Reentry career fairs for people leaving incarceration — like the recent event hosted by the Leon County Sheriff's Office in Tallahassee, Florida — are one of the most direct ways formerly incarcerated individuals can connect with employers, workforce programs, and public benefits in a single visit. If you or someone you care about is navigating life after incarceration, understanding which federal and state programs may be available is the first step toward stable employment and financial footing.
Why Reentry Career Fairs Matter
Reentry career fairs bring together employers who are actively open to hiring people with criminal records, alongside workforce development staff, benefits navigators, and community organizations. Events like the Leon County Sheriff's Office fair are designed to reduce the gap between release and employment — a period when people are statistically most vulnerable to housing instability and recidivism.
If you can't attend a local reentry fair, the same resources are available through other channels. The key is knowing where to look.
American Job Centers: Your First Stop
The American Job Center (AJC) network — funded through the U.S. Department of Labor under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) — is the backbone of publicly funded reentry employment services. There are more than 2,300 AJC locations nationwide, and services are free.
At an AJC, you may be able to access: - Career assessment and counseling - Job search assistance and resume help - Referrals to WIOA-funded training programs - Connections to local employers with fair-chance hiring policies - Supportive services such as help with transportation or work clothing
To find your nearest AJC, visit CareerOneStop.org (operated by the U.S. Department of Labor) or call 1-877-872-5627.
WIOA Training Grants for People with Barriers to Employment
Under WIOA Title I, people facing significant barriers to employment — a category that explicitly includes individuals with criminal records — may be eligible for Individual Training Accounts (ITAs). These are essentially training vouchers that can cover the cost of approved programs at community colleges, trade schools, and certified training providers.
What WIOA Training May Cover - Tuition and fees at approved institutions - Occupational skills training (healthcare, construction, IT, manufacturing, and more) - On-the-job training (OJT) programs where employers are reimbursed for training wages - Apprenticeship programs
Benefit amounts vary by state, local workforce board, and individual circumstances. There is no single national dollar figure — your local AJC workforce counselor will assess your eligibility and the funding available in your area.
To apply: Visit your local AJC in person or connect through CareerOneStop.org. You will need to provide identification, documentation of your work history, and information about your training goals. Consent to share your information with program partners may be required as part of the enrollment process.
Second Chance Act Programs
The Second Chance Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), funds reentry programs at the state and local level. These grants support organizations that provide: - Employment assistance - Housing navigation - Substance use treatment - Mentoring - Benefits enrollment support
Second Chance Act-funded programs are typically run by nonprofits, local governments, and corrections agencies — like the Leon County Sheriff's Office. To find programs in your area, contact your state's Department of Corrections reentry coordinator or search through the National Reentry Resource Center at nationalreentryresourcecenter.org.
Public Benefits After Incarceration: What May Be Available
Navigating public benefits after release is complicated — federal law restricts some programs for people with certain convictions, and state rules vary widely.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Federal law previously banned people with felony drug convictions from receiving SNAP, but most states have now modified or eliminated this ban. As of 2024, only a small number of states still impose full or partial restrictions. Eligibility is generally based on income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Contact your state's SNAP agency or visit fns.usda.gov/snap to check your state's rules.
Medicaid Most people leaving incarceration who meet income thresholds — generally up to 138% of FPL in Medicaid expansion states — may be eligible for Medicaid health coverage. Many states now have pre-release Medicaid enrollment programs that activate coverage on the day of release. Check with your facility's reentry coordinator or your state Medicaid agency.
SSI and SSDI If you have a disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be options. SSI is needs-based (income and assets must be below program thresholds); SSDI is based on work history. Incarceration suspends — but does not necessarily terminate — SSI/SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Pre-Release Agreement program that allows incarcerated individuals to apply for SSI/SSDI up to 90 days before release. Contact your facility's social worker or visit ssa.gov to learn more.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Unemployment Insurance is generally not available to people whose most recent job separation was due to incarceration. However, if you were employed after release and then lost that job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible. Rules vary by state.
What to Do If You're Denied
Denials happen — and they are not always final. Every major federal benefit program has an appeals process: - SNAP and Medicaid: You have the right to a fair hearing. Request one in writing within the timeframe stated on your denial notice (typically 30–90 days). - WIOA training: If you are deemed ineligible, ask your AJC counselor about alternative funding streams or appeal through your local workforce board. - SSI/SSDI: You can appeal a denial through four levels: reconsideration, administrative law judge hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Many people are approved on appeal — consider contacting a legal aid organization for help.
How to Get Started Today
- Locate your nearest American Job Center at CareerOneStop.org or call 1-877-872-5627.
- Ask about WIOA eligibility and whether a reentry-specific case manager is available.
- Contact your state's SNAP and Medicaid agencies to check benefit eligibility — rules on criminal records vary by state.
- Ask your facility's reentry coordinator about pre-release enrollment in Medicaid or SSA programs if you are still incarcerated.
- Search for local Second Chance Act-funded organizations through the National Reentry Resource Center.
Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026