Are There Grants for Felons in New York? This guide covers the top grants for felons in New York specifically designed to help felons rebuild their lives. Some of the popular programs include NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Excelsior Scholarship, CityFHEPS, and Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) offering assistance with education, housing, and jobs. These programs are provided by trusted government agencies and nonprofit organizations across New York. This guide will help you understand the available reentry and financial assistance programs for felons in New York, their eligibility, and how to apply step-by-step.
Top Education Grants for Felons in New York
Education grants in New York help returning citizens to get access to college, vocational training, and certification programs. Most of the programs reduce tuition costs and provide a pathway to stable careers for felons after release.
NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is one of the most valuable state-funded financial assistance provided to the eligible residents in New York, including felons. TAP covers tuition costs at approved colleges and universities like the State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and other selected private colleges across the state. It can be a reliable source for the returning citizens in New York to rebuild their lives after release.
Eligibility For NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
To be eligible for NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), individuals must be a legal resident of New York State, have a high school diploma or GED, be enrolled full-time at an approved college or university, pursue an undergraduate degree, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on a student loan or owe a grant repayment.
How To Apply For NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?
To apply for the NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), applicants need to complete the FAFSA application to determine eligibility. If eligible, applicants need to visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website and start the TAP application. Create an account and submit all the necessary details and documents that are needed. Regularly track your application and apply as early as possible to secure funding. For any further questions related to TAP call on 1-888-697-4372.
The Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship is a financial assistance program offered to the eligible students in New York to attend public colleges helping with tuition costs. This scholarship covers the remaining tuition costs after applying TAP and Pell Grants. The Excelsior Scholarship makes higher education more accessible and is available at institutions under the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY). Felons are eligible for the scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility For The Excelsior Scholarship
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants need to be a legal resident of New York State for at least 12 months, having family household income of $125,000 or less, enrolled full-time, pursuing an undergraduate degree, and in good standing on student loans and grants.
How To Apply For The Excelsior Scholarship?
To apply for the Excelsior Scholarship, applicants need to complete the FAFSA application to determine eligibility. If eligible, visit the official New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website and complete the Excelsior Scholarship application. Regularly check your account for updates or document requests to ensure a smooth application procedure. For general queries regarding the scholarship program call on 1-888-697-4372.
College & Community Fellowship (CCF) Scholarship
The College & Community Fellowship (CCF) Scholarship is a financial aid offered in New York to the justice-involved women helping them to pursue education and rebuild their lives. This is not a traditional scholarship, as it also offers additional assistance like mentorship, career support, and holistic services. It is a valuable scholarship for women individuals and can be used for covering tuition, books, and other education-related expenses.
Eligibility For College & Community Fellowship (CCF) Scholarship
To be eligible for College & Community Fellowship (CCF) Scholarship, individuals must be justice-involved women, planning to enroll in or currently enrolled in a college, university, or certification program, have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, demonstrate financial need and must be motivated towards academic and career growth.
How To Apply For College & Community Fellowship (CCF) Scholarship?
To apply, visit the official College & Community Fellowship (CCF) website and complete your registration. Create your account and submit the required documents including college registration form, bursar bill, and financial aid award letter to demonstrate your enrollment and financial need. After finishing the application procedure, keep tracking your application status and respond to document requests. For any additional questions related to CCF Scholarship email them at [email protected].
Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Programs
The Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Programs offers help to the eligible students to pay for workforce training and credential programs without enrolling for a full time program. These programs are initiated by the New York State financial aid helping felons to gain job-ready skills, certifications, or vocational training at approved institutions like State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY). It is one of the flexible programs for felons who want to get enrolled in non-degree workforce programs on a part-time basis.
Eligibility For Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Programs
To be eligible for Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Programs, an individual must be a legal resident of New York State for at least 12 months, be enrolled in an approved non-degree workforce credential program at an approved institution, enroll part-time (1–11 credits), maintain satisfactory academic progress, not be in default on student loans, and not have exhausted their TAP eligibility.
How To Apply For Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Programs?
To apply for Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Program, individuals need to complete a FAFSA application to determine financial eligibility. After submission of the FAFSA, individuals need to visit the official website of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and complete the TAP application. Provide all the required documents and regularly check your HESC account for updates. To get guidance and help with the application process, call them on 1-888-697-4372.
