The Social Security Administration has issued a new section of its Program Operations Manual Series (POMS) dealing with what constitutes a "penal institution" for purposes of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A brief summary:
- Privately operated prison: Yes
- Home confinement: No
- Halfway house: Probably
- Juvenile treatment center: Probably
If one understands why SSI recipients are not paid while confined this makes perfect sense. The SSI program provides a very minimal payment which is to meet the basic needs of life - food, shelter and clothing. In most penal facilities one does not pay for one's food, clothing and shelter. While under home confinement people still have to pay rent, buy food and clothing and that is why they continue to receive SSI. Payment suspension is not a "penalty" the way it is for SSDI beneficiaries.
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