Starting over after prison isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a job with a steady paycheck lined up. The good news is that there are government grants for convicted felons, free grants for felons, and other programs that can help you cover basic expenses and get back on your feet.
Free Grants For Felons 2026
These programs offer free money for ex-felons, meaning you don’t have to pay it back or worry about interest charges. Depending on your situation, felon grants can help with:
- Rent and housing costs
- Groceries and food
- Utility bills
- Education and job training
- Transportation and work expenses
Some programs even provide free money for released inmates through stipends, emergency grants, or move-in assistance.
Recommended Felon Grants and Assistance Programs
These are some of the most common and widely available felon grants and support programs across the U.S.
- Reentry support programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- WIC (for mothers and young children)
- TANF (cash assistance for families)
- LIHEAP (energy bill assistance)
- Section 8 housing vouchers
- Pell Grants and other education funding
- WIOA job training programs
A lot of people assume a felony disqualifies them from getting government-funded support, but many felons successfully apply for assistance.
Reentry Programs (Second Chance Grants)
Reentry programs are funded by second-chance grants and are specifically designed to help people transition out of prison. They don’t usually hand out cash directly, but they can connect you to free money for ex-felons in practical ways.
For example, some programs:
- Help cover your security deposit or first month’s rent
- Provide small stipends when you complete program steps
- Connect you with employers who hire people with records
They also offer hands-on support like
- Housing referrals
- Clothing and hygiene essentials
- Bus passes or transportation help
- Job placement and training
- Counseling and mentorship
By joining a good reentry program, you can make progress much faster than trying to figure everything out on your own.
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline or ask your parole officer to find reentry programs near you. You can also check the ReLink directory for information about reentry programs you can contact: https://needs.relink.org/category/re-entry.
Food Assistance Grants (Monthly Grocery Help)
If you’re struggling to afford food, these are programs that provide consistent monthly help.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
SNAP is one of the most common forms of free money for released inmates.
You’ll receive a monthly amount on an EBT card, with most people getting around $200-$300 per month per person.
You can spend SNAP benefits at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
In most states, felons qualify as long as they meet income guidelines. Some states have extra rules for certain drug-related convictions, but many people still get approved if they participate in a treatment program and comply with their parole and probation conditions.
If you’re working age and able-bodied, you’ll also need to meet basic work or job training requirements for 80 hours/month unless you’re caring for a young child or disabled family member.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program Grants
WIC is for low-income families with children and pregnant women. Having a felony isn’t a reason for disqualification. You can qualify if you’re:
- Pregnant
- A new mom
- Raising a child under 5
WIC grants provide $50 to $150 per month per qualifying family member for healthy foods like milk, eggs, fruits, and cereal.
A lot of families qualify, especially if they’re already receiving SNAP or Medicaid.
Apply through your state benefits portal or call your county WIC program for an appointment.
Senior Food Programs (CSFP)
Felons aged 60 and older can get a little more help with food. Eligibility is based on income, and if you qualify for the program, you’ll get a monthly food box filled with essentials like:
- Canned goods
- Rice and pasta
- Shelf-stable milk and cheese
It’s simple to apply. Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find your nearest participating foodbank, then take along proof of ID and address. Some states ask for proof of income too (the 2-1-1 advisor will tell you if that’s the case).
Cash Assistance Grants Felons Qualify For
All states run a version of the federally funded TANF program, which helps families with children. Income limits and cash amounts differ depending on where you live. Some states also run General Assistance programs for very-low-income adults without dependent children.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF provides direct monthly payments to low-income families with children.
The program is designed for households with very limited income, so income thresholds are quite low. Pregnant women unable to work may also qualify for monthly cash grants.
Participation in work or job programs is usually a condition of receiving TANF. Benefits are also limited, with most states only offering cash support for 36 months (lifetime limit).
The payments aren’t huge, typically averaging around $100 – $200 per person each month, but it’s free money you can use to help cover basics like rent, utilities, or clothing. If you think you might qualify, it’s definitely worth applying through your state benefit portal.
