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 Montana
Montana programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division
Driver License and Identification Card Services
The Motor Vehicle Division issues Montana driver licenses and identification cards.
Ways to apply:In person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records
Vital Records Services
Vital Records issues certified copies of Montana birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Montana Medicaid
Montana Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Department of Commerce
Emergency Solutions Grant Program
The program funds local services that help people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing.
Montana Department of Commerce
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible residents pay rent in housing they choose.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Behavioral Health Services
The department provides information about behavioral health treatment and support 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
- Montana 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