Hudson Link “Finish Line”
Hudson Link “Finish Line” is a powerful reentry program for the formerly incarcerated individuals in New York helping them to pursue new degrees and certification after release. It is an education support initiative that offers personalized guidance, mentorship, and wraparound support to ensure career growth. This program is especially for those individuals who started their education while incarcerated to earn a degree or certification.
Eligibility For Hudson Link “Finish Line”
To be eligible for Hudson Link “Finish Line”, an individual must be a formerly incarcerated individual, have participated in or started a college program while incarcerated, interested in completing a degree or pursuing further education/training and must be willing to engage in academic and career development.
How To Apply For Hudson Link “Finish Line”?
To apply for the Hudson Link “Finish Line” Program, applicants need to directly contact the Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison after release. The organization will assign a caseworker who will understand your financial requirements and help you with applications. It mainly follows a referral-based system, individuals who are referred by correctional facilities are given the highest priority. To get started, visit the official Hudson Link website or email them at [email protected].
Best Housing Assistance Programs for Felons in New York
Housing assistance for felons NYC offers secure and stable housing. These initiatives help reduce homelessness and provide financial relief through subsidies and supportive housing services.
Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP)
The Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) is a state-funded rental assistance program that operates in New York to help out the homeless individual or those who are currently at risk of homelessness. This program is quite similar to Section 8, as the eligible participants need to pay a portion of their income towards rent and the remaining amount is covered by HAVP.
Eligibility For Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP)
To be eligible for Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), individuals must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, have low income below 50% of Area Median Income, referred by local agency such as Department of Social Services (DSS), and participants willing to contribute a portion of income towards rent.
How To Apply For Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP)?
Applicants cannot apply for the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) program directly, they need to connect with a local referral agency like the Department of Social Services (DSS) or other housing providers. The agency will assess your eligibility and submit your application on your behalf. If your application gets approved, you can get HAVP assistance. If you have any queries about the program call on 1-866-275-4271.
CityFHEPS in New York City
CityFHEPS stands for The City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement, it is a rental assistance program in New York City provides support to eligible individuals and families to secure stable housing, including felons. CityFHEPS is similar to Section 8 as it covers a large portion of rent and eligible participants need to pay a share of their income towards rent. This program offers housing support in New York for a maximum of five years.
Eligibility For CityFHEPS in New York City
To be eligible for CityFHEPS in New York City, applicants must be homeless or at a risk of homelessness, have low income that is below 200% of the federal poverty level, current receiving benefits from public assistance, currently living in a shelter OR must be referred through a prevention program and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For CityFHEPS in New York City?
There is no direct application for CityFHEPS in New York City, you need to follow a referral process that is managed by the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS). You will be assigned with a case manager or housing speciality, who will assess your needs and start your application procedure. You can visit the CityFHEPS page or call 311 to get immediate assistance. If you have any further questions or queries call on (718) 557-1399.
The Fortune Society (Supportive Housing)
The Fortune Society offers a wide range of housing programs specially for the formerly incarcerated individuals in New York who are facing homelessness or at a risk of homelessness. This supportive housing program helps the felons to secure stable and affordable housing along with other ongoing supportive services. It is a “one-stop” reentry model that combines housing with employment assistance helping the returning citizens in New York to easily reintegrate back into the community.
Eligibility For The Fortune Society (Supportive Housing)
To be eligible for supportive housing from Fortune Society, individuals must be a formerly incarcerated or justice-involved individual, facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, willing to participate in support services and case management, need to demonstrate need for housing and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For The Fortune Society (Supportive Housing)?
To apply for The Fortune Society supportive housing program, individuals need to contact the admission team of the organization by visiting their service center at 29-76 Northern Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 and start the intake process.
A coordinator will be assigned who will assess your situation and connect you with an appropriate housing program. It is advised to apply early and stay in contact with your assigned coordinator for a smooth application procedure. You can visit the official website of Fortune Society to explore the available housing programs. For further queries call them at (212) 691-7554 or email them at [email protected].
FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program
The FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program is a grant-based homeownership assistance program that is administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York helping the eligible first-time homebuyers including felons, with down payment, closing costs and homebuyer education. The program offers grants of up to $30,000, making it one of the most valuable housing resources in New York.
