Reentry Policy Council

Keys to Federal Benefits Access

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Key 3
Application

Create efficient processes for preparing, finalizing, and submitting SSI/SSDI and Medicaid applications prior to release.

Overview

By submitting applications to agencies or offices overseeing benefit programs before release dates, corrections staff increase the likelihood that individuals in jail or prison will have prompt access to benefits when they are released. The following recommendations indicate types of policies jail or prison officials could implement, in partnership with other key leaders, to create more efficient application submission and review processes.

Click on each recommendation to view related examples that illustrate the implementation of the recommendation as well as background information on terms and concepts highlighted in the recommendation.

Recommendations

A	Train corrections staff to complete benefits applications or hire individuals with expertise in Medicaid or SSI/SSDI (ideally individuals who work in the agencies administering these programs) to initiate applications.
B	Complete applications for individuals who screened positive at intake for SSI/SSDI and Medicaid eligibility well before their release date to increase likelihood of enrollment upon release.
C	Jointly file multiple benefits applications simultaneously to reduce administrative time spent submitting applications to separate agencies.
D	Create agreements with Social Security offices and state Medicaid agencies to expedite review of applications from individuals in jail or prison.