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 Illinois
Illinois programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Illinois Secretary of State
Driver’s Licenses and State Identification Cards
The Secretary of State issues Illinois driver’s licenses and state identification cards.
Ways to apply:In person
Illinois Department of Public Health
Vital Records
IDPH issues certified copies of Illinois birth, death, marriage, and civil union records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Medical Assistance Program
Illinois Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food using an Illinois Link card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Human Services
Homeless Prevention Program
The program may help eligible people and families who are homeless or at risk of losing housing.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Illinois Housing Development Authority
Rental Housing Support Program
The program funds local partners that provide rental assistance to eligible households.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Illinois Department of Human Services
Behavioral Health Services
IDHS 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
- 211 Illinois
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