SPOTLIGHT ON PRERELEASE PROCEDURE -- 2025 Edition

IS THERE A WAY TO APPLY FOR SSI BEFORE MY ANTICIPATED RELEASE FROM AN INSTITUTION?

The prerelease procedure allows you to apply for SSI several months before your anticipated release from an institution so that benefits can begin quickly after your release.  We do not pay you SSI benefits when you reside in a public institution.  We will help you apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if upon your release you expect to live alone or in a household where everyone is applying for or is receiving SSI, you meet the criteria for SSI eligibility, and your release is expected within 30 days after your notification of potential SSI eligibility.

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WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE PRERELEASE PROCEDURE?

We will process an application for you under the prerelease procedure if you:

    small blue and black arroware in an institution (for example, hospital, nursing home, prison, or jail) ; and

    small blue and black arrowappear likely to meet the criteria for SSI eligibility when you are released from the institution; and

    small blue and black arroware scheduled to be released within several months of the date you file your application for SSI.

HOW DOES THE PRERELEASE PROCEDURE WORK?

There may be a prerelease agreement in effect between the institution and your local Social Security office. However, you may file an application for SSI benefits under the prerelease procedure even if there is no agreement in effect.

A prerelease agreement may be formal (a written agreement signed by both parties) or informal.  Under the agreement, Social Security helps the institution’s staff learn the prerelease procedure and provides them with a Social Security contact to assist with the prerelease procedure.

THE INSTITUTION AGREES TO:

    small blue and black arrownotify us if you appear likely to meet the criteria for SSI and you could be released within 30 days after notification of potential SSI eligibility;

    small blue and black arrowprovide current medical evidence and nonmedical information needed to process your claim;

    small blue and black arrowprovide your anticipated release date and notify us of any delays that may result in a later release date; and

    small blue and black arrownotify us when you are released.

SOCIAL SECURITY AGREES TO:

    small blue and black arrowprocess your claim or reinstatement as quickly as possible; and

    small blue and black arrowwith your permission, notify the institution of the SSI determination promptly.

NOTE

If you are eligible for Medicare, ask Social Security about a Special Enrollment Period for formerly incarcerated individuals.


THIS INFORMATION IS GENERAL.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1–800–772–1213 (TTY 1–800–325–0778),
VISIT OUR WEBSITE (www.ssa.gov) ON THE INTERNET,
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE.