Grants for felons in California fund the reentry programs that help offenders find housing and jobs after incarceration.
Felons with no or little income can also get financial assistance and grants for food, utility bills, rent, training, and education.
Basic Needs Grants For Felons in California 2025
Get grants and financial assistance to help you pay for basic needs:
- CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- Temporary Cash Assistance
- Utility bill assistance
- Free cell phone plans
- Rent Assistance
CalFresh
Calfresh is California’s food stamp program. Felons on a low income are eligible for a monthly grant as long as they don’t have a drug conviction (manufacture, trafficking, or selling).
The food grant you’ll get depends on your income (after allowable deductions) and household size.
For example, a single person with an income under $2,420 per month can get up to $291 each month to spend on groceries.
Check how much you can get: https://www.snapscreener.com/screener/california
Apply: https://info.benefitscal.com/
CalWorks Temporary Cash Assistance
Felons can apply for temporary cash assistance, a monthly payment given to low-income families with children. Eligible families can use the money to cover bills or buy anything they need.
The amount you’ll get depends on your income and family size, the maximum payment for a family of 3 with no other income is $1,314.
General Assistance Payments
California is one of the few states that still gives cash assistance to adults, including felons, without dependant children.
While the amount you’ll get depends on several factors, the maximum monthly GA payment for a single person is $336 per month. Couples can get up to $454.
Apply HERE.
LIHEAP Utility Bill Assistance
California’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps residents cover energy bills with a one-time payment.
Crisis payments are also available to prevent energy shut-offs. Qualifying homeowners can also benefit from free weatherization and energy efficiency improvements.
Felons under the income limit for their household size can qualify for LIHEAP. In 2024, the monthly income limit for a single-person household is $2,882.83.
Read Also: Free CDL training for unemployed
Free Phone Service
Felons on a low income may qualify for free unlimited phone calls and texts, plus 10 GB of data each month.
Eligibility is based on income and household size. A single-person household earning less than $23,400 will qualify.
Learn More. https://www.lifewireless.com/plans/california-lifeline-free-phone-service
Modest Needs Grants
These emergency grants for low-income, working households help to cover unexpected expenses. Payments are sent directly to creditors, landlords, and service providers.
Average grant amounts range from $750 to $1,250.
CLICK HERE to know more.
Can Felons Get Rent Assistance In California?
Rent assistance programs are open to felons who pass a criminal background check. Each Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets its own tenant screening policy, but they don’t automatically disqualify felons.
When you apply, approval will be based on the type of offense on your record, its age, and your rehabilitation efforts.
If you’re accepted into the Housing Choice Voucher program or Project Based Public Housing program, you won’t have to spend more than 30% of your adjusted income on housing costs.
Find your PHA HERE.
Rapid Re-housing Programs (RRH)
Homeless felons are eligible for RRH programs. Participants receive a housing assessment and case management services.
In addition to housing placement assistance, felons can get grants to pay their rent for a limited period, and grants to cover security & utility deposits, and moving costs.
Call 2-1-1 to find out how to contact the Coordinated Entry Service in your area.
How Much Is Financial Assistance For Released Prisoners In California?
Are there any grants for parolees in California? Upon release from prison, former inmates receive $200 gate money.
Some prisons take fees from gate money if inmates don’t have dress-out clothes or transportation.
Ask your family or a charity to send you a set of clothes (including underwear and shoes) 30 days before your release date.
While there aren’t any specific grants for parolees in California, you’re encouraged to take advantage of the valuable case management services provided by reentry programs in the state.
Financial Assistance For Felons Without Health Insurance
MediCal, offers free or low-cost health care to low-income residents. Eligibility is based on income and assets. Felons on parole or probation can also qualify for MediCal.
Temporary health coverage for felons is also available through Medi-Cal for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals.
CLICK HERE to know more.
Felons who don’t qualify for MediCal may qualify for free health care (up to 6 months) through the County Medical Services Program. Apply for CMSP through your local social services agency.
Employment Grants in California for Felons
Government grants fund 3 major programs that help felons get stable jobs:
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Federal Bonding Program
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The WOTC gives employers a tax credit worth up to 40% of your first year’s wages. Your Job Center will give you a letter of introduction to let employers know about the financial benefit they can get if they hire you.
Who’s eligible for the tax credit? Previously incarcerated felons hired within one year of conviction or release from prison.
Federal Bonding Program
This program helps felons get jobs by providing free bonding insurance. Employers hiring felons get free protection worth up to $5,000 against acts of dishonesty carried out by the employee.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Thanks to the WIOA felons benefit from free career counseling, resume assistance, and job search support through local Job Centers and One-Stop Centers.
The WIOA also funds job training programs for high-demand industries like healthcare, construction, technology, transportation, and manufacturing.
These programs give you the certifications and skills employers are looking for. Plus, many employers hire felons through WIOA on-the-job training programs where you earn while you learn.
And if obstacles like lack of transportation, childcare, or work clothes are standing in your way, the supportive services included in WIOA programs can often help.
California Grants For College & Trade School
Felons are eligible for federal and state grants as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria. Incarcerated felons are also eligible for some grants.
No matter which grants you apply for, the basis for financial aid is the information you supply on your FAFSA form: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Federal Pell Grants: Get up to $7,395 per year to help pay for college or a course at an accredited trade school.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Offers additional funding up to $4,000 per year for students with exceptional financial need.
The California College Promise Grant: Low-income felons attending a state community college may qualify for free tuition.
CLICK HERE to know more.
CalGrants: CalGrants help low-income students attending state or private colleges and trade schools pay for tuition, books, and living costs.
The amount you’ll get depends on your income and family status (students with dependant children get more) and the CalGrant category you qualify for.
CLICK HERE to know more.
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