How Felons Get Help With Energy & Utility Bills
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
- LIHEAP helps low-income households pay energy bills.
- Grants can range from a few hundred dollars up to $1,000+ per year
- Extra crisis grants are available if your power is about to be shut off or your heating system is broken
- Your felony record doesn’t affect eligibility for these income-based grants
Find your Local LIHEAP: https://liheapch.acf.gov/
Utility Supplier Assistance Programs and Grants
Most utility suppliers have programs that help low-income customers pay for energy and water.
- Some suppliers offer grants to help pay overdue bills
- Some offer debt forgiveness if you make payments for several months
- Some offer monthly payment plans where you pay a percentage of your income for energy instead of metered charges
Call your utility supplier to find out what programs they offer and what you need to do to qualify.
Housing Grants And Rent Assistance Programs For Felons
Finding stable housing is one of the biggest challenges after release, but short-term and longer-term options are available to help you find housing and pay your rent.
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program)
This long-term rent assistance program helps cover rent so you only pay about 30% of your income towards your housing costs. Low-income households qualify for assistance, and income limits are based on an area’s median income.
While housing authorities carry out background checks on all adult household members, it’s possible to qualify with a felony. Approval will depend on the offense, how long ago it happened, and local program rules.
Most disqualifications due to failing a background check are temporary, meaning you can reapply once the restriction is lifted.
Two offenses are permanently disqualifying at all public housing authorities for anyone:
- convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in public housing
- with a lifetime sex offender registration requirement
Apply for rent assistance at your local PHA. Find yours here: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts
Grants For Emergency Rental Assistance
If you’re behind on rent and facing eviction, you may be able to get a one-time grant to catch up.
These programs can cover:
- Back rent
- Security deposits (if you’re forced to move out)
- A few months of future rent
Many people receive anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+, depending on their situation and program funds. Find local programs by calling the free 2-1-1 helpline or contacting a local housing agency.
Rapid Rehousing Programs For Felons
If you’re currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, Rapid Rehousing can
- Help you find landlords who accept tenants with records
- Pay for move-in costs
- Provide short-term rental assistance
This is one of the fastest ways to get back into stable housing, and having a felony background isn’t a barrier.
Program intake is handled by local Continuum of Care partners. Call 2-1-1 for a referral or speak to your local emergency housing shelter.
College Grants Felons Can Use To Pay For School
If you plan to go back to school to study for a degree or trade school certification, you may qualify for some free money to help pay for tuition and other fees.
Felons are eligible for these grants, which are based on financial need.
Pell Grant: Worth as much as $7,395 per year (currently incarcerated felons also qualify if enrolled in an approved program)
FSEOG (Supplemental Grant): This grant provides extra funding worth up to $4,000 per year for students with the greatest need
You can apply for both by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Many states also offer additional grants on top of federal aid. By combining grant programs, you can cover a large portion of your education costs, and in some cases, education grants may cover all of your expenses.
WIOA Grant-Funded Job Training Programs
Felons can benefit from free training programs to learn new skills and get good jobs. If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you can receive:
- Career coaching and resume help
- Free training or certifications for a wide range of careers
- Paid on-the-job training (in some cases)
- Help finding felon-friendly employers
- Support with tools, uniforms, or transportation
Ask about this opportunity at your local Job Center or Workforce Center.
Emergency Grants for Unexpected Expenses
Charity and nonprofit programs like Modest Needs offer free money for ex-felons dealing with sudden, unaffordable expenses. You can qualify for Modest Needs grants if at least one person in your household is working and you’re on a low income.
These grants can help cover expenses like car repairs for a vehicle you need for work, replacing a broken household appliance like an oven or refrigerator, medical bills, and more.
Money is usually paid directly to the company providing your service (not to you), and you’ll need to show proof of the expense.
Learn more and apply online: https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants/grants/self-sufficiency-grants
Other charities, including Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army, offer a wide range of support, including help with housing costs and utility bills.