Grants for Felons in Texas? Yes, there are grants and assistance programs for felons in Texas that offer help with housing, education, job training, and daily living costs. Recently released individuals should start with the TEXAS Grant for college tuition assistance, Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders) for job placement and workforce support, and the Texas PROWD Grant to get help with employment opportunities and job training. This guide provides you with the best grants and assistance programs for felons in Texas, including eligibility and application process.
Education Grants or Scholarships for Felons in Texas
Explore the Texas education grants and scholarships for felons that help cover tuition, books, training, and other educational costs.
TEXAS Grant
The TEXAS Grant (Toward Excellence, Access, and Success Grant) is a state-funded financial aid program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to assist eligible students. If you plan to attend college, this grant helps cover tuition, books, fees, and other education costs at public colleges and universities in Texas. The main focus of the grant is to make education more affordable and accessible for the students, including felons.
Eligibility For TEXAS Grant
To be eligible for the TEXAS Grant, applicants need to be Texas residents, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA, must be enrolled in an eligible Texas public college or university, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and must not hold a bachelor’s degree.
How To Apply For TEXAS Grant?
To apply for the Texas Grant, applicants are required to submit FAFSA or TASFA as soon as possible and submit all the required documents to the college’s financial aid office. The awards are directly handled by the participating institution once you are eligible. To get direct assistance visit the official website of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or call them at 512-427-6101.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) is a state-funded financial aid program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that supports eligible students to pursue education in public, community, state or technical colleges in Texas. The grant amount can be used to cover tuition and other educational expenses making education more affordable. The award amount depends on funding and some colleges might offer up to $2,134 per semester for full-time eligible students.
Eligibility For Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
To be eligible for Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG), applicants must be Texas residents, demonstrate financial need, be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible Texas public two-year institution, must be pursuing an associate degree or certificate program, must not hold an associate or bachelor’s degree, and meet satisfactory academic progress.
How To Apply For Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)?
To apply for Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG), applicants need to complete the FAFSA or TASFA as early as possible. Submit the required documents to the college financial aid office as awards are directly handled by the participating institution. To learn more about TEOG visit the official website of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. For general queries, call 512-427-6101 or email at [email protected].
Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state-funded financial aid program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that offers assistance to the eligible students to attend participating private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Texas. Award amounts depend on funding and institution. Applicants with felony convictions are not automatically disqualified due to criminal record. However, students with certain unresolved legal issues might face challenges.
Eligibility For Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
To be eligible for Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG), an individual must be a Texas resident, demonstrate financial need, enrolled at least three-quarter time in an eligible private Texas institution, must be pursuing an eligible degree program, meet satisfactory academic progress standards, and must comply with the institution’s rules.
How To Apply For Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)?
To apply for Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG), applicants need to complete the FAFSA or TASFA to determine financial eligibility. Next, submit all the required documents to the Texas college you are planning to attend. To know more about the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) visit the official website of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. For general queries, call 512-427-6101 or email at [email protected].
Texas Transfer Grant Program
The Texas Transfer Grant Program is a state-funded financial aid program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) helping the eligible students to transfer from Texas two-year colleges to public four-year universities in Texas. The main focus of the program is to reduce the financial burden of the students and encourage them to pursue bachelor’s degree completion. The grant amount depends on funding and the institution. However, some universities offer awards up to $5,394 for eligible students.
Eligibility For Texas Transfer Grant Program
To meet the requirements for the Texas Transfer Grant Program, applicants must be Texas residents, must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or TASFA, have to transfer from a Texas two-year institution to an eligible four-year Texas public university, get enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, and must meet satisfactory academic progress standards.
How To Apply For Texas Transfer Grant Program?
To apply for the Texas Transfer Grant Program, individuals need to complete the FAFSA or TASFA to determine financial eligibility. Submit all the required documents to the Texas University where the individual is planning to transfer. To know more about the Texas Transfer Grant Program, visit the official website of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. To get direct assistance, call 512-427-6101 or email at [email protected].
