Individuals are not eligible to receive supplemental security income (SSI) benefits or TANF assistance during incarceration, but screening for postrelease eligibility and facilitation of the application process while the applicants are in prison or jail can avert problems that typically arise for people who must wait to receive benefits until some weeks or months after their release. Such assistance can ease the transition of these individuals back into the community by allowing them to access treatment or services that are often conditions of release and by enabling them to begin supporting themselves and their dependents without resorting to illicit activities, even if they cannot find work immediately. ^[1]  

The rules for eligibility for benefits are complex and can change over time or vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so corrections administrators should seek to engage representatives of benefits administration agencies or specialized benefits counselors to help determine the eligibility of individual prisoners. In addition, eligibility for certain benefits can impact eligibility for and receipt of other benefits. Establishing the cooperation of all relevant benefits agencies in the screening and application process can promote efficiency and, ultimately, a higher proportion of successful outcomes.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has procedures in place to allow for the processing of applications for incarcerated individuals who appear likely to meet SSI criteria when they are released. ^[2]   State TANF and Medicaid agencies and distributors of food stamps should adopt similar prerelease procedures for their programs.

Example: COMPASS, Department of Public Welfare (PA)

COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services) is a website that allows individuals and community-based organizations to screen for, apply for, and renew a broad range of social programs. It serves as a single access point for benefits administered by different federal and local agencies, including Medicaid, Food Stamp Benefits, Cash Assistance, Long Term Care, Home and Community-Based Programs, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. By establishing an online service that integrates each of these applications, DPW has made the application process considerably quicker and more straightforward. While internet use is prohibited in most correctional facilities, DPW has been cleared to place a computer in the facility that connects solely to COMPASS, and DPW is currently training corrections staff to screen inmates for eligibility and provide general assistance.