How People Can Lose 100% Of Their Social Security Payments

A few things can trigger a loss of Social Security payments. One is unpaid debt, such as student loans. Another is working while receiving earnings above an annual limit.

However, there is one that makes people lose their entire benefit. According to the Social Security Administration “What Prisoners Need To Know” warning, “Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments generally are not payable for months during which you’re imprisoned for committing a crime. This includes when you’re confined to a jail, prison, or certain other public institutions.” There is no guarantee this will change upon release from incarceration.

The rule has some exceptions. People in jail for less than 30 days generally do not have a problem. Spouses and children receive payment if they are already eligible.

The length of imprisonment has a rule of its own: “However, if your confinement lasts for 12 consecutive months or longer, we’ll terminate your eligibility for SSI payments and you must contact us to file a new application after your release.”

How many people over 65 are in U.S. prisons? The most accurate information is for those in federal prisons, which total 153,651. Of those, 4,660 are older than 65. However, most incarcerated people, 87%, are in state prisons. Most state data that covers people over 55 years old is outdated.

Social Security does have ways for people who have left prison to inquire about restarting payments. The best one seems to be to contact Social Security directly.

Critical Moves Lawmakers Must Make for Social Security’s Survival

The post How People Can Lose 100% of Their Social Security Payments appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..