Work-Study Student Mentorship Program in Texas
The Work-Study Student Mentorship Program (WSMP) is a state-funded financial aid employment program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) offering support to college students to earn money through part-time jobs. Students can work as mentors, tutors or advisors helping them to gather experience and build skills. Students might work up to 20 hours per week and get a minimum wage of $10 per hour.
Eligibility For Work-Study Student Mentorship Program in Texas
To be eligible for Work-Study Student Mentorship Program, individuals must be enrolled at a participating Texas public, private, or independent college/university, must demonstrate financial need, maintain satisfactory academic progress standards, be enrolled in a degree or certificate program, and qualify for work-study through the institution’s financial aid office.
How To Apply For A Work-Study Student Mentorship Program in Texas?
To apply for the Work-Study Student Mentorship Program, applicants need to submit FAFSA or TASFA to determine financial eligibility. It is important to indicate interest in work-study aid and contact your college’s financial aid office to apply for the available mentorship positions. The college handles the hiring, opening and deadline, so it is best to contact the campus directly. To know more about the Work-Study Student Mentorship Program, visit the official website of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. For general queries, call 512-427-6101 or email at [email protected]
Housing Grants & Programs for Felons in Texas
Find the best Texas housing grants and reentry programs for felons that help in securing stable shelter, rent support and other supportive living options.
TDHCA Reentry Assistance Pilot Program (RAP)
The Reentry Assistance Pilot Program (RAP) is a statewide housing-support initiative administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to help the returning citizens in Texas with stable housing. The program mainly offers funds to the participating nonprofit organizations and local government partners to help the eligible applicants with rental housing, security deposits, and other housing-related reentry needs.
Eligibility For TDHCA Reentry Assistance Pilot Program (RAP)
To be eligible for TDHCA Reentry Assistance Pilot Program (RAP), an individual must be a previously incarcerated individual, seeking housing stability after release, meet income limits as set by the program, must be residing in or seeking assistance in the servicing area, and meet requirements of the local administering agency.
How To Apply For TDHCA Reentry Assistance Pilot Program (RAP)?
To submit an application for TDHCA Reentry Assistance Pilot Program (RAP), individuals need to contact a participating nonprofit or local government agency in the region who receives funds from the TDHCA. To know about the participating providers call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 or email them at [email protected].
The Salvation Army (Waco and other regions)
The Salvation Army in Texas runs a wide range of programs where they offer assistance with housing, clothing, food and other basic necessities. Individuals can get access to emergency and transitional housing assistance helping them to easily reintegrate back into the community.
Individuals with felony backgrounds are not automatically disqualified, they can access the program if they meet the basic program criteria. Additional services that are offered include emergency shelter, transitional housing, meals, case management, rent/utility assistance, and reentry referrals.
Eligibility For The Salvation Army (Waco and other regions)
To be eligible for The Salvation Army , individuals must be facing homeless or at risk of homeless, recently released or planning to reenter the community, must follow the shelter rules and curfews, must be willing to work on documentation and have a valid ID, and do not have any active violent behavior or immediate safety risk.
How To Apply For The Salvation Army (Waco and other regions)?
To get help with housing assistance call your Salvation Army location and start your housing assistance intake. In Waco, you can contact (254) 756-7271 for social services. To learn about the programs visit the official website of The Salvation Army or call on their national help line on 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP)
The Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) is a Texas state-funded housing assistance program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) that offers funds to major cities in Texas to assist the individuals who are facing homelessness or at a risk of homelessness.
The participating major cities include Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Plano, and San Antonio. HHSP offer their funds through local participating agencies and also provide additional services like emergency shelter, rental assistance, rapid rehousing, case management, and supportive services.
Eligibility For Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP)
To be eligible for Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP), individuals must be homeless or at risk of homelessness, must meet income limits set by the local agency, lack of sufficient housing resources/support, must reside in or seek help in participating Texas city, and must provide ID and support documents that are needed.
How To Apply For Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP)?
To apply for HHSP, participants need to contact their local homeless assistance provider, city housing department or simply call 2-1-1 Texas and look for programs that are funded through HHSP. The applicants are handled by local agencies and not by TDHCA. To get assistance call Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs at 800-525-0657, or email at [email protected].
