Social Security Benefits for Prisoners (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Nov. 1, 1983 |
| Report Number |
IB81163 |
| Authors |
David Koitz, Education and Public Welfare Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
On Mar. 24, 1983, the Congress adopted, as part of the Social SecurityAmendments of 1983 (P.L. 98-21), a measure to preclude virtually allincarcerated felons from receiving social security benefits of any kind,including retirement and survivor benefits. This action expanded previouslegislation. In October 1980, legislation had been enacted (P.L. 96-473)that denied only social security disability benefits and student benefits toprisoners convicted of a felony.Concern also arose in the 97th Ccngress about difficulties the SocialSecurity Administration encountered in obtaining identifying informationnecessary to remove prisoners from the benefit rolls as required by the 1980legislation. To remedy the latter situation, Congress included in P.L.97-123, enacted in December 1981, a provision that requires governmentagencies to provide the name and-social security number of prisoners to theSocial Security Administration.
