First 72 hours after release in Virginia: a checklist
A short, printable list for the first three days out of a VADOC prison. Every link goes to an official government source. Your release papers and your officer's instructions come first.
Day 1: report as your release papers say
- ☐ If you're on parole, probation or post-release supervision, contact your officer by the deadline written on your release papers. Deadlines differ by state and by case; if it isn't clear, call the number on the papers the same day.
- ☐ Keep your release papers, VADOC ID card, and any medication list together. You'll need them for ID, benefits and housing.
Day 1: a place to sleep and food
- ☐ Go to the address approved in your release plan. If housing falls through, tell your officer right away.
- ☐ Virginia reentry housing: official info and offices
- ☐ Dial 2-1-1 or use 211.org (opens in new tab) for local shelter, food and transportation help.
Day 1–2: medication and health coverage
- ☐ Fill any prescriptions you left with as soon as possible.
- ☐ Apply for Medicaid. You can apply any time of year. Start at HealthCare.gov: getting Medicaid & CHIP (official) (opens in new tab), which links to your state's agency.
Day 2: ID documents
- ☐ Social Security card: replacements are free. SSA: replace a card (official) (opens in new tab), or call 1-800-772-1213. You may not need the card if you know your number.
- ☐ Birth certificate: order it from the vital records office in the state where you were born. USA.gov: replace vital documents (official) (opens in new tab).
- ☐ State ID or driver's license: USA.gov: find your state motor vehicle office (official) (opens in new tab). Check what documents it accepts before you go.
Day 2–3: food and cash help
- ☐ Apply for SNAP (food assistance) through your state agency: USDA SNAP state directory (official) (opens in new tab).
- ☐ Other state programs: USA.gov: state social service agencies (official) (opens in new tab).
Day 3: work and next steps
- ☐ Find your nearest American Job Center for free job search and training help: CareerOneStop AJC finder (official, U.S. Dept. of Labor) (opens in new tab) or 1-877-872-5627.
- ☐ Voting rights after a felony conviction differ by state. Vote.gov (official) (opens in new tab) explains the rules for Virginia.
- ☐ Review how sentence credits affected your time and what applies on supervision: Virginia sentence credit rules.
FAQ
What should I do in the first 72 hours after release from prison in Virginia?
Report to your supervising officer by the deadline on your release papers, get to your approved address, keep your medication going, apply for Medicaid and SNAP, and start replacing ID (Social Security card, birth certificate, state ID). Dial 2-1-1 for local help.
How soon do I have to report to parole or probation in Virginia?
Follow the deadline written on your release papers. It depends on your case; if it isn't clear, call the number on the papers the same day.
How do I replace my Social Security card after prison?
Replacement cards are free from the Social Security Administration. Start online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
This is general information, not legal advice. OutSooner has no sponsors or affiliate links. Last checked .
Virginia prisons and family guide · Virginia sentence credit rules · Build a release plan
Sources: SSA (opens in new tab) · USA.gov vital documents (opens in new tab) · USA.gov motor vehicle offices (opens in new tab) · HealthCare.gov Medicaid (opens in new tab) · USDA SNAP directory (opens in new tab) · CareerOneStop (opens in new tab) · Vote.gov (opens in new tab) · Last verified: · Corrections