What Second Chance Month Means for Job Seekers With Records
Second Chance Month — recognized every April by presidential proclamation and now embraced by cities including Philadelphia — is more than a symbolic gesture. It's a signal that federal, state, and local workforce programs are actively directing resources toward people with criminal records who are trying to rebuild their careers. If you have a conviction in your past and you're struggling to find stable work, programs that may be available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), and local American Job Centers could help you access free training, job placement support, and in some cases, financial assistance while you get back on your feet.
This article breaks down the specific programs, who may be eligible, what the process looks like, and what to do if you hit a wall.
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WIOA: The Primary Federal Funding Source for Reentry Job Training
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the backbone of publicly funded job training in the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through a network of roughly 2,300 American Job Centers (AJCs) nationwide, WIOA funds career services, occupational training, and supportive services for adults who face barriers to employment.
People with criminal records are explicitly listed as a priority population under WIOA. That means AJCs are required to serve you — not just accept your application, but actively connect you with services.
What WIOA May Cover
- Career counseling and assessment — free, no income test required for basic services
- Occupational skills training — through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), which function like vouchers for approved training programs (community college, trade school, certification programs)
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) — employers receive a wage reimbursement of up to 50% of your wages while you train, which can make you a more attractive hire
- Supportive services — may include help with transportation, work clothing, childcare, or tools needed for a job, depending on your state and local program
- Transitional jobs — short-term, subsidized employment placements for people with significant barriers, including those recently released from incarceration
WIOA Eligibility Basics
For Adult and Dislocated Worker programs, there is no strict income cutoff, though priority for intensive services is often given to individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or those receiving public assistance. Youth programs (ages 16–24) under WIOA specifically target individuals who are justice-involved. Your record alone does not disqualify you.
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 appointment — no referral needed.
- Bring: government-issued ID, Social Security card, proof of address, and any documentation of your work history or training background. If you were recently released, a release document or supervision paperwork may help staff connect you to the right services faster.
- Complete an initial assessment with a career counselor.
- If you're eligible for training funds, work with your counselor to select an approved program from your state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
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The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Why It Matters to You as a Job Seeker
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax incentive that employers can claim when they hire workers from certain target groups — and people with felony convictions who are hired within a year of their conviction or release are one of those groups.
Here's why this matters to you directly: employers who participate in WOTC have a financial reason to give your application a fair look. When you're applying for jobs, it's worth asking HR departments whether they participate in WOTC or have fair chance hiring policies. Some workforce programs will even help you identify WOTC-participating employers in your area.
WOTC is administered jointly by the IRS and state workforce agencies. Employers apply — not workers — but knowing the program exists can help you target your job search more strategically.
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Philadelphia's Reentry Workforce Programs: A Local Model
Philadelphia's recognition of Second Chance Month reflects a broader infrastructure of reentry support that exists in the city — and that mirrors what many other major cities have built using a combination of federal WIOA dollars, state funding, and local investment.
Philadelphia Works and the PA CareerLink System
Philadelphia Works administers WIOA funding locally and operates PA CareerLink Philadelphia, the city's American Job Center network. Services are free and open to residents with barriers to employment, including justice-involved individuals. Staff at these centers are trained to work with people navigating reentry.
PA CareerLink Philadelphia locations can be found at philaworks.org. No appointment is required to walk in, though scheduling ahead can reduce wait times.
Reentry-Specific Nonprofit Partners
Philadelphia also has a network of community-based organizations that work alongside the public workforce system. Programs like those run through the Mayor's Office of Reintegration Services (RISE) connect returning citizens with employment, housing, and benefits navigation. While specific program availability changes, the AJC system can refer you to current partners.
What About Other Cities?
If you're not in Philadelphia, the same federal infrastructure applies. Search for your city or county's workforce development board — they administer WIOA locally and can tell you what reentry-specific services exist in your area. Second Chance Month is a good time to call, because many AJCs run special hiring events and employer engagement activities in April.
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Federal Fair Chance Hiring: Know Your Rights
The Fair Chance Act, signed into law in 2019, prohibits federal agencies and federal contractors from asking about criminal history on job applications before making a conditional offer of employment. This is sometimes called "ban the box" at the federal level.
Many states and cities — including Philadelphia — have their own fair chance hiring ordinances that extend these protections to private employers. Knowing whether your state or city has these rules can help you understand when an employer is legally required to consider your qualifications before your record.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also has guidance stating that blanket exclusions of people with records may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in some circumstances. If you believe you were denied a job unfairly based on your record, you can file a charge with the EEOC at eeoc.gov.
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Unemployment Insurance and Reentry: What You Should Know
If you were working before your incarceration and recently released, you may wonder whether you can collect unemployment insurance (UI). The rules here vary significantly by state. In most states, wages earned before incarceration may not count toward UI eligibility if there was a significant gap in employment. However, if you were recently laid off from a job you held after release, standard UI rules apply.
Contact your state's unemployment insurance agency directly to ask about your specific situation. Do not assume you're ineligible without checking — the rules are more nuanced than many people realize.
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SSI and SSDI for People With Disabilities and Records
If you have a physical or mental health condition that limits your ability to work, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be programs worth exploring — regardless of your record. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from SSI or SSDI, though you cannot receive benefits for months you are incarcerated.
SSI is needs-based (income and assets must be below program thresholds) and does not require a work history. SSDI is based on your work credits. Benefit amounts vary by program and individual circumstances. Apply through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
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What to Do If You're Denied
Denials happen — for training funds, for jobs, for benefits. Here's the short version of what to do:
- WIOA denial: Ask your AJC counselor for the specific reason in writing. You have the right to appeal. Ask about the grievance process.
- Job denial based on record: Ask whether the employer followed fair chance hiring rules in your jurisdiction. Contact your state's civil rights agency or the EEOC if you believe the denial was discriminatory.
- SSI/SSDI denial: Request reconsideration within 60 days. Most initial applications are denied — appeals are common and often successful, especially with legal help. Contact your local Legal Aid office for free assistance.
- UI denial: File an appeal within your state's deadline (usually 10–30 days). Attend your hearing.
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How to Get Started This Week
You don't need to wait for a special event or a referral. Here are three concrete steps you can take right now:
- Find your American Job Center at careeronestop.org and call or walk in. Tell them you're looking for reentry employment services.
- Check your state's workforce development board website for any Second Chance Month hiring events or employer fairs happening in April.
- If you're in Philadelphia, visit philaworks.org or call PA CareerLink Philadelphia to schedule an intake appointment.
If you'd like help understanding which programs may be available based on your situation, you can explore your options through Benefits.gov or speak with a benefits navigator at your local AJC — at no cost to you.
By submitting any inquiry form on third-party sites, you may be consenting to be contacted by phone, text, or email. Review consent language carefully before submitting.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: June 2026