The Report > Review of the Re-Entry Process > Transition > Identification and Benefits

D: Managing the Key Transition Period

Policy Statement 24: Identification and Benefits

Ensure that inmates exit prison or jail with appropriate forms of identification and that those eligible for public benefits receive those benefits immediately upon their release from prison or jail.

Recommendation G: Facilitate access to "nonrecurrent" TANF benefits by individuals with criminal records who are re-entering the community.

Individuals leaving prison may be eligible for short-term, nonrecurrent TANF benefits to meet personal and family needs during the critical period directly following release. Even individuals who are ineligible for regular TANF benefits may be eligible for nonrecurrent TANF benefits, which are limited to four months and are designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need, rather than recurrent or ongoing needs. [1]  

These benefits do not count as "assistance" and may be provided to any needy family, including those with a parent who would otherwise not be eligible for TANF assistance because of criminal activity. [2]   Because TANF nonrecurrent funds may be used to end welfare dependence of needy parents by promoting job preparation and work, eligible parents leaving prison should be encouraged to apply for nonrecurrent TANF benefits for financial support as they search for appropriate employment.

  1. US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, "Helping Families Achieve Self-Sufficiency: A Guide to Funding Services for Children and Families through the TANF Program" (Washington, DC: 1999), available online at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/funds2.htm.

    back

  2. § 260.31(b) of the final rule.

    back
Explore the Justice Center’s Websites
CSG Justice Center Criminal Justice / Mental Health Consensus Project Justice Reinvestment National Reentry Resource Center Reentry Policy Council