TDCJ Residential Reentry Centers
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), also known as halfway houses or transitional centers that provide help to the recently released individuals from prison through structured housing. These centers help felons to successfully reintegrate back into the community by providing them with temporary housing, supervision, employment assistance, counseling referrals, and case management services. Individuals cannot apply directly, therefore placements are managed by TDCJ.
Eligibility For TDCJ Residential Reentry Centers
To be eligible for TDCJ Residential Reentry Centers, individuals must be released from TDCJ custody on parole or mandatory supervision, seeking stable housing or needing structured placement, must comply with the parole conditions, must follow the center rules, and final placement is determined by the TDCJ / Parole Division.
How To Apply For TDCJ Residential Reentry Centers?
Applicants cannot apply for the program directly. Placement to the centers is arranged before release by the prison reentry staff, case managers, or the parole board. If you are currently not incarcerated and looking for reentry placement, contact the TDCJ Parole Division on 936-295-6371. To learn more about Residential Reentry Center placement information visit www.tdcj.texas.gov.
Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.)
The Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) is a faith-based reentry support program that is administered by the Potter’s House / T.O.R.I. The primary focus of the program is to help formerly incarcerated individuals through case management, housing referrals, employment readiness, mentoring, counseling, family reunification support, and life-skills training. The program helps the returning citizens to successfully reintegrate back into the community and live an independent life.
Eligibility For Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.)
To be eligible for Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative, individual must be formerly incarcerated or preparing for release, stay committed to reentry and program participation, must be residing in Texas or planning to relocate to the service area, need to complete intake and case management process, and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.)?
To seek T.O.R.I., applicants need to contact the program directly for intake, referrals or enrollment. Ask for help with housing support, employment programs, and know the available locations in Texas where they operated. For general queries call The Potter’s House at 214-333-6500 or email them at [email protected]. To learn about the ongoing program visit the official website of Potters House.
Exodus Ministries in Texas
Exodus Ministries is a Dallas-based nonprofit reentry housing program in Texas offering support to the formerly incarcerated women who are currently reuniting with their children after release. This organization offers a wide range of services including a structured 12-month residential housing program, case management, counseling, life-skills training, parenting support, and employment readiness services.
Eligibility For Exodus Ministries in Texas
To be eligible for Exodus Ministries in Texas, individuals must be a formerly incarcerated woman, the program prioritizes single mothers who are seeking reunification with children, must demonstrate willingness to make positive life changes, must complete the screening process, and comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For Exodus Ministries in Texas?
To apply for Exodus Ministries, interested candidates need to start their application while nearing release. Each application is reviewed separately, to get direct assistance contact Exodus Ministries at 214-827-3772, or email them at [email protected]. To learn about the ongoing program visit the official website of Exodus Ministries.
Job Training Grants for Felons in Texas
Explore the Texas job training grants and reentry program that help the returning citizens to reenter the workforce by gaining skills, certifications, and employment opportunities.
Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders)
Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders) is a trusted Texas employment assistance program operated by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in collaboration with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The primary focus of the program is to offer support to the returning citizens to find employment through job readiness training, résumé help, job referrals, employer connections, and workforce services. The program serves individuals who are released from the Texas prisons, state jails, and certain juvenile facilities.
Eligibility For Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders)
To be eligible for Project RIO, individuals who are currently incarcerated and nearing release or recently released from a Texas correctional facility, must be legally eligible to work in the U.S., seeking employment, must work with Project RIO staff to complete intake, and comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For Project RIO?
To apply for Project RIO, individuals need to talk to their unit counselor, reentry case manager, or parole officer and get a referral to Project RIO before release. If already released, you can visit your Texas Workforce Solutions office and request for RIO services. For general queries contact the Texas Workforce Commission at 800-628-5115 or 512-463-2222.
TWC Reentry Employment Services
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Reentry Employment Services assists formerly incarcerated individuals in Texas to gain job skills, connect with employers and find work. TWC services are offered through local Workforce Solutions offices all across Texas and they also collaborate with programs like Project RIO.
Some of the key services that are offered include job search assistance, career counseling, resume writing, and interview coaching. Remember, a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting access to the reentry employment services.
