Work-ready checklist

Reentry programs offer free, in-person help for people as they move from incarceration to life outside. They offer a range of services to help with:

• Housing
• Work documents
• Job training
• Employment
• Mentoring
• And more

Search for reentry programs in your local area. Try contacting a few programs to ask what kinds of assistance they offer.

Bank accounts

You may need to open a bank account where your employer can deposit your paycheck. This is the safest way to manage your money.

Learn more about opening a bank account.

Budgets

A budget is a plan for how to spend your income every month. It helps make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, etc. Learn how to make a budget. Use this personal budget worksheet to make your own budget.

Credit cards and debit cards

A credit card lets you pay for things in advance. You’ll get a bill every month with all of your charges. If you don't pay the full amount by the due date, you'll owe extra money in interest fees.

A debit card lets you pay with money from your checking account. The money is immediately withdrawn from your bank account. You will not get a bill and you will not pay interest.

Debt

There are good resources to help you get out of debt, including how to find free credit counseling and how to handle different types of debt, such as car loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

Payday loans and cash advances

A payday loan lets you borrow cash that you need to pay back with fees and interest by your next payday (or another date you agree to). If you don’t repay it all, you owe more fees and interest, and you can get in a lot of debt fast.

Payday loans should only be a last resort. Instead of these loans, you could ask for more time to pay your bills, ask to borrow money from family or friends, or ask at a bank. If you get in debt, talk to a credit counselor for help.

Manage your credit

Having good credit allows you to qualify for a credit card and get loans. Learn how to build, improve, and check your credit.

Find free or low-cost legal help

You can find free and low-cost legal help in your area to help you:

• Get out of debt
• Reinstate your driver’s license
• Resolve child support or custody
• or many other issues

Get started by looking up your state in the State Resource Finder, and click on "Legal Assistance”.

You may be able to help your job search by having your record expunged. This means your record is sealed so most people can’t see it, not that your conviction is gone. Each state has its own rules about expunging records. They consider factors such as:

• How serious your crime was. It is unlikely you can ever expunge a serious crime involving violence or a sex offense.
• How old you were when you were convicted
• How long it's been since your arrest
• Whether you completed the terms of your sentence, probation, or program
• Whether you have more than one offense on your record

You must apply to have your record expunged. Find out how this works in your state by selecting your state on the State Resource Finder. Then click on Documents and Vital Records, and then on Criminal Record. You'll find the website or phone number to check on your criminal record. Ask or look for information about expunging or sealing your record.

You may need a lawyer to help get your record expunged. You can look for one on the State Resource Finder. Click the Legal Assistance tab to find contact information for free or low-cost legal help in your area. When you contact them, ask if they offer help with criminal record expungement.

You'll need documents like your social security card, driver’s license or state ID, and maybe even your birth certificate when you apply for jobs or benefits.

Look up your state in the State Resource Finder, and click on Documents and Vital Records to find where to get these and other documents in your state.

Learn about benefit programs

You might qualify for help with basic needs. Visit Government Benefits to find and apply for assistance programs.

You can also phone 211 or visit 211.org to find local help for:

• Housing or rental assistance
• Food support
• Mental health, healthcare, or health insurance
• Substance abuse or sobriety issues
• Family relationships

More help with housing

• Find a local reentry program and ask if they offer help with housing.
• Transitional housing programs offer temporary housing as you work toward finding permanent housing. Search online for “transitional housing programs and (your city or local area)”.
• Check with local churches or other religious organizations to see if they offer help finding housing.

Need free computer access or help with computer skills?

Find your nearest American Job Center, with free computer use, job search workshops, and job clubs.

You can also find your local library. Most public libraries offer computer access and many offer basic computer skill classes.

Many community organizations that help people transition from prison also offer digital skills training. Find a local reentry program near you.