New York has built several systems designed to reduce the document and benefit gap at release. The pre-release ID program -- expanded to all New York State correctional facilities as part of Governor Hochul's Jails to Jobs initiative -- delivers a state-issued ID directly to the facility before release so you have it in hand when you walk out. Over 80% of people released from New York state prisons in recent years left with Medicaid either reactivated or newly enrolled. New York has no drug conviction ban on SNAP, Medicaid, or cash assistance. And since 2021, people on parole in New York can vote.
Here is what the system provides, where the gaps remain, and what you need to do.
DOCCS Pre-Release ID and Driver's License Program (Jails to Jobs)
New York State DOCCS and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have expanded a pre-release ID program to all New York State correctional facilities, part of Governor Hochul's Jails to Jobs initiative.
How the program works:
DOCCS staff at the facility help incarcerated individuals gather the necessary paperwork to apply for a state ID or non-driver photo ID. DOCCS staff take the applicant's photo inside the facility. The DMV processes the transaction. The ID is delivered directly to the correctional facility so it is available to the individual at or before release.
Driver's license renewals: DOCCS also works directly with DMV to help eligible incarcerated individuals renew their driver's license while still inside. A required eye exam can be administered at the facility. This allows people to leave with valid driving privileges without needing to appear at a DMV office.
Ask your DOCCS case manager or program staff before release whether your ID application or license renewal has been initiated and what its current status is. Do not wait until close to your release date.
If you did not receive an ID at release, visit any New York DMV office. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of New York address.
Medicaid in New York
New York Medicaid is administered by the New York State Department of Health. New York expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible.
New York Medicaid Suspension Law: Under New York law, Medicaid benefits are suspended during incarceration -- not terminated. When you are released, your Medicaid benefits should be reactivated. If they are not reactivated, contact the Medicaid office and ask for an expedited application based on the "Medicaid Suspension Law." Recertification is typically required within 60 to 90 days after release.
DOCCS has provided Medicaid enrollment services to eligible incarcerated individuals nearing release since 2013, averaging approximately 282 new enrollments per month. In recent reporting, over 80% of people released from New York state prisons left with Medicaid (new enrollment or reactivated coverage). Confirm with your DOCCS case manager that your Medicaid status has been addressed before release.
Pre-release Medicaid services: As of July 2025, New York has not received CMS approval for a pre-release Medicaid 1115 waiver for adults comparable to states like California, New Hampshire, or Montana. Pre-release Medicaid enrollment (not pre-release covered services) is the current model. Legislation to establish a benefits navigator program and expand pre-release benefits access is pending in the New York Legislature (S5059, 2025 session).
Apply for New York Medicaid at ny.gov/services/apply-medicaid or through your local Department of Social Services.
SNAP: Food Assistance
New York has no drug conviction ban on SNAP. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and cash assistance in New York, regardless of the conviction. New York does not participate in the lifetime welfare ban for drug convictions.
Apply for SNAP through your local Department of Social Services or at ny.gov/services/apply-snap.
Voting Rights in New York
Since 2021, New York law restores voting rights to people with felony convictions upon release from prison. People on parole in New York can vote. You do not need to wait until the completion of parole.
If your voter registration was canceled because of your conviction, re-register at vote.org or through the New York State Board of Elections (elections.ny.gov). Contact Legal Aid Society (legalaidnyc.org) or Prisoners' Legal Services (plsny.org) if you have questions about your specific voting rights status.
DOCCS Reentry Services
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS, doccs.ny.gov) Re-Entry Operations (REO) Unit works with facility and community supervision staff to provide reentry services.
DOCCS Re-Entry Services offices provide resource referrals for housing, driver's licenses and non-driver IDs, social security benefits, Medicaid, medical and mental health services, substance abuse services, anger management, domestic violence counseling, mentoring, employment, and other services.
DOCCS works with DCJS County Re-Entry Task Forces: The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) operates County Re-Entry Task Force offices in counties across the state to assist incarcerated individuals returning home.
Work for Success Initiative: DOCCS program connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities.
SNAP pilot program: DOCCS has launched a pilot program to address food insecurity among formerly incarcerated individuals, providing SNAP benefit connections on the day of release. The National Economic Council assembled a research team to evaluate the program.
Pending legislation (2025 session):
S5059 (Reentry Benefits Navigator): Would require benefits navigators to complete applications for safety net assistance, SNAP, WIC, HEAP, SSI, and state supplemental payments within 72 hours of residence approval. Pending.
S6222 (Reentry Assistance Program): Would provide up to $2,550 over 6 months in stipends for people released from state correctional facilities after at least 6 months of incarceration. $25 million appropriated. Pending.
