NY24-06: The Re-entry and Disability Application Experiences of Formerly Incarcerated Older Adults

Abstract:

Over 10% of the U.S. state prison population is 55 years and older, and has a higher prevalence of chronic conditions and disability compared to the general population. Upon release from prison, many are unable to work and face myriad barriers in receiving disability benefits.

A lifecourse perspective on incarceration using a cumulative disadvantage framework is needed to illuminate unanswered questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits eligibility and access barriers for formerly incarcerated older adults (FIOAs) to support their re-entry to society.

We will conduct a community-based participatory research study of barriers encountered by FIOAs in New York State in accessing SSA disability benefits. A community advisory board (CAB) of 10 FIOAs will be convened for guidance on research protocol development, interpretation of findings and recommendations. We will conduct four key informant interviews with staff and community leaders from FIOA-serving organizations with whom we have ongoing relationships. We will recruit 30 FIOAs for semi-structured interviews to elucidate life course trajectories regarding incarceration and access to benefits upon release.