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 Florida
Florida programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
State Identification Cards
FLHSMV issues Florida identification cards to residents who need state photo identification.
Ways to apply:In person
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Driver Licenses
FLHSMV issues and renews Florida driver licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Florida Department of Health
Vital Statistics
The department issues certified Florida birth and death certificates.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Medicaid
Florida Medicaid helps eligible people pay for medical care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Food Assistance Program
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries with monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Homelessness Assistance
Florida Housing supports local homelessness service providers and housing programs.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Rental Assistance
Florida Housing funds local partners that offer rental assistance to eligible households.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Behavioral Health Services
DCF supports community mental health and substance use services through local 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.
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
- Florida 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