Federal Benefits Chart
About
Background
Millions of people with serious mental health, physical health, and substance use disorders are admitted to U.S. jails and prisons each year. States spend vast amounts of money on this population both behind bars and in the community. Without continuity of care, people with these health issues are more likely to have disabilities and behaviors that result in their return to incarcerated settings. Enrollment in federal benefits, including Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and Medicaid, can improve access to needed services by providing released individuals with the resources and insurance they need to succeed in the community.
The Chart
This chart is designed to provide case managers and others working with individuals in jail or prison with a broad introduction to various federal benefit programs for which individuals may be eligible upon release to the community. The chart does not necessarily represent an exhaustive list of all types of benefit programs. This chart also does not include information on grant programs, such as those created by the Workforce Investment Act or McKinney-Vento Act, that states and counties may use to create programs and initiatives designed to provide assistance to individuals returning from jail or prison.
Rather, the chart allows users to compare and contrast key features of various federal benefit and cash assistance programs to which individuals in jail or prison may directly apply. It provides information on eligibility parameters for each program, including how current or previous incarceration affects eligibility, and highlights examples of state and local initiatives designed to improve access to benefits and assistance for people returning from jail or prison.
To view additional Justice Center federal benefits materials, click here.
Acknowledgments
With the support of the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Council of State Governments Justice Center developed this tool based on the Report of the Re-Entry Policy Council and other materials. Justice Center staff also thank Yvonne M. Perret, executive director, Advocacy and Training Center, for her valuable feedback on this tool.