Oklahomans who are receiving Supplemental Security Income through the Social Security disability program might have medical issues that require inpatient treatment or some other form of institutionalization. A concern that frequently comes up is how they can get their SSI benefits quickly once they have been released. This is when it is important to understand the prerelease procedure.
There are certain requirements to use the prerelease procedure. It is for those who: are in an institution like a hospital, nursing home or jail; appear to be readily qualified to receive SSI when they are released; and are set to be released within several months of the date of filing for SSI benefits. In some cases, there will be a prerelease procedure in place between the Social Security office and the institution. If not, the person can still file for the prerelease procedure. It can be formal in that it is written and signed by both parties, or it can be informal. The agreement will allow the staff to know the prerelease procedure and gives them a contact to help.
There are requirements for the institution too. It must do the following: inform the Social Security Administration that the person is likely to be approved for SSI and might be released within 30 days; provide information – medical and nonmedical – for the claim to be processed; provide the date at which the person is expected to be released and inform the SSA of delays that might arise; and inform the SSA when the person is released. The SSA will agree to expedite the processing of the claim or reinstating benefits and promptly inform the institution of the SSI determination.
Understanding the prerelease procedure is vital for those who are in an institution and believe they meet the qualifications to get SSI or were getting SSI and would like the benefits to restart when they are released. Since there are so many different rules related to prerelease in relation to SSI, having legal help is important in these cases. Speaking to a lawyer who is experienced with SSI Supplemental Security Income is essential to a case.
Source: ssa.gov, “Spotlight On Prerelease Procedure — 2017 Edition,” accessed on Oct. 10, 2017