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 Virginia
Virginia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Identification Card
The DMV issues identification cards to Virginia residents who do not need a driver license.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver's License
The DMV issues and renews Virginia driver licenses.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records
Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of Virginia birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Medical Assistance
Virginia Medicaid covers health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Virginia Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Virginia Homeless Solutions Program
The program funds local services that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant
The grant supports local rapid rehousing, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Behavioral Health Services
DBHDS oversees community services for mental health and substance use needs 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.
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 Virginia
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