Social Security Administration Takes Initial Action Following Pressure from Horsford and Cortez Masto, Fails to Provide Feasible Solution for Foster Care Youth

October 20, 2026 Press Release Social Security Administration Takes Initial Action Following Pressure from Horsford and Cortez Masto, Fails to Provide Feasible Solution for Foster Care Youth NORTH LAS VEGAS – Following a joint letter from Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), the Social Security Administration (SSA) took initial steps to address a backlog of Social Security number applications for children in Clark County’s foster care system. The agency has processed 19 applications since the lawmakers reached out, leaving nearly 1,300 foster youth still waiting for the documents they need to access critical services. SSA has proposed accepting records printed from Nevada’s statewide vaccination system, provided each record is accompanied by an individual certification letter from the Nevada Department of Human Services (DHS). However, Nevada DHS lacks the staffing capacity to produce a separate letter for every child, creating another administrative barrier. “While I’m glad SSA heard our concerns and took action, I’m focused on a permanent solution that will provide these young people with the federal services they are entitled to,” said Rep. Horsford . “Nearly 1,300 children in Clark County’s foster care system are still waiting for the documents they need to access healthcare, secure employment, and move forward with their lives. These children should not be caught in bureaucratic red tape, and I will continue holding SSA accountable until every pending application is processed.” “While some progress has been made in beginning to process Social Security number applications, Nevada’s foster youth are relying on the Social Security Administration to find a meaningful, long-term solution to this issue. We will continue to push the Administration to work with Clark County to support foster children across the Valley,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Following the leadership of Senator Cortez Masto and Congressman Horsford on this important issue, the County has met with representatives from the Social Security Administration and a solution was proposed through a grant exemption that would require the State of Nevada to write individual certification letters for each child,” said Kevin Schiller, Clark County Manager . “Unfortunately, while well-intentioned, this is not a workable solution, and these barriers continue to impact the quality of life of the vulnerable children we serve. The County sincerely hopes that an effective solution can be reached quickly.” In December 2025, SSA notified CCFS that Social Security number applications for children in foster care must include records physically certified by the custodian of record. However, Clark County has operated under an electronic records system for civil and family cases since 2010. This documentation discrepancy has prevented children in foster care from obtaining Social Security cards, creating barriers to Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, family reunification, permanent placements, driver’s licenses, and employment opportunities. In their joint letter, Rep. Horsford and Sen. Cortez Masto called on SSA to immediately process all pending applications, resolve the documentation discrepancy with CCFS by the end of 2026, provide a written response within 10 business days, and deliver regular updates on the backlog. To date, the parties have not agreed on a workable solution. The lawmakers have noted administrative barriers at SSA and will continue working to establish a permanent solution that ensures no child in Clark County’s foster care system is denied access to essential services because of outdated documentation requirements. Read the full October 6 letter HERE . The original press release can be found HERE . Issues : Social Security: Protecting What You’ve Earned