Federal Benefits Chart
SSI/SSDI Overview
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, administered by the Social Security Administration, provide cash assistance to individuals who have a disability, are over 65, or are blind, and meet other medical, age, and income criteria.
Key Decision Points
- After felony conviction during period of incarceration = SSDI eligibility suspended (generally not terminated during incarceration)
- 1 calendar month of incarceration = SSI benefits suspended
- 12 calendar months of incarceration = SSI eligibility terminated
- 3 months prior to release = new SSI/SSDI applications begun; states that have a prerelease agreement with the Social Security Administration may begin applications earlier or later depending on the terms of the agreement
Federal Funding Agency
Social Security Administration
Relevant State/Local Agency, Office, and Contacts
Use the space below to write notes about which state/local agency or office oversees this benefit in your area and any related contacts. You can print this page for your records or log in to save your response for future reference.
Features
The SSI program provides monthly payments to certain low-income individuals to help meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. SSDI provides monthly payments to individuals who meet the same disability criteria as applicants to SSI but have also earned income and paid federal insurance contributions (FICA) tax on such income for a certain period of time, depending on age.
Although not required, SSA recommends that corrections facilities and jails develop a prerelease agreement with SSA to formalize the process of SSI/SSDI application processing for people approaching release.
Eligibility
- Income
- Health
- Other
Individuals who meet certain income criteria and who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older may be eligible to receive SSI. For SSDI, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have earned income and paid FICA tax on such income for a certain period of time; the period of time will depend on the age of applicants. SSA can advise applicants about the time period required. In addition, in some cases, individuals found disabled when they are under age 22 may be eligible for benefits on a parent's earnings history if that parent is deceased or is receiving SSDI or SSA retirement benefits.
State offices, usually called Disability Determination Services (DDS), determine whether applicants meet disability criteria for both SSI and SSDI. See the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (also known as the "Blue Book") for further information on disability evaluation processes.
Potential Limitations
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (the 1996 "welfare law") and subsequent related regulations prohibit states from providing SSI/SSDI to anyone who is in legal violation of his or her probation or parole. In addition, individuals who have outstanding felony warrants will not be processed for eligibility unless these warrants are satisfied.
See Special Topic: "How Incarceration Affects Medicaid and SSI/SSDI eligibility" for more information on the effect of incarceration on benefit eligibility for individuals who were already enrolled in benefit programs prior to entering jail or prison.
Examples
Multnomah County Joint Access to Benefits Program (Oreg.): The Joint Access to Benefits (JAB) program initiates the application process for Social Security disability benefits for people who will be released from prison to the county or who have been released and are homeless. JAB is a collaborative project among the county Department of Community Justice's Transition Services Unit, Sheriff's Office, and Department of Human Services; the state Department of Corrections and Department of Human Services; and the Social Security Administration district office.
For more information: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dcj/acjtsu.shtml.
The Justice Center does not endorse or promote any particular program.