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H.R. 8498119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Apr 27, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
HR 8498 would let young adults stay in or return to foster care support up to age 21, dropping an old eligibility rule.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
This bill would extend foster care support up to age 21 and remove the rule that tied eligibility to an older welfare program. States that join would have to let eligible young adults voluntarily re-enter foster care after age 18 and help them do so. Young people covered by certain adoption or guardianship agreements starting at age 16 or older could also receive extended support.
Young adults who were in foster care, as well as those under qualifying adoption or guardianship agreements starting at age 16 or older, would be affected. State caseworkers would also receive federal guidance on connecting these young adults to job training and workforce programs.
Without this change, some young adults lose foster care support at 18 and may not qualify for extended help under current rules. Removing the old eligibility requirement would allow more young people to remain connected to support and services.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.