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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Service Oklahoma
State Identification Card
Service Oklahoma issues Oklahoma identification cards to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:In person
Service Oklahoma
Driver License
Service Oklahoma issues and renews Oklahoma driver licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Vital Records
Vital Records issues eligible applicants certified birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Oklahoma Human Services and Oklahoma Health Care Authority
SoonerCare
In Oklahoma, Medicaid is called SoonerCare.
SoonerCare helps pay for health care for eligible Oklahoma residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Oklahoma Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits on an EBT card to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Homeless Services
ODMHSAS funds housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, including people with mental illness or addiction disorders.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency
Housing Choice Voucher Program
OHFA provides monthly rental assistance to eligible low-income families through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Ways to apply:Online
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Behavioral Health Services
ODMHSAS funds and provides mental health and substance use treatment and recovery 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.
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
- HeartLine 211 Oklahoma
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