Job Training and Benefits for People with Criminal Records: What Reentry Programs May Be Available to You
If you or someone you love is returning home after incarceration, Second Chance Month — recognized every April by the federal government — is a useful reminder that job training programs, workforce grants, and certain public benefits may be available to people with criminal records. Navigating these programs takes preparation, but real pathways exist through federal agencies like the Department of Labor (DOL), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and state-level workforce boards.
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Data Snapshot
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 600,000 people are released from state and federal prisons each year in the United States. The Second Chance Act, first signed into law in 2008 and reauthorized through the First Step Act of 2018, has funded more than $400 million in reentry grants to state and local organizations since its inception, according to the Office of Justice Programs (ojp.gov). The Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program — a dedicated funding stream for justice-involved individuals — awarded approximately $85 million in grants in fiscal year 2023 to organizations providing job training and placement services to people leaving incarceration (source: dol.gov/agencies/eta/reentry).
These figures reflect a significant federal investment in second-chance employment — and they translate into real local programs that may be available in your community.
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What Is Second Chance Month?
Second Chance Month was established by presidential proclamation and is observed every April. It draws attention to the barriers people with criminal records face when trying to reintegrate into society — including employment discrimination, housing restrictions, and gaps in access to public benefits.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) participates in Second Chance Month by spotlighting its reentry programming, which includes vocational training, educational courses, and transition planning for individuals approaching release. The BOP's Reentry Services Division coordinates with community partners to help connect returning citizens to housing, employment, and benefits resources.
But Second Chance Month is more than a symbolic observance. It's a practical entry point for learning about programs that may be available year-round.
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Federal Job Training Programs That May Be Available
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA is the primary federal law governing workforce development in the United States. It funds a network of American Job Centers (AJCs) — more than 2,300 locations nationwide — where individuals can access job training, resume help, career counseling, and connections to employers.
People with criminal records are explicitly listed as a priority population under WIOA, meaning local workforce boards are encouraged to serve this group. Services at American Job Centers are generally free and do not require a clean record.
To find your nearest American Job Center: Visit careeronestop.org/localhelp or call 1-877-872-5627.
Department of Labor Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO)
The DOL's REO program funds nonprofit organizations and workforce intermediaries that provide job training specifically to justice-involved individuals. REO-funded programs often include:
- Occupational skills training (construction, healthcare support, manufacturing, culinary arts)
- Transitional jobs with wage subsidies
- Mentorship from people with lived reentry experience
- Connections to supportive services like housing and transportation
REO grants are awarded to local organizations, so availability depends on your location. Your local American Job Center can help identify whether an REO-funded provider operates in your area.
Federal Bonding Program
Administered by the DOL, the Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonds — essentially employer insurance — to businesses that hire people with barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. This program removes a common reason employers hesitate to hire returning citizens.
Bonds are free to the employer and are issued through state workforce agencies. If an employer has expressed hesitation about hiring you due to your background, you can ask your American Job Center about connecting that employer with a federal bond.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax incentive for employers who hire individuals from certain target groups, including people who were convicted of a felony and hired within one year of conviction or release. This credit can be worth up to $2,400 per qualifying employee for the employer.
WOTC doesn't directly benefit the job seeker financially, but it gives employers a concrete reason to consider applicants with records. Mentioning WOTC eligibility during a job search may open doors.
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Public Benefits After Incarceration: What May Be Available
Access to SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and other public benefits after incarceration is one of the most complicated areas of reentry — and one of the most important. Rules vary significantly by state and by the type of conviction.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Under federal law, individuals convicted of drug felonies may face restrictions on SNAP eligibility. However, most states have opted out of the federal drug felony ban either fully or partially, meaning SNAP may be available to you depending on where you live.
- States that have fully lifted the ban: Most states, including California, New York, Texas, and Florida
- States with partial restrictions: A smaller number of states impose time limits or require treatment program participation
- States that still enforce the full ban: A small minority
SNAP eligibility is generally based on household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for gross income. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income.
