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 Rhode Island
Rhode Island programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
State Identification Cards
The DMV issues Rhode Island identification cards to residents who need state identification.
Ways to apply:In person
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Driver's Licenses
The DMV issues and renews Rhode Island driver's licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Rhode Island Department of Health
Vital Records
The Center for Vital Records issues eligible people certified copies of Rhode Island birth, death, marriage, and adoption records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
Rhode Island Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing
Homelessness Response Resources
The office provides information on regional access points, emergency shelters, and services for people who are homeless or at risk.
Ways to apply:In person
Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing
Consolidated Homeless Fund
State-funded partners may use this fund to provide short-term rental help and housing stabilization to people experiencing homelessness.
Ways to apply:In person
Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals
Behavioral Health Services
BHDDH oversees providers offering mental health and substance use services in Rhode Island.
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 of Rhode Island 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