Federal Reentry Employment Programs: What May Be Available to You
If you have a criminal record and are trying to get back to work, federal reentry employment programs — including WIOA training grants, the Federal Bonding Program, and Second Chance Act-funded services — may help you access job training, placement support, and employer incentives that can make a real difference in your job search. Rep. Lloyd Smucker's recent op-ed for Second Chance Month highlights growing bipartisan momentum around helping returning Americans rejoin the workforce, and the programs to back it up already exist. Here's what's actually available and how to access it.
---
What Is Second Chance Month and Why It Matters for Job Seekers
Every April, Second Chance Month draws attention to the roughly 70 million Americans with some form of criminal record — and the employment barriers they face. But the programs highlighted during this awareness push are available year-round. The federal government funds several workforce and reentry initiatives specifically designed for people with justice involvement, and many go underused simply because people don't know they exist.
---
WIOA: The Core Federal Training Grant for Returning Citizens
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal law funding job training and employment services for adults facing barriers to employment — and people with criminal records are explicitly listed as a priority population.
What WIOA May Cover
Through your local American Job Center (AJC), WIOA-funded services may include:
- Individual Training Accounts (ITAs): Vouchers that may cover tuition at approved trade schools, community colleges, or certification programs. Benefit amounts vary by state and individual circumstance, but ITAs can cover thousands of dollars in training costs.
- Occupational skills training in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, IT, and logistics
- Supportive services such as transportation assistance, childcare referrals, and work-related supplies
- Career counseling and job placement assistance
Who May Be Eligible
WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs generally serve people 18 and older who are unemployed or underemployed. Priority is given to individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), public assistance recipients, and people with barriers to employment — which explicitly includes individuals with criminal records.
There is no single income cutoff that applies everywhere. Eligibility is determined locally, and rules vary by state and individual circumstance.
How to Apply for WIOA Services
- Find your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or call 1-877-872-5627.
- Walk in or schedule an intake appointment — most AJCs serve walk-ins.
- Bring identification (state ID, Social Security card), proof of income or public assistance if applicable, and any documentation of your employment history.
- A career counselor will assess your eligibility and connect you to available training programs.
---
The Federal Bonding Program: Removing a Key Hiring Barrier
One of the most underused tools for returning citizens is the Federal Bonding Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Many employers hesitate to hire people with records due to liability concerns. This program addresses that directly.
How It Works
The Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds — essentially insurance policies — to employers who hire individuals with barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. Bonds typically start at $5,000 in coverage for the first six months of employment, at no cost to the employer or the job seeker.
This can be a genuine conversation-changer when you're negotiating with a hesitant employer. You can request a bond through your local American Job Center.
---
Second Chance Act Programs: Community-Based Reentry Support
The Second Chance Act, administered through the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), funds nonprofit and government organizations that provide reentry services to people leaving prison or jail. These programs vary widely by location but may include:
- Employment readiness and job placement
- Transitional housing assistance
- Substance use and mental health treatment
- Mentoring from formerly incarcerated individuals
- Case management services
To find Second Chance Act-funded programs near you, contact your state's Department of Corrections reentry coordinator or ask at your local AJC. The National Reentry Resource Center (at nationalreentryresourcecenter.org) also maintains a searchable directory.
---
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): An Employer Incentive That Helps You Get Hired
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and IRS, gives employers a federal tax credit of up to $2,400 when they hire individuals from certain target groups — including people who were convicted of a felony and hired within a year of conviction or release.
You don't apply for WOTC yourself, but knowing it exists gives you a talking point with employers. Many businesses — especially larger retailers, logistics companies, and food service chains — actively recruit WOTC-eligible candidates. Mentioning your eligibility during a job interview can work in your favor.
---
SSI, SSDI, and the Ticket to Work Program
If a disability — physical or mental health — is part of what's making employment harder, two Social Security Administration programs may be relevant:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with a work history who have a qualifying disability.
Importantly, if you're already receiving SSI or SSDI and want to try working, the Ticket to Work program may allow you to explore employment without immediately losing your benefits. This is a critical protection for people in recovery or reentry who need a safety net while they rebuild.
Note: Incarceration affects SSI and SSDI eligibility. Benefits are generally suspended during incarceration but may be reinstated upon release. Contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 to understand your specific situation.
---
What to Do If You're Denied
Denials happen. Here's what to do:
- WIOA denial: Ask your AJC for a written explanation and request a review. Eligibility determinations can sometimes be reconsidered with additional documentation.
- SSDI/SSI denial: File an appeal within 60 days. Most initial applications are denied; persistence through the appeals process is often necessary.
- Second Chance Act program waitlists: Ask to be placed on a waitlist and ask your case manager about alternative local resources in the meantime.
---
State-by-State Variation: What This Means for You
Every program listed here operates differently depending on your state. WIOA funding levels, ITA amounts, available training programs, and Second Chance Act grantees all vary by location. Some states have additional "ban the box" laws or state-funded reentry programs that go beyond federal minimums. Your local AJC is the single best starting point for understanding what's available where you live.
Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
---
Last reviewed: May 2026