Eligibility For FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program
To be eligible for FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program, individuals must be a first-time homebuyer, have household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), must be a primary resident, contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase and agree to live in the home for at least 5 years.
How To Apply For FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program?
The FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program does not have direct application, therefore individuals need to connect with their approved participating lender who will guide you with the overall process. Start contacting a bank or credit union that offers the program and get pre-qualified for it. Once you sign the purchase agreement for a home, your lender will submit your application to the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York for funding approval. Once approved, you need to meet all the program conditions to secure funding. For any additional questions or guide call on (212) 441-6700.
Rental Supplement Program (RSP)
The Rental Supplement Program (RSP) is a New York State-funded housing assistance program that offers rental subsidies to the eligible individuals and families who are facing homelessness or at a risk of homelessness. RSP is administered through local Departments of Social Services (DSS) and assists returning citizens to secure stable housing by covering the maximum portion of their rent.
Eligibility For Rental Supplement Program (RSP)
To be eligible for Rental Supplement Program (RSP), individual must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, have low income below 50% of Area Median Income, connected with or referred by a local Department of Social Services (DSS), must be living in temporary housing, shelters, or unstable housing situations and willing to contribute a portion of income toward rent.
How To Apply For Rental Supplement Program (RSP)?
To apply for the Rental Supplement Program (RSP) in New York, participants need to contact their local Department of Social Services (DSS) or a community housing agency as direct applications are not accepted. A caseworker will assess your housing situation and will submit applications on your behalf. Once approved, you will be able to receive a rental subsidy from RSP. For further guidance and application help call on (518) 474-9475.
Job Training & Employment Programs for Felons in New York
Job training grants offer felons access to skill development, certification programs, and employment support. These programs focus on helping individuals gain in-demand skills and successfully reenter the workforce.
NYC Individual Training Grants (ITG)
The NYC Individual Training Grants (ITG) program is a workforce development initiative administered by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to help out the eligible individuals, including felons. They offer financial assistance for short-term job training programs that cover tuition, registration fees, books, and certification costs. This assistance is offered through Workforce1 Career Centers, making it a valuable option for individuals with felony records to reenter the workforce.
Eligibility For NYC Individual Training Grants (ITG)
To be eligible for NYC Individual Training Grants (ITG), individuals must be 18 years old and a resident of New York City, actively seeking employment or earning below income limits, have a high school diploma or GED, ready to enter the workforce after training and must register with a Workforce1 Career Center.
How To Apply For NYC Individual Training Grants (ITG)?
To apply for the NYC Individual Training Grants (ITG), participants need to register with a Workforce1 Career Center and create a job seeker profile. After registration, a career advisor will assess your needs and plan a career path accordingly. Once your training plan is approved, you will be issued with an ITG voucher that can be used to cover tuition costs. For immediate assistance call 311 to get connected to NYC workforce services.
STRIVE “Fresh Start” Program
The STRIVE “Fresh Start” Program is a free reentry and job training initiative in New York City offering assistance to the formerly incarcerated individuals to rebuild their career through career training, job placement, and wraparound support services. The program prioritizes individuals who are recently released or under community supervision, providing them with the best tool that is needed to reintegrate back into the community.
Eligibility For STRIVE “Fresh Start” Program
To be eligible for STRIVE “Fresh Start” Program, applicants must be a formerly incarcerated individual, aged 25 or older, recently released (within 180 days) or on parole/probation, resident of New York City and willing to participate in training programs.
How To Apply For STRIVE “Fresh Start” Program?
To apply, visit the official STRIVE website or contact their team directly by calling at (212) 360-1100. You will be connected with a coordinator who will assess your eligibility. If eligible, you will be enrolled for the STRIVE “Fresh Start” Program. Apply early, as funding for these programs is limited and competitive.
CEO (Center for Employment Opportunities)
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is one of the largest reentry employment programs in the United States having a strong presence in New York. These programs are specifically designed for the formerly incarcerated individuals helping them to secure employment, build job skills, paid work and successfully reintegrate back into the community.
Eligibility For CEO (Center for Employment Opportunities)
To be eligible for CEO (Center for Employment Opportunities), individuals must be formerly incarcerated, legally eligible to work in the U.S, physically able to work, willing to participate in job training and transitional work and must be referred by a parole officer, reentry program, or community organization.
