Comments (6)

1. 

   Community Member

   I agree this should be looked at, but we need to make sure we're not hurting innocent people in the process. One possible example: what if someone robbed a bank to be able to pay for treatment for his or her sick/disabled child? The sick/disabled child may receive Social Security payments in order to obtain medical treatment and/or help with basic living expenses.

   But I agree the prisoner/inmate should not be receiving Social Security payments, because he/she has a bed, prison clothing, and food.

   2 years ago

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2. 

   Community Member

   This was already addressed on the forum. The wage earner is not entitled to his or her checks if they are in prison and convicted of a felony but the subject of what happens to children's benefits did not come up. Their children continue to receive SSA benefits. Prisons receive payments from SSA to tell us about prisoners. see this forum for details of another discussion on this issue and socialsecurity.gov for details of who is entitled to checks and not entitled to checks in this situation.

   2 years ago

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3. 

   Community Member

   This is already being done. The SSA pays the prison system a compensation for reporting inmates that receive SSA benefits. And I am almost positive that if the primary benefiter stops receiving benefits (convicted Felon) all other beneficiaries stop receiving benefits as well.

   2 years ago

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4. 

   Community Member

   from socialsecurity.gov FAQ.

   Does Social Security pay benefits to prisoners?

   We pay benefits under both the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Both of these programs prohibit payments to most prisoners. Social Security benefits are suspended if an otherwise eligible person is confined in a jail, prison, or other penal institution for more than 30 continuous days due to conviction of a crime.

   We cannot pay benefits to someone who, by court order, is confined in an institution at public expense in connection with a criminal case if the court finds that the person is: guilty, but insane; not guilty of such an offense by reason of insanity or similar factors (such as a mental disease); or incompetent to stand trial for such an alleged offense.

   Also, we cannot pay benefits to someone who, immediately upon completion of a prison sentence for conviction of a criminal offense (an element of which is sexual activity), is confined by court order in an institution at public expense. The confinement must be based on a court finding that the individual is a sexually dangerous person or sexual predator (or a similar finding.) However, if a person is not confined in prison or other similar place, benefits may be paid to an eligible individual.

   2 years ago

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5. 

   Community Member

   also from socialsecurity.gov FAQ.

   Will Social Security benefits to my spouse and children stop while I am in prison?

   Your eligible family members will continue to receive benefits. You, or a member of your family, should contact Social Security right away to report that you are in jail.

   2 years ago

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6. 

   Community Member

   Bottom line, as I've said before, the person the beneficiary who is in prison has their checks stopped but the auxiliary checks continue if they are on SSA retirement or disability. Like I said, I love our wesbite at socialsecurity.gov.

   2 years ago

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