Financial Impact

• Even in good economic times, ex-felons have a tough time finding employment. Felons in their first year out of prison face a 75 percent unemployment rate. Without jobs, many ex-offenders need public assistance and taxpayer help. Most ex-offenders are on parole and have to pay fees associated with that. If they are unemployed and relying on public assistance, they are unable to pay these fees. Taxpayers and society continue to support ex-offenders that are unemployed.
  
  

Cultural Impact

• Without a job, many ex-offenders have a difficult time staying out of further legal trouble. In states that have a welfare system, the pay is very low and usually not enough to live on. Unemployed felons face tough choices in order to pay bills and keep a roof over their head. Employing ex-felons reduces the crime rate and prevents recidivism among recently released prisoners. Having employment also increases self-esteem and gives felons goals.
  
  

Medical Issues

• Felons without employment likely are uninsured. Many prisoners in jails have medical or mental issues that require treatment. Once released from prison, felons no longer receive the necessary treatment. Most public health care programs have very limited treatment or have lengthy waiting lists. Ex-felons with mental illness are at a particular risk of re-offending without ongoing treatment. Felons without employment affect society when they are sick, in emergency rooms, or living on the street.
  
  

Homelessness

• Felons already have a more difficult time obtaining housing because of their past. Most landlords do background checks. Low-income housing is usually unavailable to people who have been convicted of a felony. Felons without employment affect society by staying in shelters, eating at soup kitchens and panhandling. No community wants to have homeless people on the street, but felons without employment drive that number up, affecting tourism and the crime rate in society.