Second Chance Month — recognized every April by the federal government and spotlighted by the Bureau of Prisons — draws attention to the workforce and benefits programs that may help people with criminal records rebuild stable lives after incarceration. If you or someone you love is navigating reentry, understanding which programs may be available, what they cover, and how to apply is the most practical place to start.

What Is Second Chance Month and Why It Matters for Job Seekers

Second Chance Month was officially proclaimed at the federal level to reduce barriers facing the roughly 650,000 people released from state and federal prisons each year in the United States. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and the Department of Justice use this period to highlight reentry resources — but these programs operate year-round. The spotlight matters because many returning citizens don't know what workforce and benefits programs they may access, or they assume a record automatically disqualifies them. That's often not the case.

WIOA: The Primary Federal Workforce Training Program for Reentry

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, is the backbone of publicly funded job training in the United States. American Job Centers (AJCs) — also called One-Stop Career Centers — deliver WIOA services in every state.

What WIOA May Cover

WIOA-funded services are organized into three tiers:

  • Core services (free to everyone): job search assistance, resume help, labor market information, and access to job listings.
  • Individualized career services: career counseling, work readiness training, and referrals to supportive services like transportation or childcare assistance.
  • Training services: occupational skills training, on-the-job training (OJT) subsidies, and apprenticeship support. Training grants — sometimes called Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) — can cover tuition at approved programs in fields like healthcare, construction, IT, and manufacturing.

People with criminal records are explicitly identified as a priority population under WIOA. There is no federal rule that bars someone with a conviction from receiving WIOA-funded services. State and local workforce boards set specific eligibility criteria, so outcomes vary — but a record alone is not a disqualifier.

How to Apply for WIOA Services

  1. Locate your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or call 1-877-872-5627.
  2. Bring identification (state ID, Social Security card, or other documentation your AJC accepts).
  3. Complete an intake assessment — staff will help determine which services and training programs may be available based on your situation.
  4. If you're interested in a training grant, ask specifically about Individual Training Accounts and the list of approved training providers in your area.

The Federal Bonding Program: A Direct Tool for Getting Hired

One of the most underused reentry resources is the Federal Bonding Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This program provides free fidelity bonds — essentially insurance policies — to employers who hire people considered hard to place, including those with criminal records.

  • Bonds are issued in amounts from $5,000 to $25,000 for the first six months of employment.
  • There is no cost to the employer or the job seeker.
  • The bond reduces employer risk, which can make a real difference when a hiring manager is on the fence.

To access the Federal Bonding Program, ask your American Job Center counselor — AJCs are the primary access point. You can also visit bonds4jobs.com for state-specific contacts.

Fair Chance Hiring: Federal Rules That Protect Applicants With Records

Under federal Fair Chance hiring policy — sometimes called "Ban the Box" — federal agencies and many federal contractors are prohibited from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. The inquiry can only happen later in the hiring process, after a conditional offer is made in many cases.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 extended these protections to federal contractor positions. If you're applying for a federal job or a job with a federal contractor and you're asked about your record too early in the process, that may be a violation worth reporting to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the contracting agency's inspector general.

Many states and cities have their own Ban the Box laws that apply to private employers. The National Employment Law Project (NELP) maintains a state-by-state tracker — your AJC counselor can help you understand local rules.

Benefits Eligibility After Incarceration: What You Need to Know

This is where state variation matters enormously. Federal law restricts certain benefits for people with specific conviction types, and states have the option to expand or further restrict access.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Federal law imposed a lifetime ban on SNAP for people convicted of drug felonies — but most states have opted out of that ban fully or partially. As of 2025, only a small number of states still enforce the full lifetime ban. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and eligibility is generally set at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Apply through your state's SNAP agency or benefits portal.

Medicaid Most people released from incarceration lose Medicaid coverage during their sentence. Reapplying immediately upon release is critical. Eligibility in expansion states generally extends to adults at or below 138% FPL. Many states now have reentry Medicaid enrollment programs that begin the process before release.

SSI and SSDI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are suspended during incarceration but can be reinstated upon release. If you had an active SSI or SSDI case before incarceration, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible after release to restart benefits. New applications are also accepted — SSA does not categorically deny based on criminal history, though specific conviction types (such as certain sex offenses) may affect housing-related eligibility.

Housing Assistance HUD allows public housing authorities (PHAs) to deny admission based on criminal history, but PHAs have discretion. Many PHAs have adopted more flexible policies in recent years. If you're denied public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), you have the right to an informal hearing — don't skip that step.

What to Do If You're Denied a Program

Denials are not final. Every major federal program — SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing vouchers — has an appeals or fair hearing process. Request the denial in writing, note the deadline to appeal (often 10–30 days), and contact a legal aid organization or benefits counselor for help. Many reentry-focused nonprofits offer free assistance navigating appeals.

Reentry-Specific Resources Worth Knowing

  • Reentry Council of the Federal Interagency: coordinates federal reentry policy across agencies.
  • CareerOneStop Reentry Employment Resources: careeronestop.org has a dedicated reentry section with state-specific program finders.
  • 211: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to reach local social services, including reentry programs, housing, and food assistance.
  • Legal Aid: Many states have legal aid organizations that specialize in record expungement, which can significantly expand employment and housing options.

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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: May 2026