How To Apply For CEO (Center for Employment Opportunities)?
To apply for the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) program in New York, interested individuals need to connect with the local CEO office or get referred through a parole officer, reentry organization. Applicants need to complete the orientation to get access to services like coaching and job placement support. For any queries regarding their services call on (212) 422-4430.
RESTART Initiative in New York
The RESTART Initiative (Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training) is a federal workforce development program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This program is available for felons in New York providing job training, apprenticeships, and employment pathways in high-demand industries.
Eligibility Requirements For RESTART Initiative
To be eligible for the RESTART Initiative in New York, young adults or adults having a criminal record, must be seeking employment or workforce training, comply with the rules of the program and willing to participate in training and career placement services.
How To Apply For RESTART Initiative?
To apply for the RESTART Initiative in New York, you need to directly contact your local workforce agency such as NH Works or a reentry program partner. Enquire about the RESTART-funded training opportunities that are currently available. For general queries about enrollment and placement services call on 1-866-487-2365.
Federal Programs For Felons in New York
Federal programs like Federal Pell Grant, SNAP, Medicaid, and federal bonds provide essential support like financial aid, food assistance, healthcare, and employment incentives. These nationwide programs help felons rebuild their lives by covering basic requirements and providing them with second chances.
The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell)
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program in New York. The best thing is that individuals with felony convictions can apply for the Federal Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell initiative. Applicants must submit a FAFSA application to determine eligibility. The Pell Grant can be used to cover essential educational expenses, primarily tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and supplies. To apply for a Pell Grant visit StudentAid.gov.
Temporary Assistance (TA) For Felons in New York
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), commonly referred to as Family Assistance (FA) in New York, offers financial assistance for felons in New York. Additionally, TA also offers help with employment support, and access to job training programs after release. However, the returning citizens in New York need to meet the basic program eligibility rules to qualify.
A family of three can receive approximately $789 per month in New York through TANF (Family Assistance), depending on income and household circumstances. You can apply for cash assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance online portal or by visiting a local Department of Social Services office. For further queries, you can call the OTDA hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
SNAP for Felons in New York
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps in New York, helps low income individuals and families to buy groceries using an EBT card. Felons in New York are eligible for SNAP as their felony record does not automatically disqualify anyone.
The felons need to meet the standard rules of SNAP to receive food assistance up to $291 per month for one person. You can apply for SNAP in New York through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance online portal or by visiting a local social services office. For further assistance, you can call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
The Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program in New York is a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored hiring incentive that offers help to the felons by removing the barriers to employment. The bond protects employers against employee dishonesty for the first six months of employment. The Federal Bond that is offered is $5,000. Thus, encouraging the employers to recruit felons in New York without hesitation. You can apply for the Federal Bonding Program in New York through the local American Job Center after receiving a job offer. For general queries call on 1-888-469-7365.
New York Medicaid
New York Medicaid offers a free or low-cost health coverage to the eligible low income individuals that includes felons after incarceration. Medicaid provides health insurance after incarceration in New York, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
Felons who are currently incarcerated cannot avail the Medicaid services, but upon release they can start receiving the Medicaid benefits. You can apply for Medicaid through the New York State Department of Health online portal or by visiting a local social services office. For assistance or questions, you can call the Medicaid helpline at 1-800-541-2831.
Are There Legal Help For Felons in New York?
Yes, legal help for felons in New York is available through programs like Legal Aid Society Reentry Services Unit and Community Service Society. These programs offer free or low-cost legal assistance that help with reentry, record clearing, and civil rights. Another major source that felons have access to is Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York offering legal representation for those felons who are facing rights violations. Returning citizens can also get help with record sealing, certificates of relief, and reentry support to rebuild their lives.
Bottom Line
New York offers a wide range of grants and reentry programs for felons that help them to rebuild their lives by getting access to education, housing, employment, and financial support. These programs help the returning citizens in New York to remove barriers and give them second chances to live a life with dignity.
To apply, identify your needs and select the right program that matches your requirement. You can visit the program websites, get local referral or work with your case workers to get guidance with eligibility and application. Many of these programs have limited funding and strict deadlines, so applying early can significantly improve your chances of approval.