Eligibility For TWC Reentry Employment Services
To be eligible for TWC Reentry Employment Services, individuals must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., seeking employment or training, applicants must be formerly incarcerated, or on probation or parole, must complete intake with local Workforce Solutions offices and comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For TWC Reentry Employment Services?
To apply for TWC Reentry Employment Services, applicants need to register online using the Texas job-matching and workforce services website or visit your nearest Workforce Solutions office in Texas. Applicants need to request for reentry employment services like Project RIO, second-chance hiring help, or fidelity bonding assistance. For general queries, call the Texas Workforce Commission at 800-628-5115 or 512-463-2222.
Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) is a Texas-based nonprofit reentry program that helps the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men to rebuild their lives by providing access to business education, leadership development, mentoring, employment support, and post-release services. PEP works inside the facilities offering support to the incarcerated individuals inside Texas prison and continues offering support after release with transitional housing, job placement, entrepreneurship training and life-skills coaching.
Eligibility For Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
To meet the requirements for Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP), individuals must be currently incarcerated in Texas or be a returning citizen seeking reentry support, must be within a certain period before release, must have or be working toward a GED/high school diploma, demonstrate commitment to change, discipline, and personal accountability, however final acceptance depends on PEP authority.
How To Apply For Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)?
To apply for Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) services, participants need to talk to their case manager and request them to enroll in PEP. If you are formerly incarcerated individuals, you can contact PEP directly and get help with reentry. To explore their services visit the official website of PEP.
Houston Office: 832-767-0928
North Texas Office: 214-575-9909
Email: [email protected]
Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program
The Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program is a workforce and reentry support program administered by the Volunteers of America Texas (VOA Texas) offering help to the formerly incarcerated adults. They mainly operate in the Greater Dallas area offering services like case management, training, and employment support to the eligible individuals with felony records. The main focus of the program is to reduce barriers to employment, education, housing and financial challenges.
Eligibility For Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program
To be approved for Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program, individual must be an adult who was previously incarcerated, incarceration can be recent or few years back, must be living in an area where services are available, seeking for employment and willing to participate in coaching/services., and applicants need to go through eligibility screening.
How To Apply For Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program?
To apply for the Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program, individuals need to contact Volunteers of America Texas directly and request for employment services. To get direct assistance call Gary Barter, Employment Specialist at 214-983-665 or email him at [email protected]. For general queries call on 817-529-7300 or visit the official website of Volunteers of America Texas.
Texas PROWD Grant
The Texas PROWD Grant stands for Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). This program helps the incarcerated individuals and recently released felons with employment opportunities through job skills development, training, credentials, apprenticeships and other supportive reentry services. This program is felon-specific, helping the reuniting citizens in Texas to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.
Eligibility For Texas PROWD Grant
To be eligible for Texas PROWD Grant, individuals must be currently incarcerated in a participating facility or recently released from incarceration., seeking employment, skills training, or career advancement, must participate through approved Texas workforce partners or correctional reentry channels, and must comply with program and case management requirements.
How To Apply For Texas PROWD Grant?
You cannot apply directly for the Texas PROWD Grant. Individuals in Texas Prisons can access the PROWD program by working with reentry coordinators or prison staff. If released, you need to contact your nearest Workforce Solutions office and request for PROWD services. To learn more visit the official website of Texas Workforce Commission. For general queries, call at 800-628-5115 or 512-463-2222.
Is There Legal Help Available For Felons in Texas?
Yes, legal help for felons in Texas is available through TexasLawHelp and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid assisting individuals with criminal records, reentry issues, housing, and employment barriers. TexasLawHelp provides step by step guide to the Texans to deal with expunctions, nondisclosure, and rights after a felony conviction, which can be great starting for the people who are looking for legal guidance at an affordable price.
Whereas, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid offers low-cost legal services that include help with housing denials, job discrimination, public benefits, family law, and some reentry-related legal matters. If you have a felony conviction in Texas, these are the two best organizations that might help you in understanding your rights and get thorough legal guidance.
Federal Programs for Felons in Texas
Discover federal assistance programs in Texas like the Federal Pell Grant, TANF, SNAP, Federal Bonding Program and Medicaid that help felons with food, cash aid, healthcare, education, and employment support.
