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 Maryland
Maryland programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Maryland Identification Card
The MVA issues Maryland identification cards to residents who need state photo identification.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Maryland Driver's License
The MVA issues and renews Maryland driver's licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Vital Records
Vital Records issues certified Maryland birth and death certificates and other vital records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Medical Assistance provides health coverage to eligible Maryland residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Maryland, SNAP is called Food Supplement Program.
The Food Supplement Program is Maryland's name for SNAP and helps eligible households buy food with an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Homeless Solutions
DHCD works with local providers to connect people facing homelessness with shelter and housing services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Voucher Resources
DHCD provides housing resources and directs residents to local agencies that administer rental subsidies.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Public Behavioral Health System
The state's behavioral health system connects residents to 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
- Maryland 2-1-1
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