Programs and grants for felons in Ohio target low-income offenders who need help paying for housing, food, utility bills, medical care, and education.
What Are The Housing Grants For Felons in Ohio?
Felons in Ohio can get help paying their rent if they qualify for low-income housing programs and pass a background check.
One of the main programs is the Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8. This program, which is open to felons, is run by local public housing authorities (PHAs) and helps eligible families cover their monthly rent.
How much rent assistance you get depends on your household size and income. Because there’s a lot of demand for these vouchers, most housing authorities have waiting lists, so it might take some time before you receive support.
More Information: Financial assistance for released prisoners in Florida
Emergency Grants For Felons
The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio can help you find emergency grants if you can’t pay your rent or utility bills. Scroll to “Emergency Rental Assistance” to learn how to apply for a grant in your county.
Website: https://cohhio.org/
The Salvation Army is another source of emergency rent and utility bill grants for felons.
More Information: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/rent-mortgage-and-utility-assistance/.
Housing Support For Homeless Felons in Ohio
Homeless felons can enter Ohio’s Continuum of Care (COC) program via numerous community partners and outreach organizations.
The COC assesses housing needs; provides emergency shelter and rapid rehousing; and helps unhoused Ohians find transitional and permanent housing.
Find your nearest community partner on the map: https://cohhio.org/boscoc/
Can Felons Get Ohio Heating Grants?
Low-income felons can apply for the Ohio HEAP grant (approx $740) to help cover winter heating costs. Applications for the grant open each July and you need to make a new application for the grant each year.
Apply at your local Community Action Agency, or apply through Catholic Charities and Salvation Army centers.
Find an agency: https://oacaa.org/find-an-agency/
Free Grants In Ohio For Individuals
Felons in Ohio may be eligible for a Lifeline grant which gives access to free mobile phone service with 4.5 GB data per month.
If you meet the income guidelines or receive SNAP, Section 8, SSI, or Medicaid, you can apply for the grant.
More information: https://www.lifewireless.com/plans/ohio-lifeline-free-phone-service
Grants For Felons Without Health Insurance In Ohio
If you’re an Ohio felon without health insurance, you could qualify for Medicaid, a healthcare program that pays for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, dental work, eye care, and prescription costs.
In 2024 the income ceiling for individual Medicaid eligibility is $20,783 per year or $1,732 per month. The income limits for families with children are higher.
More information: https://benefits.ohio.gov/
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
Felons diagnosed with HIV or AIDS can get help with healthcare and access support services through the Ryan White Program. The program is open to low-income individuals without health insurance.
More information: https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/hiv-care/services
Food & Living Expenses Grants For Felons Ohio
Even with a felony on your record, you’re still eligible to apply for grants through programs like SNAP and TANF. These programs give you monthly financial assistance to cover food and everyday expenses.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP (Food Stamps) is for low-income individuals and families who need help buying groceries. Each month, SNAP funds are loaded onto an EBT card you can use at grocery stores.
Eligibility for SNAP is based on your income, assets, and household size. In 2024, the monthly income limit for a one-person household (after taxes) is $1,215; for a three-person household, it’s $2,072.
The amount you receive depends on your household size too; one person can get up to $291 each month, while a family of three could receive up to $766.
Check if you qualify with the SNAP calculator: https://www.snapscreener.com/screener/ohio
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF is a monthly cash grant for families with children under 18. Use TANF cash for rent, utilities, food, or other essential expenses. In Ohio, you can only get TANF for 36 months.
Like SNAP, TANF eligibility depends on your income, assets, and household size. For example, a single parent with two kids can receive up to $589 each month.
More information: https://benefits.ohio.gov/
Education Grants in Ohio for Felons
A Pell Grant helps you pay for college or trade school. Most Pell grants are given to students earning less than $30,000 per year.
The most you’ll get is $7,395 for the 2024-2025 school year, and the amount is based on your financial need, expenses, and the cost of your course.
More Information: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
Another type of funding felons can use to go back to school is the Ohio Second Chance Grant. If you dropped out of school with some college credit you may be eligible for a one-time second chance grant of $3,000 to help you get a bachelor’s degree or trade certification.
More information: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/highered.ohio.gov/second-chance/Second-Chance-Grant_Overview.pdf
Free Legal Help For Juvenile Felons In Ohio
If your criminal record is causing problems with housing, employment, or other issues, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland may be able to help you get your record sealed through the Juvenile Reentry Assistance Project (JRAP).
More information: https://lasclev.org/is-your-criminal-record-causing-problems-with-housing-employment-or-other-issues/.
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