Get Started Checklist

Email is a free and reliable form of communication that enables you to send and receive information in letter format, including documents, photos, and videos.

Service Providers: Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft Outlook provide free email services.

Internet: You will need an internet/Wi-Fi connection to access your email from a computer or phone. If you do not have your own Wi-Fi, libraries offer free internet as well as computers for use.

Choosing a username: Be sure to keep your email address short, simple, and relevant. A professional address will help to convey credibility and trustworthiness, especially when communicating with potential employers. Example: bob.jones@gmail.com

Obtain your criminal records and be aware of the restrictions you may face when applying for housing, government aid, and employment. You can help yourself by correcting mistakes on your record.

Expungement: Errors on your criminal record may be removed or revised. Become familiar with your state’s expungement laws, and find information on record clearance, lawyers, court forms, and resources in your area.

Legal Aid: Visit usa.gov/legal-aid, a national network of legal aid workers who can help you access legal aid programs, information, and forms.

Incarceration of any length may leave you with little to rebuild. Start setting the foundation for your future.

Credit Score: To determine where you stand financially, run a free credit report.

Bank Account: Open a bank account to help you manage your money and deposit or cash your paycheck. Research the different fees and terms of second chance banks and credits unions.

• Chime®
• GO2BANK™
• LendingClub
• Wells Fargo Clear Access BankingSM

Everyone has access to healthcare—learn which coverage plans the government provides and check your eligibility.

• The Marketplace: A service offered by the federal government to help you enroll in health insurance by state. Explore your state’s plans.
• Medicaid: A four-part system that provides health coverage for low-income individuals, families, and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Check eligibility.
• Medicare: A service provided by both the state and federal government that offers low-cost health insurance based on income level. Check eligibility.
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): CHIP is part of Medicaid, dedicated for child coverage. Check eligibility.

Appropriate housing may be difficult to find due to financial or background requirements. Federal housing opportunities are available for low-income families, and halfway houses can help you through early sobriety.

• Federal Housing: The Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, connects individuals with public housing and helps pay for rent. Check eligibility.
• Transitional Housing: For individuals that struggle with substance abuse, transitional housing, known as halfway houses, provide structured living in a group setting. Find halfway houses near you.
• Shelter Housing: Shelters offer temporary housing for individuals in emergencies such as a sudden eviction or domestic violence situations. Find local shelters near you.
• Rentals: Rental sites such as apartments.com can help you find housing within your budget.

Identification documentation is necessary for most aspects of life—to secure employment and housing, apply for benefits, access treatment, and much more.

• Birth Certificate: Contact the Office of Vital Records in the state in which you were born to learn about the process.
• Driver’s License/State ID: A driver’s license or state ID are the most acceptable forms of photo identification. Learn what documents you will need, and find a local Department of Motor Vehicle office near you.
• Social Security Card: Obtain a replacement copy.

• Records Pre-incarceration: Most facilities have a form you can fill out to request your medical records. If they do not have a request form, contact your last known medical provider by writing a letter, and include your name, social security number, date of birth, address, phone number, and the records you are requesting.
• Records During Incarceration: This process and guidelines vary by state. Some facilities may charge you for copies of your medical records, while some will allow you to review your records, but they may not release copies, and some facilities may deny your request altogether. You will likely not be allowed to view your psychotherapy notes or your records if they are being used as a part of a trial or investigation. Ask someone at the facility to explain the process.

Mental health and wellness are important to your reentry success. Discover ways to manage your mental health and treatment options.

• Behavioral Health Providers: Find a provider in your area.
• Prescription Assistance: Most drug companies offer free or low-cost medication. Check eligibility

If you are unable to pay off your fines and fees, talk to your officer, judge, or public defender office sooner rather than later. If you do not have the resources to pay off your fees, you may be able to complete community service instead.

Having supportive family and friends during your transition is important, and there are several ways to build, repair, and strengthen your relationships.

• Family & Friends Reintegration: Use our worksheet to get you started.
• Parenting Classes & Programs: Develop skills and tools to help you enhance your relationship with your child/ren. Find programs and classes in your area.

You can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, and you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. Learn more.

• Eligibility: Check eligibility online.
• Apply: If you are eligible, you can also apply for benefits online.
• Disability: To receive disability benefits, you will need to provide documents such as birth certificate, proof of citizenship, military discharge papers, or medical records. Review this checklist to ensure you have everything you need, then apply online.

Sobriety is one of the most important aspects of successful reentry, and oftentimes the transition from incarceration to the community can trigger a relapse. There are many treatment and support options to help you maintain sobriety.

• Substance Abuse Providers: Find a service provider in your area.
• 12-Step Meetings: Find a 12-step program near you for a wide range of support.
• SMART Recovery: Find a meeting in your area.
• Celebrate Recovery: Find a group near you.

Surrounding yourself with a network of people that support your reentry goals is vital for a successful transition to the community.

• Mentorship: Connect with a peer mentor, available to provide guidance, help manage stress, and refer you to available resources in your area.
• Support Groups: Virtual meetings are a convenient way to build a support network. Tune into the Tha Yard, a free online meeting for formerly incarcerated people.

Public transportation is a cost-effective option, and it varies from state to state.

• Public Transit Routes + Schedule: Find public transit options near you.
• Websites + Apps: Explore these popular transportation sites and mobile apps.

–  CityMapper

–  Moovit

• Financial Help: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides funding to purchase or fix your vehicle. Find out if you are eligible for assistance.

Voting rights vary depending on the state in which you live, your conviction type, and number of convictions. Many states restore voting rights after prison, parole, or probation, but there are a few exceptions. Depending on the state, your voting rights might be automatically restored, or you may have to apply for restoration.

• Voting Rules: The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Guide to State Voting Rules That Apply After a Criminal Conviction provides a thorough overview by state.
• Register to Vote: Each state makes its own voting and election rules, including when and how to register. Check with your state or local election office to get information for where you live.