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 Minnesota
Minnesota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services
Driver licenses and state identification cards
Driver and Vehicle Services issues Minnesota driver licenses, permits, and identification cards.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Minnesota Department of Health
Vital records
MDH maintains Minnesota birth and death records and provides eligible people with copies and record services.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
In Minnesota, Medicaid is called MA.
Medical Assistance is Minnesota's Medicaid program and provides free health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries using an electronic benefits card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Homelessness assistance
Minnesota Housing funds housing programs and connects residents experiencing homelessness with local assistance providers.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Housing Support
Also: Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance
Housing Support helps some low-income older adults and adults with disabilities pay for room and board.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Behavioral health services
DHS connects residents to mental health and substance use services through county and Tribal agencies and community providers.
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
- United Way 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