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 Michigan
Michigan programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Michigan Secretary of State
State Identification Card
The Secretary of State issues state identification cards to Michigan residents who meet the requirements.
Ways to apply:In person
Michigan Secretary of State
Driver's License
The Secretary of State issues Michigan driver's licenses to qualified applicants.
Ways to apply:In person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Vital Records
MDHHS issues certified copies of Michigan birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Medicaid
In Michigan, Medicaid is called Healthy Michigan Plan.
Michigan Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents, including through the Healthy Michigan Plan.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Food Assistance Program
In Michigan, SNAP is called Food Assistance Program (FAP).
Michigan's Food Assistance Program helps eligible households buy food with SNAP benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Homelessness Assistance
MSHDA funds local agencies that help people find shelter and address housing crises.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Rental Assistance
MSHDA funds rental assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers, through local housing agencies.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Services
Michigan's behavioral health system connects people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use needs to local 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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
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
- Michigan 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