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 South Carolina
South Carolina programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
State Identification Cards
The DMV issues identification cards to South Carolina residents who need state photo identification.
Ways to apply:In person
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver's Licenses
The DMV issues driver's licenses and permits to eligible South Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
South Carolina Department of Public Health
Vital Records
Vital Records provides certified copies of South Carolina birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Connections Medicaid
In South Carolina, Medicaid is called Healthy Connections.
Healthy Connections helps pay medical bills for eligible South Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Homelessness Assistance
SC Housing funds programs that support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Ways to apply:In person
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing
SC Housing connects renters to affordable housing resources and administers selected housing assistance programs.
Ways to apply:Online
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Behavioral Health Services
SCDHHS administers Medicaid behavioral health coverage and services for eligible members.
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
- South Carolina 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