Social Security benefits are something that most Americans look forward to if they have earned the ability to receive them. Once someone has been convicted of a felony, they may wonder if they will lose the ability to receive social security benefits or if it will be impacted at all. The more you know about the process and what is involved, the more prepared you about seeking social security benefits for ex-felons.
Social Security benefits are something that every American who has worked for at least a period of 10 qualifying years has a right to receive. In order to qualify, you have to have paid into Social Security during those 10 years. If you were earning money and taxes were being taken out for Social Security, then you are eligible to receive social security benefits. For ex-felons, they may still be eligible, but may need to take steps to start receiving them or having them re-instated.
Committing a crime or spending time in jail or prison doesn’t mean you will never be able to receive Social Security benefits. There is no law that takes those benefits away from you because you have a felony on your record. You will still be able to receive Social Security benefits. For ex-felons, this is a relief, because many fear they will lose their future benefits for having a felony on their record.
What Happens to Social Security Benefits When Incarcerated
When someone goes to jail or prison for a period of time, their Social Security benefits will be suspended. The months that you are incarcerated you will not be able to receive any type of Social Security benefits. This doesn’t mean you will lose them forever, but you will not receive them during or for the months that you were incarcerated. This only applies to someone who is already over the age of 62, which is the age that someone is eligible to receive the benefits.
If you were receiving Social Security benefits and then you were incarcerated, the benefits will be suspended. You will not receive that money as long as you are incarcerated. You also won’t receive back pay for those months once you are no longer in jail or prison. However, you can begin getting the benefits once again after you are no longer incarcerated.
How Social Security Benefits Work for Ex-Felons
Social Security benefits for ex-felons works in the same way that it works for everyone else who has worked enough qualifying years and has paid into the tax. Social Security taxes are taken out of your paycheck, so it’s essentially your money that you are going to get back later on in life. In order to receive Social Security benefits you have to have worked for at least 10 years and during those years you paid the tax.
Once someone turns 62 in America, they are eligible to start drawing a Social Security benefit, which will come to you in a monthly payment. Some people begin drawing on their Social Security benefits at 62, while others wait until they are 64, 65, or even 70. The longer you wait to start taking Social Security payments, the higher the monthly payment amount will be.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits for Ex-Felons
Once you are no longer incarcerated you can get your Social Security benefits reinstated if you had already been receiving them. To do so, you will need to submit documentation to the Social Security Administration showing that you have been released from prison or jail. To contact the Social Security Administration, click here.
If you have never received any Social Security benefits and now you are ready to apply for them, you will apply through the Social Security Administration. By visiting their website you will be able to apply for benefits, as well as sign up for Medicare. If you are over the age of 65 or have serious health issues, you can apply for Medicare. This is a healthcare benefit that helps to cover the costs of medical care, including visiting the doctor, hospital, dentist, etc. To apply for Social Security or Medicare benefits, click here.
At the Social Security Administration website you can also submit documentation to show you are no longer incarcerated, get a benefits verification letter, request a new Social Security card, and more.
Addressing Financial Emergencies as an Ex-Felon
Those who have recently been released from jail or prison may find that they are in a financial emergency. They need financial assistance immediately, but they don’t have access to the programs they need to make it happen. The good news is that while most people have to wait for the process to receive their Social Security benefits, some ex-felons may be able to receive help immediately.
If you are facing a financial emergency, contact the Social Security Administration to let them know the situation. If you are eligible for the benefits and the payment may be due soon, they may provide it to you immediately. There are certain rules that are followed, but they will help some people by providing immediate relief, depending on the situation.
Social Security benefits are something that most people have earned in America. It is wise to seek to have the benefits re-instated or started if you have been incarcerated. Plus, since there is no law barring ex-felons from receiving the benefits, you never have to worry about losing them all together.
Many ex-felons also have questions about Social Security Income benefits. While these benefits are similar to Social Security, it is not the same thing. There are certain qualifications that people must meet in order to receive Social Security Income benefits. These include being 65 and older, having a disability, or being blind, as well as having little to no income.
The Social Security Administration wants to help ex-felons be successful as they transition back into the population. They will do all they can to help re-instate or start your benefits right away. To get more information on how they help ex-felons, click here.
