Income Benefits After Incarceration: What You Need to Know
Coming home after incarceration is overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it empty-handed. If you were receiving Social Security, SSI, or SSDI benefits before going to prison, you may be able to restart them. If you weren’t receiving benefits, you might now qualify.
The Social Security Administration has a dedicated Reentry page (ssa.gov/reentry/benefits) that breaks down what happens to your benefits while you’re incarcerated and what steps to take when you’re released.
Here are the key takeaways:
Your Social Security payments stop while you’re in prison — but they can be reinstated when you’re out.
You need to contact SSA to let them know you’ve been released.
You may need proof of release and a new application if it’s been more than 12 months.
Even if you didn’t get benefits before, you might qualify now — don’t assume you’re not eligible.
Income is one of the biggest barriers when you’re rebuilding your life. Don’t leave benefits on the table — reach out to your local SSA office or call 1‑800‑772‑1213 to get the process started.
You deserve stability, dignity, and a fresh start.
