You probably rely heavily on your Social Security Disability benefit payments each month since your disability keeps you from being able to work. Trouble with the legal system may have you concerned that you will lose these benefits.
The Social Security Administration has some strict rules regarding arrests and convictions. However, do not assume that legal trouble will lead to a denial or loss of your SSD benefits.
Outstanding warrants
An outstanding warrant may temporarily keep you from receiving your SSD benefits or any underpayments you otherwise would have received. If your outstanding arrest warrant is because you were fleeing to escape prosecution or incarceration or you were escaping from custody, this felony offense will suspend your benefits during the month or months the warrant is active.
Convictions
You cannot receive SSD payments while in jail or prison by court order. Even though you do not receive benefits during your incarceration period, your family members who receive payments based on your work record will not lose those.
Probation and parole violations
You also will not receive SSD benefits if you do not comply completely with federal or state parole guidelines. You must inform the SSA if you violate parole or a condition of probation. The SSA will not provide you with benefits for the month or months you are in violation.
Notification of legal trouble
One of the keys to retaining your right to SSD benefits is being open and honest with the SSA. Withholding or hiding information could result in worse consequences than the temporary cessation of benefits you may already face.
