Incarceration

Your benefits may change if you are in prison, jail, or other legal confinement.

At a glance

Incarceration may affect your Social Security benefits.

Tell us right away if you or anyone in your family is sent to jail, prison, or other legal confinement.

Your Retirement or Disability payments stop if you:

Monthly payments may continue for family members who receive benefits on your record.

You will not get SSI payments for any full calendar month you spend in jail or prison.

When you get out, you may be able to have your benefits restarted.

You’ll need to show proof that you’re out, such as release papers.