Pennsylvania has an ID assistance program inside its state prisons, funded through the Inmate General Welfare Fund, that can help indigent individuals nearing release get a birth certificate at no cost. But Pennsylvania remains one of the few states without a law requiring DOC to coordinate across agencies to ensure every returning citizen leaves with a full set of identification documents. House Bill 728, which would establish a statutory Identification Upon Reentry Program, remains stalled despite bipartisan consensus on this issue nationally -- at least 27 states have adopted similar requirements.
Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance) suspended during incarceration and must be reactivated or applied for after release. Pennsylvania passed HB 2429 through the House in July 2024 to authorize a pre-release Medicaid reentry program with a 30-day medication supply, but the bill was pending in the Senate as of mid-2025. No pre-release Medicaid services are currently available.
Voting rights are suspended only during incarceration. People on parole or probation in Pennsylvania can vote.
Here is how the system works and what you need to do.
What PA DOC Provides at Release
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC, cor.pa.gov) provides pre-release planning and discharge services. PA DOC has an existing ID assistance program funded through the Inmate General Welfare Fund, which generates revenue from commissary sales, hobby craft functions, and private donations. Under current PA DOC policy, these funds can cover the cost of birth certificates for indigent inmates preparing for release within 12 months.
Ask your PA DOC case manager or pre-release coordinator:
Whether a birth certificate request has been submitted on your behalf.
Whether the facility can assist with Social Security card replacement.
What support is available for obtaining your PennDOT photo ID or driver's license before or immediately after release.
Current PA DOC ID assistance is funded through the welfare fund and available primarily for indigent individuals. Pending legislation (HB 728) would expand this to all returning citizens and add statutory coordination requirements across state agencies.
PA DOC also provides pre-release programming, vocational training, and employment assistance. PA DOC's Community Corrections Centers (CCCs) serve as transitional housing and programming facilities for individuals transitioning from state prisons to the community.
Getting Your Pennsylvania State ID or Driver's License
Pennsylvania state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by PennDOT (penndot.pa.gov).
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any PennDOT driver's license center. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and Pennsylvania residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a Pennsylvania address. Your PA DOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Pennsylvania requires a Real ID-compliant document for federal purposes. Ask the PennDOT center about Real ID requirements for your situation.
Getting Your Social Security Card
If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration 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 PA DOC case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing the card replacement and benefit application process to begin up to 90 days before release.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
If you were born in Pennsylvania, request a certified copy from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Records at health.pa.gov or by calling (844) 228-3516. The fee is currently $20 per copy.
PA DOC can cover this cost for indigent inmates within 12 months of release through the Inmate General Welfare Fund -- ask your case manager about eligibility.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time and delay your ID process.
Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Pennsylvania's Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance (MA) and is administered by the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). Low-income adults who meet income requirements are generally eligible.
During incarceration: Medical Assistance benefits are suspended while you are incarcerated. Upon release, you will need to reactivate your coverage or apply for the first time.
Apply after release at COMPASS (compass.pa.gov) or at your local County Assistance Office (CAO). Call PA DHS at 1-800-692-7462 for assistance.
HB 2429 (Medicaid Reentry Program -- pending): The PA House passed HB 2429 in July 2024, authorizing PA DOC to establish a Medical Assistance reentry program for incarcerated individuals scheduled for release. The program would provide substance use disorder treatment, case management services, and a 30-day supply of medication before release and upon reentry into the community. Counties could opt into the program. As of mid-2025, the bill was pending in the PA Senate. Pennsylvania has not received CMS approval for a Section 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver. Confirm the current status of HB 2429 and any subsequent legislation at legis.state.pa.us.
SNAP: Food Assistance
Pennsylvania has removed the lifetime SNAP ban for people with drug felony convictions. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP in Pennsylvania subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.
Apply for SNAP through your local County Assistance Office or at COMPASS (compass.pa.gov). Call PA DHS at 1-800-692-7462.
Voting Rights in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania suspends voting rights only during incarceration for a felony conviction. Upon release from prison, voting rights are immediately restored -- even while you are on parole or probation.
You do not need to apply for restoration. Register to vote at vote.pa.gov after your release. Contact Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (palawhelp.org) or the County Board of Elections in your county if you have questions about your specific eligibility.
HB 728: Identification Upon Reentry Program (Pending)
House Bill 728 would establish a statutory Identification Upon Reentry Program requiring PA DOC to coordinate with the PA Department of Health, PennDOT, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies to ensure all returning citizens obtain photo IDs, driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and proof of naturalization before release. The bill would expand document fee coverage beyond indigent individuals to all returning citizens.
According to Reason.org (October 2025), Pennsylvania has stalled on this legislation despite bipartisan consensus nationally -- at least 27 other states have adopted laws requiring corrections agencies to provide or assist individuals with obtaining state-issued photo IDs before release. Recidivism costs Pennsylvania approximately $3.11 billion annually in total societal costs according to PA DOC's 2022 Recidivism Report. Confirm the current status of HB 728 at legis.state.pa.us.
