More than 450 foster youth in Wisconsin may be in line for up to $6,000 in direct federal payments to help them recover from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the state Department of Children and Families.
Eligible youth must be established residents of the Badger State and age out of the foster care system between Jan. 27, 2020, and the end of this coming September. Typically, youth age out of the foster support system at age 18, but there are exceptions.
The program seeks to help foster youth as they transition into adulthood after the pandemic restrictions put many of them out of work, forced them to quit school, and upset their food and housing stability at higher rates than most other groups.
The money was included in the massive consolidated appropriations bill Congress passed in December. The money will be paid out in monthly increments up to a total of $6,000 and can be used for rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, car loans, groceries and other basic needs.
The department is hoping to spread the word to all eligible youth and has created a Foster Youth Relief Funds Tool Kit with easy-to-share messaging for social media, newsletters and posters. To check for eligibility, look here.