Sixty-four percent of US jail inmates are reported to suffer from mental health issues, compared to just 18.9% of the general population. This disparity becomes greater when considering a broader definition of disability, and individuals with disabilities are overrepresented in correctional facilities. They are often left without the ability to find employment at reentry, with Supplementary Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) providing pathways to housing and improved living conditions. However, complicated application procedures often result in the formerly jailed returning to prior lifestyles and rearrests. This study explores SSI/SSDI systems at two Massachusetts county jails.

据报道，64% 的美国监狱囚犯患有心理健康问题，而在总人口中这一比例仅为 18.9%。当考虑更广泛的残疾定义时，这种差异会变得更大，而在惩教设施中，残疾人人数过多。他们往往在再入境时无法找到工作，补充保障收入 (SSI) 和社会保障残疾保险 (SSDI) 提供了获得住房和改善生活条件的途径。然而，复杂的申请程序往往会导致以前被判入狱的人恢复以前的生活方式并再次被捕。本研究探讨了马萨诸塞州两个县监狱的 SSI/SSDI 系统。