Rights of Older Persons

Left Behind Twice: Fixing Social Security for Formerly Incarcerated Elders

2025
González-Rivera, C., and Finkelstein, R. K. (2025). Left behind twice: Fixing Social Security for formerly incarcerated elders. Generations Journal 49(3). https://generations.asaging.org/left-behind-twice-fixing-social-security-for-formerly-incarcerated-elders/

christian gonzález-rivera and Ruth Finkelstein

Older adults released from long prison terms face serious barriers when applying for Social Security benefits. Through interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals and service providers, we found that most received little or no support before release, lacked essential documentation, and struggled with digital systems. These challenges, compounded by a complex and opaque administrative process, delay access to SSI and SSDI—vital income sources for those experiencing housing instability and poor health. We offer policy recommendations spanning from New York State corrections to the federal Social Security Administration to make the system more responsive to the realities of reentry.