If you or someone you love is preparing to leave incarceration, job training and government assistance programs for people with criminal records may be available to help bridge the gap between release and stability. Reentry — the process of returning to community life after prison or jail — is one of the most financially vulnerable transitions a person can face, and federal and state programs exist specifically to address it.

Data Snapshot

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 600,000 people are released from state and federal prisons each year. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) reports that its Reentry Services Division oversees programming for tens of thousands of federal inmates annually, including vocational training, job placement assistance, and transitional housing coordination. Under the First Step Act of 2018, eligible federal inmates may earn up to 365 days of additional time credits toward early transfer to supervised release or prerelease custody — a provision that directly affects how much transition planning time returning citizens have. The Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program awarded approximately $113 million in grants in a recent funding cycle to organizations serving justice-involved youth and adults (source: dol.gov/agencies/eta/reentry).

What Is Second Chance Month?

Every April, the federal government — led by the White House and agencies including the Bureau of Prisons — recognizes Second Chance Month. The initiative is designed to raise awareness about the barriers returning citizens face and highlight programs that may help with employment, housing, and public benefits access.

The BOP's Second Chance Month spotlight draws attention to reentry programming offered inside federal correctional facilities, including:

  • Vocational training programs in trades like welding, electrical work, HVAC, and culinary arts
  • GED and adult education courses
  • Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), also called halfway houses, which provide transitional housing and job search support
  • Release Preparation Program (RPP), a structured curriculum covering employment, financial literacy, and community reintegration

If you or a family member is currently in a federal facility, asking the case manager about enrollment in these programs before release is one of the most practical steps you can take.

Federal Job Training Programs That May Be Available to Returning Citizens

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA is the primary federal law governing workforce development in the United States. It funds American Job Centers (AJCs) in every state, and those centers are required to serve all adults — including people with criminal records. Services that may be available through your local AJC include:

  • Career counseling and skills assessments
  • Occupational skills training (often at no cost)
  • Job placement assistance
  • Supportive services like transportation or childcare assistance during training

To find your nearest American Job Center, visit careeronestop.org or call 1-877-872-5627.

Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program

The Department of Labor's REO program funds community organizations that provide employment services specifically to justice-involved individuals. Grantees operate in cities and counties across the country and may offer paid work experience, job readiness training, and case management. Availability depends on your location — your local workforce board or American Job Center can tell you whether an REO-funded provider operates in your area.

Federal Bonding Program

One of the most practical — and least-known — tools for returning citizens is the Federal Bonding Program, administered by the Department of Labor. This program provides fidelity bonds (a type of employer insurance) to businesses that hire people with barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. The bond costs the employer nothing and may make hiring a returning citizen less risky in their view. You can ask about this program at any American Job Center.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Employers who hire individuals from certain target groups — including people released from prison within the past year — may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $2,400 per qualifying hire. While this is an employer-side incentive, knowing about it can help you advocate for yourself in job interviews. Mentioning that an employer may be eligible for WOTC by hiring you is a legitimate and practical conversation to have.

Public Benefits Eligibility for People with Criminal Records

This is one of the most complicated areas of reentry planning, because eligibility rules vary dramatically by state and by the type of conviction.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Federal law originally imposed a lifetime ban on SNAP for people with felony drug convictions. However, Congress has since allowed states to opt out of or modify that ban. As of recent years, the majority of states have fully or partially lifted the ban. A small number of states still impose restrictions.

  • To find out your state's policy: Contact your state's SNAP agency or visit fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
  • Income eligibility: SNAP is generally available to households with gross income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though some states have broader eligibility through categorical eligibility rules
  • Benefit amounts vary by household size and income

Medicaid

People leaving incarceration may be eligible for Medicaid, particularly in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Medicaid expansion covers adults with incomes up to 138% of FPL. Some states have begun enrolling incarcerated individuals in Medicaid before release to ensure continuity of care — ask your facility's health services staff or case manager about pre-release enrollment if your state offers it.

Housing Assistance (HUD Programs / Section 8)

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs are administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Federal law requires PHAs to deny admission to individuals convicted of certain crimes (including methamphetamine production on federally assisted housing and lifetime sex offender registration). Beyond those mandatory denials, PHAs have discretion over other conviction types.

This means: - Some PHAs have adopted fair chance housing policies and may consider applications from people with older or less serious convictions - Others maintain stricter screening policies - Contacting your local PHA directly — and asking about their admissions policy — is the most reliable way to understand your options

HUD's resource locator is available at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts

SSI and SSDI

If you have a disability, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) after release. Benefits are suspended — not terminated — during incarceration for most people, and can be reinstated upon release. Pre-release agreements with the Social Security Administration can speed up reinstatement. Ask your case manager about the SSA's Pre-Release Agreement program.

Required Documents for Reentry Benefits Applications

Gathering documents before or immediately after release will speed up every application you file. Here's a practical checklist:

  • Government-issued photo ID (state ID or driver's license — many states offer free IDs to people leaving prison)
  • Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of release (release papers or discharge documents)
  • Proof of address (even a letter from a shelter, halfway house, or family member may be accepted)
  • Proof of income (if any — pay stubs, offer letters)
  • Immigration documents (if applicable)

Many reentry organizations and legal aid offices can help you obtain replacement documents at low or no cost if yours are lost.

Realistic Timeline: What to Expect

  • Before release: Enroll in facility programming, connect with a reentry case manager, and ask about pre-release Medicaid and SSA enrollment
  • Week 1 after release: Apply for SNAP and Medicaid — these can often be processed within 30 days, with SNAP sometimes approved in 7 days for expedited cases
  • Weeks 2–4: Visit your local American Job Center for WIOA services and job search support
  • Month 1–3: Begin vocational training if available; apply for housing assistance (note that Section 8 waitlists in many areas are long — applying early matters)

People Also Ask

Can people with felony convictions get SNAP benefits? It depends on your state. Most states have fully or partially lifted the original federal lifetime ban on SNAP for people with felony drug convictions. A small number of states still impose restrictions. Contact your state SNAP agency or visit fns.usda.gov/snap to find your state's current policy. Income and household size also affect eligibility.

What job training programs are available for returning citizens? The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds American Job Centers in every state that must serve people with criminal records. The Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program also funds community organizations offering job training specifically for justice-involved individuals. Availability varies by location.

Does a criminal record disqualify you from Section 8 housing? Not automatically. Federal law mandates denial only for specific convictions (certain drug offenses on federal property and lifetime sex offender registrants). For other convictions, local Public Housing Authorities have discretion. Some PHAs have adopted fair chance policies. Contacting your local PHA directly is the most reliable way to learn about your options.

What is the First Step Act and how does it affect reentry? The First Step Act of 2018 is a federal law that expanded earned time credits for eligible federal inmates, improved reentry programming inside federal prisons, and made certain sentencing reforms. Eligible inmates may earn credits that accelerate transfer to a Residential Reentry Center or supervised release, giving them more structured transition time.

How do I find reentry services near me? Start with your local American Job Center (careeronestop.org), your state's Department of Corrections reentry office, or Benefits.gov. Many communities also have nonprofit reentry organizations that can connect you with housing, employment, and benefits navigation support at no cost.

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

Last reviewed: July 2026