The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell)
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program in Texas. 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.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Texas offers financial assistance for felons in Texas. Additionally, TANF offers help with employment support, and access to job training programs after release. However, the returning citizens in Texas need to meet the basic program eligibility rules to qualify.
A family of three can receive approximately $332 per month in Texas through TANF , depending on income and household circumstances. You can apply for cash assistance through the Texas Health and Human Services online portal or by visiting a local Health and Human Services office. To get direct assistance, you can call the Texas Health and Human Services helpline at 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905.
SNAP for Felons in Texas
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps in Texas, helps low income individuals and families to buy groceries using an EBT card. For fast help with food, SNAP may be a valuable resource for the returning citizens. Felons in Texas 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 Texas through the Texas Health and Human Services online portal or by visiting a local Health and Human Services office. For further assistance, you can call the SNAP helpline at 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905.
The Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program in Texas is a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored hiring incentive helping 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 Texas without hesitation. You can apply for the Federal Bonding Program in Texas through a local Texas Workforce Commission office or American Job Center after receiving a job offer. For general queries, you can call the Texas Workforce Commission helpline at 1-800-939-6631.
Medicaid in Texas
Medicaid in Texas offers free or low-cost health coverage to the eligible low income individuals that includes felons after incarceration. Medicaid provides health insurance after incarceration in Texas, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
Felons who are currently incarcerated cannot use regular Medicaid benefits, but upon release they may apply and begin receiving coverage if eligible. You can apply for Medicaid through the Texas Health and Human Services online portal or by visiting a local Health and Human Services office. To get further assistance, you can call the Medicaid helpline at 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905.
Bottom Line
Felons in Texas can get access to several resources offering them a second chance after incarceration through housing, food assistance, healthcare, legal aid, and community reentry services across the state. It is recommended to apply early, meet eligibility requirements and keep working with your local organization to improve your chances of receiving help. Getting access to the right resources and with proper guidance felons in Texas can rebuild their lives and build a strong future ahead.
Note: This article was researched using official Texas state agencies, nonprofit reentry organizations, and federal benefit sources. Program rules may change, so applicants should verify details directly with the provider.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Can felons get free money in Texas after release?
Yes, felons in Texas may qualify for housing assistance, SNAP benefits, TANF cash assistance, Pell Grants for education and other reentry programs. Some programs might not offer direct cash, but will help significantly in reducing the living costs.
What is the fastest help available for felons in Texas after release?
The fastest way to get help for felons in Texas is by getting help through emergency shelters, food assistance (SNAP), local churches, Salvation Army programs or simply dial 2-1-1 to get emergency help.
Can felons get housing assistance in Texas with bad credit or no job?
Yes, housing assistance for felons in Texas is available through transitional housing programs, halfway houses, nonprofit reentry housing, and local housing agencies. These programs might help felons even if they have poor credit, eviction history, or are unemployed.
Do Texas employers hire felons with criminal records?
Yes, many Texas employers participate in second-chance hiring programs where they hire individuals with felony backgrounds. There are employment opportunities for felons in industries such as construction, warehouse work, trucking, manufacturing, food service, and oilfield jobs.
Can felons in Texas get student loans or college grants?
Yes, felons in Texas can get help with student loans or college grants if they qualify for FAFSA, Pell Grants, TEXAS Grant, TEOG, and other college aid programs. Remember, a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from federal aid.
How can a felon restore rights or clear a record in Texas?
Yes, felons can restore rights or clear a record in Texas through legal aid organizations like TexasLawHelp and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. These organizations offer help with expunction, nondisclosure, pardons and with reentry rights restoration.
Where should felons apply first for help in Texas?
To get fast help for felons in Texas, dial 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Texas and get connected to the locally available food benefits, job programs, housing leads, healthcare, and counseling.
Disclaimer: Program rules, funding, eligibility, phone numbers, and application steps may change without notice. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee approval, benefits, or legal advice. Verify details directly with Texas agencies, nonprofits, or official program websites before applying or making decisions today.