To check your state's rules: Contact your local SNAP office or visit benefits.gov.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for formerly incarcerated individuals depends on your state's expansion status and your income. In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, adults with incomes up to 138% of FPL may be eligible regardless of prior convictions.
Importantly, Medicaid cannot cover costs while someone is incarcerated (with limited exceptions), but coverage can be reinstated — or newly established — upon release. Some states now have programs to pre-enroll individuals in Medicaid before release to reduce the gap in coverage.
Housing Assistance (HUD Programs and Section 8)
This is one of the most restrictive areas. Federal law requires public housing agencies (PHAs) to deny admission to individuals convicted of certain crimes, including methamphetamine production on federally assisted housing premises and lifetime sex offender registration.
For other convictions, PHAs have discretion — they can set their own admissions policies. Many PHAs conduct criminal background checks and may deny applicants based on recent convictions, but policies vary widely.
Private landlords who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program also set their own screening criteria.
If you're facing housing instability after release, reentry housing programs funded through the Second Chance Act or local continuums of care may offer transitional housing options. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) can connect you to these resources.
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Documents You'll Need Before Applying for Anything
Having the right documents is the single most important thing you can do to speed up access to any program. Here's what to gather:
- Government-issued photo ID (state ID or driver's license)
- Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
- Birth certificate
- Release paperwork (discharge papers from the facility)
- Proof of address (even a shelter letter or letter from a family member may work)
- Proof of income (if any — pay stubs, benefit award letters)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
If you don't have these documents, many reentry organizations can help you obtain them. American Job Centers and legal aid organizations often assist with ID recovery at no cost.
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Step-by-Step: How to Start Accessing Reentry Resources
- Find your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or by calling 1-877-872-5627. Tell them you are recently released and looking for reentry services.
- Contact your state's SNAP office to ask about eligibility rules for people with prior convictions in your state. You can find your state office through benefits.gov.
- Apply for Medicaid through your state's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid agency if your income may fall at or below 138% FPL.
- Call 2-1-1 to find local reentry housing programs, food pantries, and transitional support services in your area.
- Ask about Second Chance Act-funded programs at your local workforce board or reentry organization — these programs are specifically designed for people in your situation.
Note: If you submit any form or inquiry online that requests your contact information, review the consent language carefully. Submitting your information may authorize the organization to contact you by phone or text.
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People Also Ask
Can people with felony convictions get SNAP benefits? In most states, yes — SNAP may be available to people with felony convictions, including drug felonies. Most states have opted out of the federal drug felony ban that once restricted access. Eligibility depends on your state's specific rules and your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. Check with your state SNAP office or visit benefits.gov to learn about your state's policies.
What is the First Step Act and how does it affect reentry programs? The First Step Act, signed in 2018, expanded reentry programming inside federal prisons, modified some mandatory minimum sentences, and increased earned time credits for incarcerated individuals who complete approved programs. It also directed the BOP to place individuals closer to their home communities before release. These changes may affect the programming available to federally incarcerated individuals approaching release.
Are there job training programs specifically for people with criminal records? Yes. The Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program funds local organizations that provide job training, transitional employment, and placement services specifically for justice-involved individuals. American Job Centers also serve people with criminal records as a WIOA priority population. Availability depends on your location.
Can I get housing assistance with a criminal record? It depends on the conviction and the housing program. Federal law mandates denial for certain serious offenses in public housing. For other convictions, public housing agencies have discretion and policies vary widely. Private landlords in the Section 8 program also set their own screening rules. Reentry-specific transitional housing programs funded through the Second Chance Act may offer alternatives while you stabilize.
What is Second Chance Month and who recognizes it? Second Chance Month is observed every April and is recognized by presidential proclamation. It highlights reentry resources and the challenges faced by people with criminal records. Federal agencies including the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Department of Justice, and the Department of Labor participate by spotlighting programs and resources available to returning citizens.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: July 2026