Getting Paid

Once you have a job, you will want to open a bank account if you don’t have one already. With a bank account, you won’t have to pay fees to cash your paycheck, and you will be able to better manage and save your money. Usually, banks require that you are 18 to open a bank account by yourself, but some banks will open accounts for 17-year-olds. If you are under 18, you will probably need to find a trusted adult who can be the “guardian” on the account until you turn 18. Once the account is set up, you should be able to make your own deposits and withdrawals. The guardian on the account will also be able to deposit or withdraw money from your account—this is the reason to select someone you trust. If you are 18, the agency that provides transition support case management services in the area where you live can help you get a bank account, even if you are still in extended foster care.

Any money that you earn belongs to you. But you should know that if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you cannot have more than $2,000 in cash resources. You should be sure to talk to your caseworker about how this could impact you. If you receive SSI while you are in foster care or extended foster care, the SSI payments will be paid directly to DFPS to pay for your foster care expenses.

For more information about saving money, see Managing Your Money and Banking.