When a child receiving SSI benefits is placed into an adoptive placement, DFPS remains the representative payee for the child’s benefits until the adoption is consummated. If the child receives SSI benefits and qualifies for an adoption assistance benefit, the adoptive parents enter into an adoption assistance agreement with DFPS that defers adoption assistance payments from DFPS. DFPS forwards the SSI monthly benefit to the adoptive parents in the month after DFPS receives the benefit from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Once the adoption is consummated, DFPS contacts SSA to resign as the representative payee, which stops issuance of the child’s benefits to DFPS. If the adoptive parents had entered into an adoption assistance agreement deferring payments, the adoptive parents contact the adoption assistance eligibility specialist to begin issuance of the adoption assistance payments. 

The adoptive parents contact SSA if they want to apply to be the new representative payee for the child’s SSA benefits. SSI is a federal benefit based on need and eligibility, and it requires consideration of the adoptive parents’ income and resources. If the adoptive parents want the child to continue receiving SSI, they must report the receipt of the adoption assistance payments from DFPS because it could affect the child’s eligibility for SSI benefits.

See Texas Administrative Code §700.845: Can my child get adoption assistance monthly payments in addition to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?External Link.