Being married to someone behind bars isn’t just emotionally exhausting—it can be financially and legally overwhelming too. But there are government benefits, nonprofit programs, and emotional support systems available to help you survive and even thrive while your spouse is incarcerated.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), over 1.2 million people were held in U.S. state and federal prisons as of 2023. With incarceration comes a ripple effect—spouses often carry the emotional and financial burden.
1. Government Financial Assistance
The moment a spouse goes to prison, the household income often takes a hit. But there are ways to ease the financial burden.
Key Financial Programs:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides cash assistance and support services for low-income families with children. Eligibility can include families where a parent is incarcerated. - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Commonly known as food stamps, SNAP helps cover grocery costs. You can qualify based on your household’s remaining income. - Medicaid and CHIP
Medical costs can be overwhelming without insurance. Medicaid (for adults) and CHIP (for kids) provide free or low-cost health coverage.
Example: If your spouse was the primary earner, and you’re left with two children, you might qualify for SNAP and Medicaid, depending on your income.
2. Employment Support & Job Training
Without a second income, many spouses need to return to or enter the workforce. Some organizations offer free training and career development.
Resources:
- Department of Labor (DOL) CareerOneStop
Offers job search help, résumé building, and training programs. - Goodwill Career Centers
These centers help with skills training and job placement, especially for those affected by incarceration.
3. Housing Assistance Programs
Rent doesn’t pause because your partner is behind bars. But you can get help.
Housing Programs Include:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Offers rent subsidies based on income. Apply through your local Public Housing Agency. - Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Available in many states for those suddenly unable to pay rent due to income loss.
If your spouse was on the lease, you may need to update the housing documentation.
4. Emotional & Mental Health Support
Emotional distress is common among spouses of incarcerated people. Depression, anxiety, and isolation can quickly creep in.
Support Options:
- Free Counseling via Nonprofits
Organizations like Prison Fellowship or Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) offer mental health services. - Faith-Based Support Groups
Churches, mosques, and synagogues often host meetings for families affected by incarceration. - Online Support Forums
Sites like Prisontalk.com and Facebook groups provide community-based support and advice.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, prolonged stress due to a loved one’s incarceration can increase the risk of chronic depression by up to 47%.
5. Parenting & Child Support Programs
When one parent is incarcerated, the other often becomes the sole caregiver.
Parenting Support Includes:
- Local Family Services
Many states have programs for single parents who need childcare, parenting classes, or access to pediatric care. - Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC)
Offers free resources to help children understand and cope with incarceration. Yes, even Big Bird is on your side. - Child Support Adjustments
If the incarcerated parent was paying child support, you can request a modification based on their inability to pay.
6. Legal Aid & Representation
Trying to navigate the legal system solo? That’s a recipe for stress. Thankfully, help is available.
Legal Help Includes:
- Legal Aid Societies
Every state has legal aid offices that help low-income individuals with family law, custody, or visitation rights. - The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)
Offers resources for civil legal services including spousal rights. - Prison Law Office
Offers guidance for those with incarcerated loved ones facing legal complications.
Pro Tip: Always keep a copy of your spouse’s sentencing, ID number, and prison location for any legal communication or visitation planning.
7. Educational Grants and Scholarships
Spouses may go back to school to build a better future.
Funding Options:
- Pell Grants
You may qualify for this federal grant if you’re enrolled in an undergraduate program and meet the income criteria. - Women’s Independence Scholarships
Specifically created for women who are survivors of partner incarceration or abuse. - Community College Tuition Waivers
Some states (like California and New York) offer tuition breaks for low-income families.
8. Inmate Communication Discounts
Keeping in touch with your partner shouldn’t cost a fortune.
Options to Save:
- Free or Discounted Calls
Some prisons work with companies like Securus or GTL that offer reduced rates for low-income families. - Email & Messaging Apps
Apps like JPay and CorrLinks help reduce the emotional distance with cheaper messages.
9. Faith & Community Organization Support
You don’t have to go it alone.
Help from:
- The Salvation Army
Offers housing, food, and clothing assistance. - Catholic Charities
Provides rent assistance, food pantries, and counseling.
10. Reentry Planning Support
Even before your spouse gets out, you can start planning together.
Support Tools:
- Reentry Services
Programs help spouses understand parole, halfway houses, and job search for their partner. - Employment Referrals
Organizations like Defy Ventures and The Fortune Society help ex-inmates and their families rebuild.
11. Victim & Restitution Compensation (in certain cases)
If the incarceration was related to a domestic crime where the spouse is a survivor, specific benefits might apply.
Programs Include:
- State Victim Compensation Programs
These provide counseling, lost income, and relocation assistance in some cases. - Domestic Violence Support Programs
If abuse occurred, you may qualify for shelter, legal, and mental health services.
What You Need to Apply for Most Benefits?
- Your ID and proof of relationship (marriage certificate)
- Proof of spouse’s incarceration (inmate ID, prison name)
- Your income documentation
- Childbirth certificates (if applicable)
- Housing lease or mortgage documents
Final Thought
Spouses of incarcerated individuals carry an invisible weight—one filled with emotion, pressure, and tough decisions. But you’re not alone, and you’re not without resources. From government assistance to faith-based outreach, mental health care, and legal aid, there are powerful lifelines available.
Make a list of which of these 11 benefits you’re eligible for and start with the easiest one—like SNAP or counseling. Every small step counts.
FAQs
Can I get Social Security if my husband is incarcerated?
No, inmates can’t collect Social Security benefits. However, you and your children may still qualify based on his past work history.
Is there free legal aid for divorce during incarceration?
Yes. Many legal aid organizations offer family law support for low-income spouses, especially during custody or divorce proceedings.
What happens to joint bank accounts or property?
It depends on state law, but you may need a power of attorney or court order to access or manage assets.
Do I need to inform the IRS?
Yes, for tax filing. You may file as “married filing separately” or “head of household” depending on your situation.
