What this means
m21-1:XIV.7 explains data-matching programs that identify incarcerated beneficiaries and dependents. In plain terms, the official guidance says the VA is alerted of individuals whose incarceration might require the reduction or termination of VA benefits through It also addresses an information exchange agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-1:XIV.7 when organizing evidence or checking VA's handling of data-matching programs that identify incarcerated beneficiaries and dependents. Compare your application, supporting records, and notice with this source-specific point: The VA is alerted of individuals whose incarceration might require the reduction or termination of VA benefits through an information exchange agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Save proof of submission and identify the exact condition, exception, or missing development step before requesting correction or choosing a review option.
What to review in your file
- Check the file against this official condition: The VA is alerted of individuals whose incarceration might require the reduction or termination of VA benefits through
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: an information exchange agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: the payment of compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to persons convicted of a felony, see 38 U.S.C. 5313.
Important limits
m21-1:XIV.7 explains VA guidance for data-matching programs that identify incarcerated beneficiaries and dependents; it does not guarantee an award or replace the statutes, regulations, binding decisions, and review instructions that control an individual claim. Conditions and exceptions still matter, including this source point: The VA is alerted of individuals whose incarceration might require the reduction or termination of VA benefits through the payment of compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to persons convicted of a felony, see 38 U.S.C.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- Data-Matching Programs That Identify Incarcerated Beneficiaries and Dependents
- m21-1:XIV.7
- Data-Matching Programs That
- Identify Incarcerated Beneficiaries
- Process Identifying Incarcerated Beneficiaries
- agreements
- processes data receives
- individuals that data matching
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
Overview
In This Chapter
This chapter contains the following topics:
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Topic | Topic Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Process for Identifying Incarcerated Beneficiaries and Dependents |
| 2 | Processing Worksheets Data-Matching Programs Generate |
| 3 | Exhibit: Description of Fields on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Computer Match Worksheet |
| 4 | Exhibit: Description of Fields on the VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) State Prisoner Computer Match Worksheet |
1. Process for Identifying Incarcerated Beneficiaries and Dependents
Introduction
This topic contains information on the process for identifying incarcerated beneficiaries and dependents, including
- SSA and BOP agreements with VA
- how VA processes the data it receives from SSA and BOP
- individuals that data matching identifies
- responsibility for processing cases involving beneficiaries in receipt of pension or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and
- Central Office point of contact.
Change Date
April 23, 2026
XIV.7.1.a. SSA and BOP Agreements With VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is alerted of individuals whose incarceration might require the reduction or termination of VA benefits through
- a computer matching agreement with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Department of Justice, and
- an information exchange agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
References: For more information on
- compensation for incarcerated Veterans, see 38 CFR 3.665
- the payment of pension during confinement in penal institutions, see
- 38 CFR 3.666, and
- 38 U.S.C. 1505, and
- the payment of compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to persons convicted of a felony, see 38 U.S.C. 5313.