Given the broad array of benefits for which a person leaving prison may be eligible, the complexity of the application process, and the need for benefits to start (or re-start) as soon as possible after release, the transition team should prepare the inmate for the benefits application process prior to his or her return to the community. For many jurisdictions, completing benefits applications (and actually submitting those applications, where permissible) is a primary objective of the discharge planning team. To the extent that state or federal law prohibits a person from actually submitting an application for particular benefits during his or her incarceration, the inmate should at least get assistance in filling out forms and in learning about benefits for which he or she may be eligible. Inmates with learning disabilities or other cognitive limitations will need particular assistance.

Transition planners should think broadly about possible benefits and should counsel inmates on state and federal benefits, including, but not limited to, SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, veterans' benefits, TANF, and educational benefits under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) or other statutes. If limited resources make it impossible for transition planners to assist prisoners with applications for benefits or identification, corrections staff should at a minimum provide each inmate with a checklist of identification needs and benefits for which he or she may be eligible, as well as copies of the relevant applications.