What the Second Chance Act Actually Funds
The Second Chance Act (SCA), first passed in 2008 and reauthorized through the First Step Act era, is a federal law that directs funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits running reentry programs. If you're leaving incarceration — or supporting someone who is — understanding what the Second Chance Act funds may help you learn about programs that may be available to you right now.
SCA grants are not a single benefit you apply for directly. Instead, they flow to organizations that deliver services on the ground. Those services can include:
- Job training and vocational education inside correctional facilities and post-release
- Transitional housing assistance for the weeks and months immediately after release
- Substance use disorder treatment and mental health services
- Mentoring programs pairing returning citizens with community volunteers
- Family reunification support
- Case management to coordinate multiple services at once
The Office of Justice Programs publishes research on SCA program impacts, and the evidence base consistently shows that structured reentry support — especially employment-focused services — reduces recidivism and improves long-term outcomes for participants.
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Workforce Programs You Can Access After Release
American Job Centers (AJCs)
The most direct workforce resource for anyone with a justice-involved background is your local American Job Center (AJC), part of the national network funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). AJCs are free to use and open to the public — you do not need a referral.
At an AJC, you may be able to access:
- Resume writing and job search assistance
- Career counseling and skills assessments
- WIOA Title I Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) — grants that may cover tuition for approved vocational training programs, certifications, and community college courses
- Referrals to local SCA-funded reentry programs
WIOA Title I training grants are needs-based and prioritized for individuals facing barriers to employment — a category that explicitly includes people with criminal records. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and funding availability depends on your local workforce board.
WIOA Title I Eligibility Basics
To access WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker services, you generally need to:
- Be 18 or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Meet income guidelines (Adult program priority is typically given to individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though this varies by local area)
- Demonstrate a barrier to employment (justice involvement qualifies in most states)
Required documents typically include a government-issued ID, Social Security card or proof of Social Security number, proof of selective service registration (if applicable), and documentation of any income.
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Federal Benefits That May Be Available Post-Release
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Federal law previously banned people with drug felony convictions from receiving SNAP benefits, but most states have now opted out of that ban fully or partially. As of 2024, the majority of states allow people with drug felony records to receive SNAP. Eligibility is generally based on household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply through your state's SNAP agency or online portal.
SSI and SSDI for People with Disabilities
If you have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work, you may want to explore Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA). People are not eligible to receive SSI or SSDI payments while incarcerated, but you can apply before release in many cases — SSA has pre-release application programs coordinated with some correctional facilities. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income history.
Medicaid
Many people leaving incarceration are eligible for Medicaid through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), particularly under states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Eligibility is generally available to adults at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level in expansion states. Continuity of health coverage is critical for people managing mental health conditions or substance use disorders during reentry.
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What to Do If You're Denied
Denials happen — and they're not always final. Here's the action sequence:
- Request the denial notice in writing. Every federal program must tell you why you were denied.
- File an appeal within the deadline. SNAP appeals are typically due within 90 days. WIOA service denials can be appealed through your local workforce board. SSI/SSDI denials must be appealed within 60 days.
- Contact a legal aid organization. Many states have legal aid programs that specialize in benefits appeals for justice-involved individuals at no cost.
- Ask your AJC case manager for help. They can often identify alternative funding streams or programs you may not have known about.
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How to Find SCA-Funded Programs Near You
Because Second Chance Act grants go to local organizations, the fastest way to find what's available in your area is:
- Call 1-800-745-5555 to find your nearest American Job Center
- Contact your state Department of Corrections reentry or transition services unit
- Search Benefits.gov for federally funded reentry and workforce programs by state
- Ask your public defender or parole/probation officer for referrals to SCA-funded local nonprofits
Many SCA-funded programs begin services before release — so if you or a family member is still incarcerated, it's worth reaching out now rather than waiting until the release date.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026