The Social Security Administration’s Pre-release Procedures of Institutionalized Individuals

Congress enacted legislation requiring that Social Security provide a way for individuals to apply for benefits before they are released from a public institution. SSA’s pre-release procedures were designed to ensure eligible individuals receive timely Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments when they re-enter the community.

The pre-release procedures allow SSA to take and process an institutionalized individual’s SSI application several months before the individual’s anticipated release. It also allows for a prospective determination of potential eligibility and payment amount based on anticipated circumstances. The pre-release procedures apply to correctional facilities and other public institutions.

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