How to Get Social Security Benefits When Released From Prison
Once a person is officially released for prison, he may apply for Social Security benefits. Some prisons may have a pre-release agreement with their local Social Security office, meaning that prisoners can pre-apply to have their Social Security benefits restarted as soon as they are released--but this applies only to prisoners who were getting benefits before they were incarcerated. All other prisoners are required to file a new application. By following some simple steps and organizing your information, you can apply for Social Security benefits as soon as you are released.
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Things You'll Need
- Official prison release documents
- Social Security card
- Financial records
- Bank account information
Instructions
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Applying for Social Security after being released from prison
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Go to the Social Security Online website page titled "What Prisoners Need to Know." Read the information thoroughly to be sure you qualify to apply for Social Security Benefits.
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Locate the nearest Social Security office in your area and schedule an appointment to apply for Social Security benefits. Inform the person making the appointment that you were recently released from prison so that you can find out exactly what documents you need to bring with you.
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3
Gather all of your official prison release documents together--you are required to bring these documents to your Social Security appointment. You cannot apply for Social Security benefits after being released from prison without these documents.
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4
Call 800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., if you have any questions regarding your application for Social Security benefits, or to check on the status of your application.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring any pertinent financial records and personal information to your appointment that may be needed such as your place of birth, bank account numbers and your Social Security card.
Spouses and children of prisoners can still collect Social Security benefits if they are eligible.
You cannot collect Social Security benefits for the months you were incarcerated.
Being released from prison does not make you automatically eligible for Social Security benefits.
Resources
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