People may use the term “felony disabled” to refer to individuals with a felony conviction who also have a medical disability.
Individuals with a past felony conviction can still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in most circumstances, though they may have a more challenging time with their application.
You can learn more about this situation with a Houston Social Security Disability lawyer. An attorney can explain the steps you’d need to take to secure benefits if you have a felony conviction on your record.
What Does It Mean to Be Felony Disabled?
Being “felony disabled” simply means having a disability and a felony conviction. In many cases, these two statuses do not directly impact one another. However, in some cases, a past conviction could affect an individual’s ability to secure disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You can learn more about how these statuses interact and what “felony disabled” means when you turn to a professional legal team for help.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
You May Qualify for Benefits as a Convicted Felon
Convicted felons can still qualify for SSDI benefits in most cases. In fact, the SSA does not, as a rule, discriminate against individuals who have a past conviction for a felony.
You can file an application for benefits with the help of an attorney who can ensure that you include evidence that shows the extent of your disability and demonstrates that you paid into the Social Security system in order to qualify for payments.
The SSA will need to review your application to ensure that you meet its eligibility requirements. If you hit all relevant criteria, you should begin receiving benefits that you can use to cover your monthly expenses.
Situations Where a Felony Conviction Could Affect Your Benefits
In certain situations, the events surrounding a felony conviction could stop you from getting SSDI benefits.
For example, you may find yourself disqualified from getting the benefits you need if:
- The felony you committed caused or worsened your disability
- Your time in prison caused or worsened your disability
- The court convicted you of terrorism or treason
- You fled from the police
- The court has issued a warrant against you
- You violated your probation or parole
So, while a felony conviction will not automatically prevent you from securing benefits, it could put up roadblocks in your path in some situations. You can turn to a lawyer for help understanding the specifics of your circumstances.
Situations That Can Result in the Suspension of Your Benefits
In some cases, you may qualify for benefits, only for the SSA to suspend them due to circumstances in your life. Suspensions could occur if:
You End Up Incarcerated
If the police convict you of a criminal act and you end up incarcerated, the SSA can suspend your disability benefits. Generally, the SSA only suspends these benefits if you spend over 30 consecutive days in jail or prison.
Note that you can request the SSA reinstate your benefits after you are released from a correctional facility. However, you will have to reapply for your benefits if you spent more than 12 months incarcerated.
You Stay in a Halfway House
The SSA will not provide you with benefits while you’re staying in a halfway house. However, once you leave the halfway house, you may qualify to receive disability benefits.
If you have more questions about restrictions related to halfway houses, you can reach out to an attorney for additional information.
While a felony conviction can have life-long effects, it should not necessarily stop you from drawing SSDI benefits if you experience an injury or illness that leaves you with a disability that prevents you from working.
Talk to Us About Getting Disability Benefits With a Felony Conviction
So, what does felony disabled mean? People can use this term when referring to individuals with a disability and a felony conviction. In general, the term does not have a specific legal meaning or status.
In most cases, you can qualify for SSDI benefits even with a felony conviction. However, you could face extra challenges when going through the application process, and, in some cases, a conviction could prevent you from getting the benefits you deserve.
Our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates understands what it takes to help clients in your situation secure the benefits they need. We have over 120 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to walk you through the process of applying for and securing disability benefits.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
