Crime & Traffic

Before release, they can:

• Start gathering their documents like their birth certificate, social security card, and state ID,
• Start looking for a safe place to live, and
• Apply for public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits.

People leaving an Illinois prison can begin the process of obtaining a state ID before release through IDOC. IDOC staff can help them get the necessary documents and send their information to the Secretary of State electronically. A corrections officer must complete the Verification Form to Apply for an Identification Card Upon Release before someone is released from prison.

They can start by:

• Getting a state ID or driver’s license,
• Getting needed medications and medical care, 
• Contacting a parole office if required,
• Finding employment services and job training programs, 
• Registering to vote,
• Addressing child support obligations, and
• Connecting with local reentry organizations.

If someone was convicted of murder or a sex offense, they must register soon after being released from prison. They must register in person with the local law enforcement agency where they live, such as the local police department or county sheriff's office. These individuals need to register with the police department in the city where they live and must register every time they move to a different address. 

Several organizations throughout Illinois help people returning to their communities after incarceration. These organizations may provide assistance with housing, employment, education, transportation, health care, public benefits, and other needs.

The following statewide resources can help people find services in their area:

• The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) County Resource Guides list local resources in each Illinois county.
• Reentry Illinois provides a statewide reentry directory and reentry guides with information about housing, employment, education, and support services. 
• Resources for Returning Citizens, maintained by the Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD), includes statewide and regional reentry resources.

People in some areas may also have access to local reentry organizations. For example:

• Cook County Reconnect provides rental assistance and other support services to eligible individuals who were released from the Illinois Department of Corrections within 30 days to 2 years. 
• Safer Foundation offers employment and reentry services in the Chicago area. 
• FirstFollowers serves people returning to the community in Champaign County.
• Win Recovery provides housing for women in Champaign County and Cook County. 
• JUST of DuPage helps people connect with housing, transportation, legal assistance, and other resources in DuPage County.
• Waukegan Township ReEntry Program provides employment and legal resources in Lake County.
• New Day Employment Network offers a reentry guide for former prisoners in Will County.

Several statewide programs help people with criminal records prepare for and find employment.

• The Re-Entry Employment Service Program (RESP) helps participants identify barriers to employment, register for Illinois JobLink, and access job-readiness services.
• Illinois JobLink is a free online job search system that helps users search for jobs, create resumes, and connect with employers.
• Illinois workNet provides job postings, career-planning tools, and training resources throughout Illinois.
• The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) offers job-search assistance through offices located throughout the state.

Some local organizations also provide employment services specifically for people returning from prison. Examples include Safer Foundation, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR), Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), and Saint Leonard's Ministries.

People can also use Reentry Illinois, the IDOC County Resource Guides, and the OSAD Resources for Returning Citizens directory to find employment programs in their area.

Housing resources vary by location and eligibility requirements. Some organizations provide transitional housing, recovery housing, and other supportive housing services for people returning to their communities after incarceration.

Re-Entry Illinois, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) County Resource Guides, and the Office of the State Appellate Defender's (OSAD) Resources for Returning Citizens directory can help people find housing programs in their area.

Organizations such as Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) and Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) may offer housing-related services in the Chicago area. Saint Leonards Ministries offers transitional housing for men through Saint Leonard’s House and for women through the Grace House. Cook County Reconnect provides rental assistance and other support services to eligible individuals who were released from the Illinois Department of Corrections between 30 days and 2 years ago.

People with criminal records may also have protections against housing discrimination. Some counties and cities have additional protections. For example, the Cook County Just Housing Amendment limits when landlords can consider a person's criminal record. People outside Cook County may want to check whether their city or county has similar protections.

A person should take the Verification Form to Apply for an Identification Card Upon Release and other required documents to a Secretary of State facility as soon as possible after release. In most cases, they must apply within 30 days of their release date to qualify for the special identification card process available to people leaving correctional facilities. The identification card is free if someone applies within 30 days. Depending on their circumstances and the documents available, they may receive either a standard Illinois ID card or a temporary 90-day ID card. After the Secretary of State verifies their information, a permanent ID card should be mailed within 15 business days. To learn more, visit the Secretary of State website.

Some people may also need to renew, reinstate, or otherwise address issues with their driver's license after being released. The steps depend on whether the license expired, was suspended, or was revoked. A person can contact the Illinois Secretary of State or visit their website to learn what steps they need to take to regain their driving privileges.

People who have been released from prison may qualify for public benefits if they meet the program's eligibility requirements. These include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, Medicaid benefits, and cash assistance. Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people with low incomes. 

People who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, and who have limited income and resources, may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If SSI benefits were stopped or suspended while someone was incarcerated, they may be able to restart them after release.

Use the Application for Public Benefits Eligibility to apply for SNAP, cash, and medical assistance.

People who may qualify for SSI can ask someone at the prison or jail for help applying while they are still incarcerated. They can also apply after release. Learn more about applying for SSI.

If someone did not request a modification while they were incarcerated, unpaid support generally continues to accrue, and they may owe the missed payments. They can file a motion to modify child support after leaving prison. This form will allow a person to ask a judge to modify or end their child support payments.

In Illinois, having a criminal record does not permanently take away a person's right to vote. A person's voting rights are automatically restored once they are no longer in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). A person may need to register to vote again before they can vote. Check out ILAO’s page on voting rights for those convicted of felonies for more information.

It depends on the type of record and how much time has passed since the arrest, charge, or conviction. Only certain arrests, charges, and convictions can be expunged. While many convictions can be sealed, eligibility requirements and waiting periods still apply.

There are some records that may be sealed automatically under the Clean Slate Act. See What you need to know about the Clean Slate Act for more information.

To learn more about whether a record qualifies for expungement or sealing, see Before filing for expungement or sealing.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Reentry Companion Guide provides information about managing money before, during, and after incarceration. Topics include obtaining identification documents, handling debt, checking credit reports, and preparing for employment.