Reentry support programs — designed to help people returning home from incarceration — may be among the most underutilized categories of government assistance in the United States. If you or a family member is leaving prison or jail, or has recently been released, federal and state-funded programs may be available to help with job training, housing navigation, food assistance, and healthcare enrollment. April is Second Chance Month, a federally recognized observance that draws attention to these resources and the real barriers returning citizens face when trying to rebuild their lives.

What Is Second Chance Month?

Second Chance Month was established by federal proclamation to highlight the challenges people face when reentering society after incarceration — and to spotlight programs designed to address those challenges. Courts, corrections agencies, and community organizations across the country use April to promote reentry services and connect returning citizens with support.

The Ohio Supreme Court, for example, recently highlighted reentry support efforts during Second Chance Month, underscoring how courts at every level are increasingly involved in connecting people with workforce and benefits programs — not just processing cases.

This isn't purely symbolic. The Second Chance Act, originally passed in 2008 and reauthorized through the First Step Act and subsequent legislation, provides federal funding to states and localities for reentry programs covering employment, housing, substance use treatment, and mentoring. It represents one of the most significant federal investments in reentry infrastructure in U.S. history.

Data Snapshot

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 600,000 people are released from state and federal prisons each year in the United States. The Second Chance Act has funded over 1,000 grants totaling more than $600 million since its enactment, supporting reentry programs in all 50 states (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs: https://www.ojp.gov/program-summary/second-chance-act). The U.S. Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program has served tens of thousands of justice-involved individuals annually through targeted workforce development grants. Benefit amounts and program availability vary significantly by state and local funding levels, and waitlists for some services — particularly transitional housing — can extend for months.

What Benefits May Be Available to Returning Citizens?

One of the most common questions people ask after release is whether a felony conviction disqualifies them from government assistance. The answer depends on the specific program and the state where you live.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Historically, a federal lifetime ban on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) existed for people with drug felony convictions. That ban has been modified or eliminated in most states. As of 2024, the majority of states have fully or partially lifted the drug felony SNAP ban. Income eligibility is generally set at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though some states use expanded thresholds up to 200% FPL through categorical eligibility provisions.

If you were recently released, you may be able to apply for SNAP immediately depending on your state's current policy. Contact your local SNAP office or visit Benefits.gov to find your state's application portal and confirm the rules that apply where you live.

Medicaid and Healthcare Coverage

People leaving incarceration are among the most likely to be uninsured — and among those with the greatest unmet healthcare needs. In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, adults with incomes at or below 138% FPL may qualify regardless of criminal history. Some states have gone further, implementing pre-release Medicaid enrollment programs so that coverage begins on the day of release rather than requiring a separate post-release application.

If your state has not expanded Medicaid, you may still be able to access subsidized coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov, depending on your income. Connecting with a benefits navigator or reentry case manager can help you identify the fastest path to coverage in your state.

Housing Assistance

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers operate under more complex rules than other benefit programs. Federal law requires public housing authorities (PHAs) to deny admission to individuals convicted of certain specific offenses — including methamphetamine production on federally assisted housing premises and certain sex offenses requiring lifetime registration. However, PHAs retain significant discretion over admissions decisions for many other conviction types, and policies vary widely from one housing authority to the next.

HUD has actively encouraged PHAs to adopt more inclusive admissions policies, and many local housing authorities have updated their criteria in recent years. Contacting your local PHA directly — and asking specifically about their current admissions policy for people with criminal records — is the most reliable way to understand what may be available to you.

SSI and Social Security Disability

People who were receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) before incarceration may have had their benefits suspended — not terminated — during their time in custody. Benefits may be reinstated upon release without requiring a full new application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends contacting them before or shortly after release to begin the reinstatement process and avoid unnecessary delays in restored payments.

Job Training and Workforce Programs for Returning Citizens

American Job Centers

The nationwide network of American Job Centers, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), designates justice-involved individuals as a priority population for services. That means returning citizens are specifically identified for outreach and assistance — not treated as a lower priority. Services available through American Job Centers may include skills assessments, resume development, job placement assistance, and referrals to occupational training programs. You can locate your nearest American Job Center at careeronestop.org.

Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO)

The U.S. Department of Labor funds the Reentry Employment Opportunities program, which supports local organizations providing job training and placement specifically for people with criminal records. REO-funded programs often include paid work experiences, occupational certifications, and individualized case management. Whether a funded provider operates in your area depends on current grant cycles and local funding — your state workforce agency or 211 helpline can help you find out.

Second Chance Act Grantees

Organizations receiving Second Chance Act grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provide a range of reentry services — from transitional housing to cognitive behavioral programming to employment readiness workshops. These are typically nonprofits, faith-based organizations, or local government agencies. Your state's department of corrections or local court may be able to connect you with active grantees operating in your area. The BJA's website also lists funded programs by state.

Registered Apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship has worked to expand access to registered apprenticeship programs for justice-involved individuals. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction and lead to industry-recognized credentials. Many programs are concentrated in construction, healthcare support, and manufacturing — sectors with consistent hiring demand. Some apprenticeship sponsors have adopted fair-chance hiring policies that consider applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis.

How to Access Reentry Support: A Practical Starting Framework

Navigating reentry services can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing multiple urgent needs at once. The steps below are a starting framework — not a guarantee of any specific outcome — but they reflect the most common and accessible pathways.

Step 1: Contact your parole or probation officer. If you are under supervision, your officer may be able to refer you directly to reentry services, workforce programs, or benefits enrollment assistance. This is often the fastest first connection.

Step 2: Visit your local American Job Center. Bring any identification you have — even a release document can help start the process. Staff can assess your situation and connect you with training and employment resources available in your area.

Step 3: Apply for SNAP and Medicaid. Visit Benefits.gov or your state's benefits portal to apply. Many states allow online applications. You will typically need proof of identity, residency, and income — or documentation showing you have no current income.

Step 4: Contact your local housing authority. Ask specifically about their admissions policies for people with criminal records. Waitlists for housing assistance can be long, so applying as early as possible matters.

Step 5: Search for Second Chance Act-funded programs. The BJA's website lists funded programs by state. Local legal aid organizations and reentry coalitions can also help you identify what's currently operating near you.

Step 6: Gather your documents. Common documents needed across programs include: a state-issued ID or driver's license, Social Security card or number, birth certificate, release paperwork or discharge documents, proof of address (a shelter letter is typically accepted), and any prior work history records you can access.

The Role of 211 and Local Reentry Coalitions

For many returning citizens, the fastest path to finding what's actually available locally is through the 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) or a local reentry coalition. These organizations maintain up-to-date knowledge of which programs are funded, which have open slots, and which have waitlists. Legal aid societies can also help you understand how your specific conviction history may affect eligibility for particular programs in your state — something that varies too much to generalize at the national level.

A Note on State Variation

Reentry program availability, benefit eligibility rules for people with criminal records, and local funding levels vary significantly from state to state — and even county to county. What's available in one city may not exist in a neighboring jurisdiction. The framework above is a starting point, but local knowledge matters enormously in this space.

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

Last reviewed: April 2025