Reentry Workforce Programs That May Be Available to You After Incarceration
If you're returning to the workforce after incarceration, reentry jobs programs — including WIOA training grants, the Federal Bonding Program, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit incentives — may help you access job training, remove employer hiring barriers, and connect with steady employment. April is Second Chance Month, a federally recognized period spotlighting reentry support efforts across courts, workforce agencies, and community organizations. But the programs highlighted during this month are available 365 days a year, and knowing exactly what they are and how to access them is the first step.
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What Is Second Chance Month and Why It Matters for Job Seekers
Second Chance Month was established by presidential proclamation to draw attention to the challenges people with criminal records face when trying to reintegrate into society — including finding stable employment. Courts, American Job Centers, and reentry organizations use April to host hiring fairs, expungement clinics, and benefits enrollment events.
According to the Ohio Supreme Court's recent reentry support coverage, state court systems are increasingly partnering with workforce agencies to connect returning citizens with job training and employment resources at the point of release — not months later. That coordination matters because the window right after release is when people are most at risk and most in need of immediate income support.
Whether you're newly released, on parole or probation, or have been out for years but still struggling to find stable work because of your record, the programs below may be available to you.
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WIOA: The Core Workforce Training Program for People with Barriers to Employment
What WIOA Is
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal law funding job training and employment services across the United States. It is administered through the U.S. Department of Labor and delivered locally through a network of approximately 2,300 American Job Centers (also called One-Stop Career Centers).
WIOA explicitly identifies people with criminal records as an eligible population with barriers to employment. That means your local American Job Center is required to serve you — and may be able to fund your training.
What WIOA May Cover
Through WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker programs, eligible individuals may receive:
- Individual Training Accounts (ITAs): Vouchers that pay for approved training programs at community colleges, trade schools, and certified training providers. Benefit amounts vary by state and individual circumstance, but ITAs can cover tuition, fees, and in some cases books and supplies.
- Supportive services: Transportation assistance, childcare help, and work-related tools or uniforms while you're in training.
- Career counseling and job placement: One-on-one coaching, resume help, interview prep, and employer connections.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Wage reimbursement to employers who hire and train you, which can make you a more attractive candidate.
WIOA Eligibility Basics
WIOA Adult program eligibility is generally based on being 18 or older and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Priority for intensive services is given to individuals with low income (generally at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level) and those facing barriers to employment — a category that explicitly includes people with criminal records.
There is no blanket income cutoff that disqualifies you. Eligibility is determined individually by your local workforce board.
How to Apply for WIOA Services
- Find your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org or by calling 1-877-872-5627.
- Schedule an intake appointment. Bring a government-issued ID, Social Security card, proof of any income, and documentation of your employment history.
- Complete an eligibility assessment. A career counselor will review your barriers, work history, and training goals.
- Develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP). This is your roadmap — it outlines the training program you'll pursue and the services you'll receive.
- Enroll in an approved training program using your Individual Training Account.
Note: If you submit any contact form or intake form at an American Job Center or partner organization, you may receive follow-up calls or messages. Consent to contact is typically part of the enrollment process.
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The Federal Bonding Program: Removing the Employer's Risk
One of the biggest reasons people with criminal records struggle to get hired is that employers worry about liability and theft. The Federal Bonding Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, directly addresses this by providing free fidelity bonds to employers who hire people with barriers to employment — including those with criminal records.
How It Works
- Bonds are issued in amounts of $5,000 for the first six months of employment, at no cost to the employer or the job seeker.
- Higher bond amounts (up to $25,000) may be available in some cases.
- The bond covers the employer against employee dishonesty — essentially acting as insurance that reduces their perceived risk of hiring you.
Who Can Use It
Any job seeker who has been rejected by employers due to a criminal record, history of substance abuse, or other background issues may be eligible. You do not need to disclose your full record to use this program — the bond is offered proactively as part of the hiring conversation.
How to access it: Ask your American Job Center counselor about the Federal Bonding Program. They can issue the bond directly to your prospective employer, often within 24 hours.
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Making You More Hireable
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from certain target groups — and people released from prison within the past year are one of those groups.
