Are there any grants for felons in Pennsylvania? Yes. Felons can get financial help to rebuild their lives after prison.
From money to help with basic needs, to funding for job training, education & certifications, support is readily available for felons.
Reentry Grants For Felons In Pennsylvania 2025
Beyond gate money, felons can access financial assistance for released prisoners in PA through government programs and reentry organizations.
Government programs help felons on a low income cover everyday expenses, like rent, utilities, food, and medical care.
Felons taking advantage of the services provided by reentry organizations in Pennsylvania may have access to grants for security deposits, transportation, and career training.
Goodwill Industries runs a comprehensive reentry program for felons in Pennsylvania. You can also call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find other programs.
Low-Income Financial Assistance For Released Prisoners In PA
Felons trying to get back on their feet after release, often find themselves on a low income. Fortunately, government programs exist to help pay for life’s essentials.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Eligibility for SNAP is based on household income and family size. In Pennsylvania, a single felon making less than $2,510 per month may qualify for up to $292 per month.
Loaded onto your electronic benefit card each month, SNAP money can be spent on food at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
How much can you get: https://www.snapscreener.com/screener/pennsylvania
TANF (Cash Assistance)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is paid to families with children under 18 with little to no income. You can spend TANF anywhere EBT cards are accepted or withdraw the money from an ATM. A family of 3 can get $403 per month for a total of 60 months.
Apply for TANF through Compass: http://www.compass.state.pa.us/
Pennsylvania LIHEAP Utility Grants
Felons struggling to pay for energy can qualify for a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant.
In Pennsylvania, typical payments range from $200 to $1,000. Households can also get a crisis grant to replace broken heating equipment or prevent a utility shutoff.
Healthcare Grants For Felons Without Health Insurance
Pennsylvania Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income residents. Depending on your income you’ll be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance.
Seniors qualify for Medicare, the healthcare program for the over 65s receiving Social Security benefits.
Pennsylvania Free Phone Plan
Eligibility for the Lifeline free phone service is based on household income and family size. A single-person household earning less than $20,331 can get free unlimited calls and texts with 4.5 GB of data each month.
Grants To Help Felons Pay Rent
Rent assistance is provided by local Public Housing Authority (PHA) programs. If you qualify for the Pennsylvania Housing Choice Voucher Program, you won’t have to spend more than 30% of your income on your rent.
Eligibility is based on your income, assets, family size, and the results of criminal background checks on each adult household member.
Having a felony won’t automatically disqualify you. PHAs consider the nature and age of the offense and your rehabilitation efforts before making a decision.
Learn more HERE.
Grants For Homeless Felons
Homeless felons and felons living in transitional housing may be eligible for the Rapid Re-Housing program. The program helps overcome traditional barriers to housing, including having a criminal history.
After an initial needs assessment, your advisor will help you identify felon-friendly housing, advocate with landlords on your behalf, arrange short-term financial assistance, and provide ongoing mentoring and support.
For more: https://www.accessservices.org/services/rapid-rehousing
Modest Needs Grants
Modest Needs grants are for low-income workers facing financial hardship due to an unexpected crisis. Grants can cover overdue bills, rent, medical expenses, or the cost of repairing a vehicle or household appliance.
Employment Grants in Pennsylvania for Felons
In Pennsylvania, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps felons get the skills they need to return to work.
WIOA programs are designed for people facing barriers to employment, including those with a criminal record. WIOA provides free resources like job training, career counseling, and resume assistance.
You’ll also get access to apprenticeships and job placements with employers willing to hire workers with criminal backgrounds.
CLICK HERE to learn more about second chance grants in Pennsylvania.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The WOTC gives employers a tax credit when they hire workers from a disadvantaged group. This means that when an employer hires a felon, they get a tax break worth up to 40% of the first year’s wages. This financial incentive makes employers more willing to hire felons.
Get a WOTC introduction letter to show prospective employers from your local Job center.
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What Education Grants Are Available For Pennsylvania Felons?
Having a felony is no longer a barrier to federal and state financial aid for college or trade school. Qualify for loans and grants for felons in PA by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Pell Grants: Pell Grants for low-income undergraduate students provide up to $7,395 per year.
FSEOG: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for students with exceptional financial need. Grants are limited, so apply early. If you qualify you’ll get up to $4,000 per year.
Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants
PA State Grant Program: Eligible students can get $500-$800 per year.
Learn more: https://www.pheaa.org/grants/state-grant-program/prepare.shtml