For Immediate Release: March 12, 2004, 2004
Contact: Lee Carty, 202-467-5730 ext. 121
(content); Denise Serieux, 202-467-5730 ext 110, pubs@bazelon.org (orders)
Booklet Explains Recovery Of Federal Benefits by People with
Disabilities on Release from Jail or Prison
(March 12, 2004)—A new booklet by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health
Law explains to people with disabilities who have been arrested what happens
to
their federal
benefits—health
coverage, disability checks, veterans benefits and other resources—if
they go to jail or prison and how to recover these benefits quickly when released.
“This information is particularly important to inmates with mental illnesses,” points
out the author, Bazelon Center policy director Chris Koyanagi.
More than 16
percent of adults in the nation’s jails have a mental illness, according
to the U.S. Department of Justice, with almost as high a percentage in
prisons. Many relied on federal benefits for mental health care and supportive
services
prior to their arrest. They lose these benefits while incarcerated and,
when released, may not regain needed assistance for weeks or even months.
Without
access to treatment, housing and other supports, many drift into a cycle
of recidivism.
Arrested?
What Happens to Your Benefits If You Go to Jail or Prison? is
a guide to federal rules on key benefit programs: supplemental security income
(SSI), disability insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare and veterans benefits
for adults with mental or physical disabilities. The 16-page booklet uses a
question-and-answer format to explain in plain language:
- when benefits are terminated
and when they are only suspended,
- how inmates can get benefits back quickly
after their release, and
- how they can apply for benefits they did not have
before being arrested.
The text describes the application forms and assistance that jail and prison
staff can provide. It also lists outside advocacy resources and points out
that friends or relatives can help by going to local Social Security or social
services offices on an inmate’s behalf.
The text of Arrested? What Happens
to Your Benefits If You Go to Jail or Prison? is available online. To purchase a single copy
of the pocket-size booklet, send $2.50 plus $2 for shipping and handling
to:
Publications Desk
Bazelon Center
1101 15th Street NW, Suite 1212
Washington
DC 20005
Make checks payable to "Bazelon Center."
You can also order online:
For more information on ordering printed copies of the booklet, e-mail to
pubs@bazelon.org or phone the piblications
desk at, 202-467-5730 ext 110.
-30-
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is the nation's leading legal
advocate for people with mental disabilities.
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