What Happens to My Social Security Retirement Benefits While I am Locked Up?

What Happens to My Social Security Retirement Benefits While I am Locked Up?

Wondering what will happen to your social security retirement payments while you are locked up adds stress to an already tense situation. The following facts can help you understand the process. If you are in jail but have not been convicted, you will not lose your retirement benefits. They will continue to be paid out in the usual manner. Once you are convicted and begin your jail or prison sentence, your payments will stop after you have been incarcerated for 30 days. For example, your sentence begins May 1, your benefits will stop June 2. If you start your sentence July 15, benefits stop August 15. How does Social Security work? If you are released on probation instead of sentenced to jail or prison, your benefits will not be interrupted. Even if your payments are stopped due to you being convicted and serving time, they can be reinstated when you are released. Ask the guard if your facility has “pre-release” forms. Through these you can begin the reinstatement process shortly before your release date. This might shorten the delay many offenders experience by waiting until they are back on the street to start the process. Disability Planner Spouse and dependents are eligible for your benefits and they’ll continue for them as long as they remain eligible. Getting a bigger check from Social Security Final thoughts: Many families depend on social security retirement benefits. If you know you are going to be sentenced to more than 12 months, do what you can to put some money aside in the weeks or months leading to your sentencing.  Only an attorney can advise you about your case, but stretching the case out as far as possible might help you save some money because your benefits continue until the conviction.