Eligibility requirements for foster care benefits after age 18 to include children for whom permanent legal and physical custody is transferred to a relative after age ten modification

This bill (SF 3970) modifies Minnesota's foster care benefit rules to extend eligibility for youth aged 18-26. It specifically includes young adults who had permanent legal and physical custody transferred to a relative after turning 10, rather than requiring custody transfer before age 10. The key change amends statutes to ensure these youth qualify for continued foster care benefits (including medical assistance) until age 26, aligning with federal Medicaid rules under the Affordable Care Act. This policy directly affects youth aging out of foster care who transition to relative custody after age 10, expanding access to support services during their transition to adulthood.