The staff at correctional institutions provide crucial support to individuals transitioning from incarceration by helping them apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits before their release. Staff may explain the prerelease program, provide forms available on SSA.gov, and offer guidance on how to apply. Many correctional facilities have established relationships with local Social Security offices. Correctional institution staff can coordinate with Social Security representatives to ensure that individuals complete and submit the necessary documentation in a timely manner.
Additionally, correctional institution staff can help individuals obtain the required identification and documentation – such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and medical records - which may expedite the SSI or Social Security application process. As part of reentry planning, prisons can include benefit application support as a standard part of the transition process, ensuring that individuals are aware of their options and have the resources they need to apply.
Eligibility for SSI Payments and Social Security Benefits
To be eligible for Social Security benefits, a person must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for enough years. For SSI, an individual may be eligible if they are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability. SSI applicants must also meet strict income and resource limits.
Individuals may also be eligible for other benefits, such as retirement or survivor benefits. For more information and to check eligibility, please visit Check eligibility for Social Security benefits.
How Correctional Institutions can Assist
The prerelease process allows correctional facilities to help incarcerated individuals apply for, or have their benefits reinstated, prior to release. This process requires gathering documentation, such as proof of identity and proof of release, and may involve coordination between correctional institutions and local Social Security offices. Understanding these requirements can help individuals navigate the process more effectively. This ensures timely access to benefits that support reintegration into the community.
Contacting the local office can streamline the process and reduce delays. Correctional institutions, applicants, or beneficiaries can use the Field Office Locator to find contact information for the local office.
In addition to contacting the local office, having applicants review and sign necessary forms can help expedite the process. Two key forms to complete are the:
- Consent for Release of Information - SSA-3288: Authorizes SSA to share information with designated individuals or organizations
- Authorization to Disclose Information - SSA 827: Allows SSA to obtain medical records.
Prerelease Agreements
When an individual is nearing the end of their incarceration, the correctional institution and Social Security must follow policy guidelines to ensure that claims and reinstatements are processed properly and accurately. Establishing a prerelease agreement between your institution and Social Security may help speed up the initial claims or reinstatement process.
Benefits of a prerelease agreement
When an institution has a prerelease agreement with Social Security, we can:
- Begin processing an inmate’s application up to several months before their scheduled release date.
- Make a prospective determination of potential eligibility and payment amount based on the inmate’s expected circumstances after release.
- Streamline the process for starting or reinstating benefits promptly once the inmate is released.
Formal and Informal Agreements
Correctional institutions can establish a formal agreement with the local Social Security office using the model agreement available here: Exhibits of Prerelease Agreements, Referrals, and Forms. The model agreement may be modified to meet the institution’s specific needs; however, substantial changes may require review by legal staff.
Institutions may also enter into informal agreements, subject to the discretion of the local Social Security office.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
- Transitioning From Incarceration: Statewide Prerelease Agreements
- What Prisoners Need to Know
- Re-entering The Community After Incarceration—How We Can Help
- Prerelease Spotlight link
- Check eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Are you Eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Understanding the Benefits
- What You Need to Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits
- Survivors Benefits
If an incarcerated individual may be eligible for benefits, you can assist them by calling the local Social
Security office or our toll-free telephone number at