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 Idaho
Idaho programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Idaho Transportation Department
Driver's Licenses and State Identification Cards
The department provides information about obtaining or renewing an Idaho driver's license or state identification card.
Ways to apply:In person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Vital Records
Idaho Vital Records issues certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Medicaid
Idaho Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Idaho households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Homelessness Services
Regional Access Points connect people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with local housing resources.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible renters pay for housing in participating counties.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Behavioral Health Services
The Division of Behavioral Health provides information and connects residents to behavioral health services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
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
- 211 Idaho CareLine
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