What This Means for You as a Job Seeker
Employers who hire you within one year of your release from a federal or state correctional facility may claim a tax credit of up to $2,400 (for working at least 120 hours) or up to $4,800 (for working at least 400 hours). This financial incentive can make you a more competitive candidate, especially with employers who are already WOTC-certified.
How to Use WOTC in Your Job Search
- When applying for jobs, you can mention that you may qualify your employer for WOTC — this is a legitimate selling point.
- Your American Job Center counselor can provide documentation or connect you with employers who actively participate in the WOTC program.
- WOTC is administered by state workforce agencies. Your employer files IRS Form 8850 and the relevant ETA form with the state agency within 28 days of your start date.
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Reentry-Specific Programs at the State and Local Level
Beyond federal programs, many states operate their own reentry workforce initiatives. These may include:
- Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) grants: Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, these grants go to community organizations that provide transitional jobs and employment services specifically for people with criminal records. Check with your local workforce board or reentry organization to see if an REO-funded program operates in your area.
- Transitional jobs programs: Short-term, subsidized employment that pays you while you build work history and references. Many are operated through nonprofits in partnership with state workforce agencies.
- Ban the Box and fair chance hiring initiatives: Over 35 states and 150+ cities have adopted policies limiting when employers can ask about criminal history. Knowing your state's rules can help you navigate applications more strategically.
- Expungement and record-sealing clinics: Clearing your record — even partially — can dramatically improve employment outcomes. Many legal aid organizations and courts offer free clinics, especially during Second Chance Month.
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Income Support While You're in Training or Job Searching
If you're between jobs and in a reentry situation, you may also want to explore:
- Unemployment Insurance (UI): Eligibility after incarceration varies significantly by state. In most states, you must have earned sufficient wages before your incarceration and meet availability-to-work requirements. Contact your state unemployment office to ask about your specific situation.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): People with certain drug felony convictions may face restrictions on SNAP eligibility depending on their state. As of recent federal policy, most states have opted out of the lifetime ban. Check your state's rules at benefits.gov.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): If you have a disability that limits your ability to work, you may be eligible for SSI or SSDI regardless of your criminal history, though benefits are suspended during incarceration and must be reinstated after release.
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What to Do If You're Denied a Program or Training Grant
Denials happen — and they're not always final. Here's what to do:
- Ask for the denial in writing and the specific reason.
- Request a formal appeal or grievance process. WIOA-funded programs are required to have one.
- Contact your state workforce agency directly if your local American Job Center denies you services you believe you're eligible for.
- Reach out to a legal aid organization if you believe you were denied based on your criminal record in a way that violates fair chance hiring policies.
- Try a different American Job Center location. Eligibility determinations can vary between offices, and a second counselor may assess your situation differently.
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People Also Ask
Can I get job training paid for if I have a felony? Yes, WIOA explicitly lists people with criminal records as a priority population for workforce services. Your local American Job Center may be able to fund job training through an Individual Training Account. Eligibility is determined individually and varies by state, income level, and the specific training program you're pursuing.
Does a criminal record disqualify me from SNAP benefits? Not automatically. Federal law previously imposed a lifetime SNAP ban for certain drug felony convictions, but most states have now opted out of that ban fully or partially. Your eligibility depends on your state's specific policy, your conviction type, and your current income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. Check benefits.gov or contact your local SNAP office.
What is the Federal Bonding Program and how do I use it? The Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds to employers who hire people with barriers to employment, including criminal records. Bonds typically start at $5,000 for six months. Ask your American Job Center counselor to issue a bond to your prospective employer — it can be done quickly and costs you nothing.
Can I collect unemployment after being released from prison? It depends on your state and your work history before incarceration. Most states require you to have earned sufficient wages in a base period before your incarceration and to be currently available and actively seeking work. Contact your state's unemployment insurance office directly to ask about your eligibility.
What is Second Chance Month and when does it happen? Second Chance Month is observed every April. It was established by presidential proclamation to highlight reentry challenges and connect returning citizens with employment, housing, and legal resources. Courts, workforce agencies, and nonprofits often host special events, hiring fairs, and expungement clinics during this period — but the underlying programs are available year-round.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: June 2026