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 Tennessee
Tennessee programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Identification License
Tennessee residents can apply for a state identification license through Driver Services.
Ways to apply:In person
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Driver Licenses
Driver Services handles Tennessee driver licenses and identification licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Tennessee Department of Health
Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records provides certified copies of Tennessee birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Division of TennCare
TennCare
In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare.
TennCare provides health coverage to eligible Tennesseans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Homeless Services
The department provides housing and homelessness resources for people with behavioral health needs.
Ways to apply:Phone
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Behavioral Health Services
The department connects people to mental health and substance use services and supports.
Ways to apply:Phone
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
- Tennessee 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