Grants For Felons in Ohio

Are there any grants for felons in Ohio? If you’re a felon on a low income, you can qualify for several financial support programs. In most cases, your felony won’t affect your ability to qualify, but your criminal background will be a factor if you apply for a long-term rent assistance grant.

Reentry Grants For Felons in Ohio (2026)

The financial support felons reentering society receive depends very much on the reentry program they join. Some programs provide a full range of services and even offer small grants to individuals, while others only help with obtaining documentation and finding employment.

A good reentry provider will help with:

• Finding housing
• Job training
• Education and trade certifications
• Substance addiction
• Gaining employment
• Life skills and financial literacy
• Medical care
• Obtaining documents and ID
• Grants for individuals
• Applying for benefit programs

To find out about your reentry program options, go to https://needs.relink.org/ and enter your location.

Government Grants To Buy Groceries

If you’re a felon on a low income, you can apply for SNAP benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program doesn’t discriminate against felons. If your income falls within the limit for your household size, you’ll get a payment each month to help you afford food.

Gross Income Limits For SNAP In Ohio, 2026

Household Size	Gross Income Limit	Maximum Monthly Payment
1 person	$2,608 / month	$298
2 people	$3,526 / month	$546
3 people	$4,442 / month	$785
4 people	$5,358 / month	$994
5 people	$6,276 / month	$1,183

Apply for SNAP: https://benefits.ohio.gov/home

Monthly Cash Grants Felons Can Qualify For

Felons with minor children and felons expecting a baby may qualify for cash assistance from Ohio Works First. Eligibility is based on monthly gross countable income, and income limits are set at 50% of the federal poverty level.

Countable income is your income after allowable deductions have been made (it’s not the income listed on your paycheck).

Ohio Works First Income and Benefit Limits

Household Size	Countable Income Limit	Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person	$652 / month	$363
2 people	$881 / month	$495
3 people	$1,110 / month	$608
4 people	$1,340 / month	$749
5 people	$1,569 / month	$877

Apply for the cash assistance program: https://benefits.ohio.gov/

How To Get A Grant To Help Cover Utility Bills

Many low income households in Ohio qualify for winter heating grants of up to $811 per year. Crisis grants are also available if you’re facing a utility shutoff because you’re overdue on your gas or electric bill. Winter crisis grants pay up to $1,200 and summer crisis grants are worth up to $800.

To qualify for a grant from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) your income needs to be less than 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Ohio HEAP Income Limits

Household Size	Income Limit (pre-tax)
1 person	$2,251 / month
2 people	$3,042 / month
3 people	$3,833 / month
4 people	$4,624 / month
5 people	$5,415 / month

Apply for HEAP grants: https://development.ohio.gov/individual/energy-assistance/apply-now-energy-assistance-programs

Rapid Rehousing Grants For Felons In Ohio

Felons without stable housing can get help to find and pay for housing through local rapid rehousing programs. Unlike many other housing programs, rapid rehousing doesn’t throw up barriers that prevent felons from getting support.

If you’re on the streets, in a shelter, living out of your car, staying at a motel, or sleeping on a friend’s couch, contact your local program. After going through a needs assessment, a case manager will work with you to find suitable housing and fund move in costs. You could also receive rent and utility assistance for a limited period.

Rapid rehousing programs are run by local Community Action Agencies, call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find your local program.

Rent Assistance Grants

The Housing Choice Voucher program helps eligible individuals and families pay their rent. If you qualify for a rent assistance grant, the money will be paid directly to your landlord each month. Felons in Ohio can qualify for rental assistance grants, but only after passing a criminal background check.

Because local public housing agencies set their own criminal background policies, you’ll need to check with your local agency to find out if you qualify.

If your felony is disqualifying, there will be a limit on the disqualification period. Depending on the nature of the offense, it could be as short as 6 months or as long as 10 years from the date of your conviction.

Most housing agencies have fairly long waiting lists, so apply as soon as you can. Background checks take place once you move off the waiting list.

Offenses that carry a permanent disqualification are sex offenses with a lifetime registration requirement and manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of public housing.

Find your PHA: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts

Modest Needs Grants

The Modest Needs charity issues grants to low-income individuals and families, including felons. To qualify, you must be employed and facing a short term financial hurdle like a car repair or medical bill.

Average grants range from $750 to $1,250 and depend on the expense you need to pay, You’ll also need to provide proof of the expense.

Learn more and apply online: https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants/grants/self-sufficiency-grants.

How To Get Free And Low Cost Healthcare

In Ohio, residents on low incomes can benefit from healthcare services provided by free and income-based community health centers.

The amount you pay is based on a sliding scale and depends on your income. You won’t be asked about your criminal history.

Find a free clinic in your county: https://www.freeclinics.com/sta/ohio

Ohio’s Medicaid program is another healthcare option you could qualify for. Medicaid is based on income, and your status as a felon won’t be a barrier.

Adults aged 19 to 64 qualify with an income below 133% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that’s income under $1,735 /month. Higher limits apply to larger households and families with children.

Check if you qualify: https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/who-qualifies/who-qualifies

Education Grants For Felons In Ohio

If you’re thinking about going to school for a degree or trade certification, education grants help to cover your costs. Felons are eligible for several federal and state grants.

• Federal Pell Grant: Low-income students receive up to $7,395 /year
• FSEOG: Students with exceptional financial need may qualify for a grant worth up to $4,000 /year (funds are limited, so apply early)
• Ohio Work Ready Grant: Low-income students receive up to $3,000 /year
• Second Chance Grant Program: Students with some college credit (but no degree or credential) can get up to $3.000 /year

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out how much you qualify for.

Related Search: Grants in Texas For Felons.