Social Security Benefits: Can Prisoners Still Get Their Payments?

Social Security benefits have certain rulings and requirements for recipients in various circumstances. The Social Security Administration even has specifications for those who are incarcerated.

For instance, if a social security benefits recipient is in prison awaiting trial, their benefits will not be affected. However, beneficiaries will see their monthly payments suspended if they are convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than 30 days in a U.S. correctional facility or institution.

The suspension does not affect payments to family members who are receiving benefits based on the work record of the person in jail.

If the spouse or children are collecting benefits on their record when they are imprisoned, those will not be impeded.

Social Security Prisoners

Social Security benefits can be reinstated after the prisoners' release in a month. Some incarceration institutions have release agreements with Social Security.

In that case, the prisoner or an official in a facility should notify Social Security 90 days before the prisoner's release to start the process of resuming the benefits.

However, if the institution does not have such an agreement, incarcerated beneficiaries should contact Social Security, according to AARP.

Another Social Security-administered benefit program for low-income people has a different rule for people incarcerated.

SSI benefits recipients imprisoned will have their benefits terminated directly and have to reapply upon release. Medicaid or Medicaid coverage will continue uninterrupted while you are in prison.

If the coverage ends while in prison for not paying Medicare premiums, the prisoner will be able to enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) between January 1 and March 31.

The Part B coverage begins July 1 of that year if you sign up during a GEP. You will have to pay for unpaid past-due premiums and a late enrollment penalty if there are any.

If you are filing for SSI benefits while in prison, the Social Security Administration will gather medical evidence from the doctors to help decide whether you still meet the definition of disability.

Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration distributes benefits such as retirement, disability insurance, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each benefit has a different function and eligibility that best fit certain types of beneficiaries.

Retirement benefits are provided for those who decide to retire; cannot work because of a disability; lose a spouse; or have difficulty paying for essentials like food, clothing, and a home.

Beneficiaries can apply for monthly retirement benefits every time between ages 62 and 70, and the SSA calculates the payment by looking at how much they have earned throughout their life.

The amount will be higher the longer you wait to apply, which would be up until age 70. For disability insurance, SSDI applicants should have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. Information about the applicant's work will also be asked for.

SSI applicants should also be age 65 and older or blind or have a disability. SSA will also need information and documentation about the applicants' medical conditions.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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