
- ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams sent a letter in December to 39 states urging them to stop this practice.
- A 2025 document from the Social Security Administration states children can receive up to 75 percent of a deceased parent's basic Social Security benefit.