Getting out of jail or prison
What to do first
- Get an ID. Start with a birth certificate and a Social Security card if you need them.
- Apply for Medicaid. You can apply any time of year.
- Apply for food benefits.
- If you got SSI or disability benefits before, call Social Security to start them again.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
Getting out of jail or prison lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days after release.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Georgia
Georgia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Georgia Identification Card
DDS issues identification cards to eligible Georgia residents who do not hold a driver's license.
Ways to apply:In person
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Georgia Driver's License
DDS issues and renews Georgia driver's licenses and permits.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Georgia Department of Public Health
Vital Records
Georgia Vital Records issues certified copies of eligible birth, death, marriage, and other records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Georgia Department of Community Health
Georgia Medicaid
In Georgia, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
Georgia Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Georgia households pay for groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Homelessness Assistance
DCA supports local programs that help people experiencing homelessness find shelter and housing services.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.
Ways to apply:Online
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Behavioral Health Services
DBHDD connects residents to mental health and substance use services in their communities.
Ways to apply:Phone
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
Starting Social Security again
SSI and disability payments stop while someone is held in jail or prison. After release, contact Social Security to ask about starting them again.
CareerOneStop.org
Help finding work
CareerOneStop, from the U.S. Department of Labor, has job help for people with a record, including American Job Centers near you.
Social Security Administration
Replace a Social Security card
Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Request it online with a my Social Security account, or visit or call Social Security. It is always free.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Georgia
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988