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 Kentucky
Kentucky programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
State Identification Cards
Kentucky driver licensing offices issue state identification cards.
Ways to apply:In person
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Driver Licenses
Kentucky driver licensing offices issue and renew state driver licenses.
Ways to apply:In person
Office of Vital Statistics
Vital Records
The Office of Vital Statistics issues certified Kentucky birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Department for Medicaid Services
Medicaid
Kentucky Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Homelessness Assistance
Kentucky Housing Corporation directs people facing homelessness to local assistance partners.
Ways to apply:In person
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Rental Assistance
Kentucky Housing Corporation connects residents with rental assistance programs and local housing partners.
Ways to apply:In person
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Behavioral Health Services
Kentucky provides information and referrals for mental health and substance use 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
- Kentucky 211
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