How do you get grants for felons in Georgia? You probably heard about felony grants while you were in prison, and now you’re out, you’re eager to get some free money to help rebuild your life. You’re wondering how much you can get and where to apply.
Millions of dollars are earmarked to help felons in Georgia every year, unfortunately, that money isn’t given directly to felons, it goes to organizations that help felons.
Read Also: Small Business Grants for Felons in Texas
How You Can Benefit From Grants For Felons In Georgia
You might prefer some cash in your pocket today, but the reentry services funded with grants help felons prepare for long-term success, providing:
- Job and skills training
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Job placement services
- Apprenticeships
- GED programs and continuing education
- Temporary shelter, transitional housing, and affordable permanent housing
- Food assistance
- Free clothing and household items
- Access to affordable medical care and prescriptions
- Help to replace ID and Social Security cards
- Assistance with record expungement or sealing
- Financial literacy and money management classes
- Mentorship programs and support groups
To access reentry support services, call the free helpline at 2-1-1 (open 24/7) or visit the 2-1-1 website to find help in your area.
Website: https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Center For Employment Opportunities (CEO)
Now available in Georgia, CEO provides a life-changing reentry program that gets ex-offenders into high-paying jobs.
- Immediate paid employment with daily pay
- One-on-one career coaching
- Skills training
- Mentoring and support
CEO also helps felons become truck drivers by providing grants to cover CDL training costs.
Read the personal stories on the blog to get a better idea of how the program works.
Become a program participant: https://www.ceoworks.org/participants
Financial Assistance For Released Prisoners In Georgia
Benefits for prisoners after release in Georgia include SNAP (Food Stamps), TANF (Welfare), Section 8 Housing, utility bill assistance, free phone and internet service, and Pell Grants.
This assistance isn’t specifically for felons, anyone on a low income can apply.
SNAP Benefits
Available to low-income individuals and families, SNAP gives you money to spend on groceries every month.
Find out if you qualify and how much you can get: https://www.snapscreener.com/screener/georgia
Fresh For Less
This initiative helps SNAP recipients buy more fresh fruit and vegetables. For every $10 you spend with your EBT card at Georgia farmer’s markets, you get another $10 free.
Learn more: https://wholesomewavegeorgia.org/fresh-for-less/
TANF Benefits
You may qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits if you’re on a very low income and have at least 1 child under the age of 18 living with you. TANF is also available to pregnant women.
The monthly cash grant can be used to pay for any expenses you need to cover.
In Georgia, TANF support is limited to 48 months (lifetime total) and the maximum monthly benefit for a family of 3 is $280.
Learn more and apply: https://dfcs.georgia.gov/tanf
Salvation Army Emergency Financial Assistance
The Salvation Army may be able to support you with a grant to help you pay your rent, mortgage, or utility bills.
Find your local SA: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/rent-mortgage-and-utility-assistance/
Section 8 Housing
Once you’re approved for Section 8 housing you get a monthly grant to use towards your rent.
Through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, low-income renters receive help paying for project-based housing or private rental housing.
The amount you’ll get depends on your income and household size. Waiting lists for the program are common, so it’s best to apply right away.
Learn more: https://georgia.gov/apply-housing-choice-voucher-program
Georgia LIHEAP Grants
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides grants to help people pay for their heating and cooling costs.
These grants are issued on a first come first served basis.
Learn more: https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
Free Phone And Internet
LifeWireless offers free unlimited phone calls and texts, plus 4.5 GB monthly data to low-income residents in Georgia.
The income limit for a single-person household to qualify is $20,331.
Learn more: https://www.lifewireless.com/plans/georgia-lifeline-free-phone-service
Pell Grants
Pell Grants help cover the cost of college or trade school. Unlike student loans, this grant doesn’t have to be repaid.
The Pell Grant you receive depends on your financial need, expenses, and the cost of your tuition. In 2024-2025 the maximum Pell grant is $7,395.
Learn more: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/fpg/index.html
By taking full advantage of reentry resources and financial assistance programs, felons can get the support they need to make a new start.
Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org
With a lifelong passion for humanity.