PA DOC and Pennsylvania Reentry Resources
PA DOC (cor.pa.gov): Pre-release planning; ID assistance for indigent inmates (birth certificate costs, Inmate General Welfare Fund); Community Corrections Centers; vocational and employment programming; pre-release programs.
COMPASS (compass.pa.gov; 1-800-692-7462): Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and SNAP applications; PA DHS online portal.
PA County Assistance Offices (DHS): Apply for Medical Assistance and SNAP in person; find your local CAO at dhs.pa.gov.
PennDOT (penndot.pa.gov): State ID and driver's license; Real ID information.
PA Department of Health Vital Records (health.pa.gov; 844-228-3516): Birth certificates; $20 per copy.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (palawhelp.org): Free civil legal assistance statewide, including benefit access, housing rights, expungement, and reentry matters.
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (clsphila.org): Free legal services for eligible Philadelphia residents including benefits, housing, and reentry matters.
MidPenn Legal Services (midpennlegal.org): Free civil legal services for eligible low-income residents in central Pennsylvania.
211 Pennsylvania (pa211.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 PA DOC help with ID documents before release?
PA DOC has an existing ID assistance program funded through the Inmate General Welfare Fund. The fund can cover birth certificate costs for indigent inmates within 12 months of release. Ask your PA DOC case manager whether this assistance has been initiated and whether support is available for Social Security card replacement and PennDOT ID processing. PA DOC's assistance is currently available primarily for indigent individuals. Pending legislation (HB 728) would expand this to all returning citizens and add statutory agency coordination requirements.
What is Pennsylvania HB 728 on prison IDs?
HB 728 would establish a statutory Identification Upon Reentry Program in Pennsylvania, requiring PA DOC to coordinate with the Department of Health, PennDOT, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies to ensure all returning citizens obtain photo IDs, driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and proof of naturalization before release. It would expand document fee coverage beyond indigent individuals to all returning citizens. As of October 2025, the bill was stalled despite bipartisan adoption of similar laws in at least 27 other states. Confirm current status at legis.state.pa.us.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible for Medical Assistance (MA). MA benefits are suspended during incarceration and must be reactivated or applied for upon release. Apply at COMPASS (compass.pa.gov) or your local County Assistance Office, or call 1-800-692-7462. There is currently no approved pre-release Medicaid program in Pennsylvania; apply immediately upon release.
What is Pennsylvania HB 2429 on Medicaid reentry?
HB 2429, passed by the PA House in July 2024, would authorize PA DOC to establish a Medicaid reentry program for incarcerated individuals scheduled for release. The program would provide substance use disorder treatment, case management, and a 30-day supply of medication before release, with counties able to opt in. As of mid-2025, the bill was pending in the PA Senate. Pennsylvania has not received CMS approval for a Section 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver. Confirm the current status of HB 2429 at legis.state.pa.us.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania has removed the lifetime SNAP ban for people with drug felony convictions. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP in Pennsylvania subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Apply through your local County Assistance Office or at COMPASS (compass.pa.gov), or call 1-800-692-7462.
Can I vote after prison in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania suspends voting rights only during incarceration for a felony conviction. Upon release from prison, your voting rights are immediately restored -- even while you are on parole or probation. No waiting period or petition is required. Register to vote at vote.pa.gov after your release.
How do I get my birth certificate in Pennsylvania?
If you were born in Pennsylvania, request a certified copy from the PA Department of Health Vital Records at health.pa.gov or by calling (844) 228-3516. The current fee is $20 per copy. If you are an indigent inmate within 12 months of release, PA DOC may be able to cover this cost through the Inmate General Welfare Fund -- ask your case manager. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early -- out-of-state requests take time.
How do I replace my Social Security card in PA?
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 PA DOC case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this to begin up to 90 days before release. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What benefits can I apply for after release in PA?
Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) at compass.pa.gov (1-800-692-7462) or your local CAO -- apply immediately upon release. SNAP (food assistance) at compass.pa.gov -- drug convictions do not bar you. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. 211 Pennsylvania (dial 211 or pa211.org) for county referrals. Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (palawhelp.org) for free legal help with benefit access.
What reentry resources does PA DOC provide?
PA DOC (cor.pa.gov) provides pre-release planning, ID assistance for indigent individuals (birth certificate costs through the Inmate General Welfare Fund), Community Corrections Centers for transitional housing and programming, vocational training, and employment assistance. Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (palawhelp.org) provides free statewide legal help. Community Legal Services (clsphila.org) serves Philadelphia. MidPenn Legal Services (midpennlegal.org) serves central Pennsylvania. COMPASS (compass.pa.gov) handles Medical Assistance and SNAP applications. 211 PA (pa211.org, dial 211) provides county referrals. ---