2021 COVID Reentry Payment Program

Were you or someone you know released from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons during COVID-19 (March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021)? A new financial assistance program will make electronic payments of $500 to eligible individuals who complete the application. Recipients of this assistance will determine how to use the money to support their reentry.

The Office of Reentry Partnerships (ORP) created this program in light of the challenges people experience with reentry during COVID-19. This includes living in a congregate setting while in custody, returning to families and communities impacted by COVID-19, increased uncertainty and unknowns, high unemployment, widespread financial insecurity, reduced access to support services and overburdened social service systems, and reduced access to benefits available to the general public. This assistance is reserved for people released from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons because ORP believes it is our responsibility to do as much as we can to support Philadelphians who have been incarcerated in City jails.

See our flyer in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF) to share info about this program.

Program details

Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of these criteria:

  • Released from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons on State Road (CFCF, PICC, ASD, RCF, or DC) between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
  • Be a resident of Philadelphia.
  • Have had an annual gross income equal to or less than $33,000 in 2020.
  • Have or will have a bank account, mobile banking account, or reloadable debit card in their name that accepts direct deposits.

How to apply

The steps of the application are:

  1. Applicant completes Part 1 of the Application online at http://bit.ly/reentrypayapp
  2. Applicant submits required documentation by email. See below.
  3. Someone from the Office of Reentry Partnerships will contact the applicant to complete Part 2 of the application over the phone.

Each eligible applicant will be prioritized in the order they complete Part 1 of the application. However, the application cannot be completed until the required documents are received. This process may take several weeks.

Required documentation

To receive the electronic payment, email the following to reentrypayment@phila.gov:

  • A signed and dated self-certification form (PDF).
  • One of the following:
    • An official bank document with your first and last name, account number, and routing number.
    • An official document with your first and last name, account number, bank name, and bank address.
    • An official document or image including your name and a routing and account number for a mobile banking application or pre-paid debit card.

Example documents include direct deposit form, voided check, or bank statement.

Identification is not required to complete the application. However, if you have any type of photo ID, please email it with the required documents.

If you need help with the application

If you are already connected to a community organization, ask them if they are able to help you complete the initial online application and any subsequent steps of the application.

For help completing Part 1 of the application online:

  • JEVS Looking Forward Philadelphia Program
    • Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    • Walk-ins are allowed, but a scheduled appointment is preferable.
    • Contact:
    • Address: 1526 Cecil B. Moore
  • Fruits of the Family Table
    • Remote support: Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Contact for evening and weekend appointments.
    • Contact Mrs. Wilson:

For help submitting required documents:

  • JEVS Looking Forward Philadelphia Program
    • See hours and contact information above.

For help opening a bank account:

  • JEVS Looking Forward Philadelphia Program
    • See hours and contact information above.
  • City of Philadelphia Financial Empowerment Centers:
    • Remote support: (855) 346-7445

For help obtaining identification:

  • City of Philadelphia Office of Reentry Partnerships can help obtain a “face sheet” from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons for documentation towards a PHL City ID.
  • JEVS Looking Forward Philadelphia Program can help obtain and cover the cost of identification.
    • See hours and contact information above.

Questions about the application or your application status?

Contact the Office of Reentry Partnerships by:

  • Calling (267) 601-4087, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or  Wednesdays from noon – 2 p.m.
  • Emailing reentrypayment@phila.gov with “help” in the subject line

For more information, check out our FAQ and additional program materials.

Additional reentry support

Call the Welcome Home Hotline

Reach Broad Street Ministry reentry counselors at (267) 857-4800, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hotline operators can help Philadelphians:

  • Find information about COVID-19.
  • Replace or renew an ID.
  • Connect with someone sharing the same experiences.
  • Check court dates.
  • Expunge a criminal record.
  • And more.

Request reentry referrals

The City of Philadelphia Office of Reentry Partnerships is currently available to provide reentry information and connections to resources to Philadelphia residents over the phone.

If you are not applying for the COVID reentry payment program and would like ORP staff to contact you, complete this form. ORP staff will reach out during regular business hours.

Print or download an ORP flyer in English or Spanish.

Questions

If you have any questions, contact Khalil Morrison at (267) 601-4087.