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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Massachusetts identification card
The RMV issues state identification cards to residents who need photo identification.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Driver's licenses
The RMV issues and renews Massachusetts driver's licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Vital records
The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains and issues certified Massachusetts vital records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
MassHealth
MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth.
MassHealth provides health coverage to eligible Massachusetts residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Emergency Assistance Family Shelter
Also: HomeBASE
Emergency Assistance provides eligible families with shelter and related support when they have no safe place to stay.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
RAFT
Also: State Public Housing and Rental Vouchers
RAFT provides short-term financial help to eligible households facing housing instability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
MassHealth Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Services
MassHealth behavioral health services connect members to mental health and substance use care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn 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
- Mass 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