NB25-01: The Incidence and Impacts of Social Security Disability Benefit Suspension Due to Incarceration: A Community-Engaged, Mixed-Methods Approach

This project analyzes the impact of SSI and SSDI policies that suspend benefits for incarcerated individuals. It uses a mixed-methods, community-engaged approach. The quantitative research will draw on SSA administrative records matched to Criminal Justice Administrative Records System (CJARS) data. It will focus on the extent of over and underpayments among incarcerated SSI and SSDI beneficiaries, and which populations are disproportionately affected by inaccurate payments. The complementary qualitative component will establish a Community Advisory Board of Los Angeles-area legal, benefit, and reentry stakeholders; and will involve interviews to beneficiaries and service providers to understand the major themes of how newly convicted or released SSI/SSDI beneficiaries navigate benefit suspension and reinstatement.