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 New Jersey
New Jersey programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Non-driver Identification Card
NJMVC issues photo identification cards to New Jersey residents who do not need a driver license.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Driver License
NJMVC issues and renews New Jersey driver licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
New Jersey Department of Health
New Jersey Vital Records
The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry issues certified copies of New Jersey vital records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ FamilyCare
In New Jersey, Medicaid is called NJ FamilyCare.
NJ FamilyCare provides health coverage to eligible New Jersey residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ SNAP
NJ SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Homelessness Prevention Program
The program may help eligible tenants who face eviction because of financial problems.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
State Rental Assistance Program
SRAP provides rental assistance to eligible low-income New Jersey households.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Behavioral Health Services
DMHAS connects residents with 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
- NJ 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