NY Reentry Resources
DOCCS Re-Entry Services (doccs.ny.gov/re-entry-services): REO Unit; pre-release ID program (Jails to Jobs); Medicaid enrollment since 2013; County Re-Entry Task Force coordination; Work for Success.
New York DMV (dmv.ny.gov): State ID and driver's license; pre-release program delivers ID to facility; license renewals with eye exam inside for eligible individuals.
New York Medicaid (ny.gov/services/apply-medicaid): Suspension law; reactivated at release; 60-90 day recertification. Contact local DSS or NY State Department of Health.
New York SNAP (ny.gov/services/apply-snap): No drug conviction ban; apply through local DSS.
New York Board of Elections (elections.ny.gov): Voter registration; parole does not bar voting since 2021.
Legal Aid Society (legalaidnyc.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income New Yorkers, including housing, benefits, and reentry matters.
Prisoners' Legal Services of New York (plsny.org): Free legal assistance for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated New Yorkers.
211 New York (ny211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services by county.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
Does DOCCS help with ID and driver license before release?
Yes. The DOCCS/DMV pre-release ID program, expanded to all New York State correctional facilities as part of the Jails to Jobs initiative, allows DOCCS staff to gather paperwork and take your photo inside the facility, the DMV processes the transaction, and the ID is delivered directly to the facility before your release date. DOCCS also works with DMV to help eligible individuals renew their driver's license inside, including administering the required eye exam. Ask your case manager or program staff about the status of your ID application well before your release.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in New York?
Yes. New York expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible. If you were on Medicaid before incarceration, your coverage should be reactivated automatically at release under the Medicaid Suspension Law. If it is not, contact the Medicaid office and ask for an expedited application based on the Medicaid Suspension Law. Recertification is typically required within 60-90 days after release. DOCCS has enrolled eligible individuals in Medicaid since 2013; confirm your Medicaid status with your case manager before release.
What is the New York Medicaid Suspension Law?
New York law requires that Medicaid benefits be suspended -- not terminated -- during incarceration. Upon release, benefits should be automatically reactivated as long as the individual still qualifies. If reactivation does not happen automatically, the returning citizen can contact the Medicaid office and request an expedited application based on the Medicaid Suspension Law. This applies to both DOCCS state prisons and to county jails, though implementation varies across the state's counties.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in New York?
Yes. New York has no drug conviction ban on SNAP. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and cash assistance in New York. Apply for SNAP through your local Department of Social Services or at ny.gov/services/apply-snap.
Can I vote after prison in New York?
Yes. Since 2021, New York law restores voting rights upon release from prison -- including while on parole. You do not need to wait until the end of parole. If your registration was canceled due to your conviction, re-register at elections.ny.gov or vote.org. Contact Legal Aid Society (legalaidnyc.org) or Prisoners' Legal Services (plsny.org) if you have questions.
How do I get my birth certificate in New York?
If you were born in New York State (outside New York City), request a certified copy from the New York State Department of Health Vital Records at health.ny.gov; the fee is currently $30 per copy. If you were born in New York City, contact the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (nyc.gov/health); the fee is currently $15 per copy. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Ask your DOCCS case manager whether the facility can assist with this before release.
How do I replace my Social Security card in New York?
Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. Ask your DOCCS case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this process to begin up to 90 days before release. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What is the Jails to Jobs initiative in New York?
Jails to Jobs is Governor Hochul's statewide initiative to improve reentry into the workforce and reduce recidivism. It incorporates a series of programs and state actions including the DOCCS/DMV pre-release ID program (expanded to all state facilities), Medicaid enrollment support, connections to education and job training, and employer partnerships. The pre-release ID program -- which delivers a state-issued ID directly to the correctional facility before release -- is the most operationally significant component for returning citizens preparing for release.
What benefits can I apply for after release in NY?
New York Medicaid at ny.gov/services/apply-medicaid (Medicaid Suspension Law should reactivate coverage automatically; contact local DSS if it does not). SNAP at ny.gov/services/apply-snap (no drug conviction ban). Cash assistance and TANF through local DSS (no drug conviction ban in New York). SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. 211 NY (dial 211 or ny211.org) for county referrals to housing, food, and social services.
What reentry services does DOCCS provide?
DOCCS (doccs.ny.gov/re-entry-services) provides the Re-Entry Operations (REO) Unit, pre-release ID program (Jails to Jobs; ID delivered to facility before release), Medicaid enrollment services since 2013, coordination with DCJS County Re-Entry Task Forces statewide, Work for Success employment connections, SNAP benefits pilot on the day of release, and resource referrals for housing, SUD treatment, mental health, and other services. Ask your DOCCS reentry manager before release what services have been initiated. ---