News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2025

CITY TO ENROLL PEOPLE IN CUSTODY INTO IDNYC PROGRAM TO EASE TRANSITION BACK TO COMMUNITY

IDNYC Helps New Yorkers Access the City’s Social Safety Net, Connect to Critical Services

Including Gateways to Affordable Housing, Educational Pathways, Immunization Records, Libraries

EAST ELMHURST— The New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) today announced a new pilot program designed to ease the reintegration of people exiting DOC’s care back into the community with the use of a free, municipal identification card that will allow them to access critical city resources and benefits. The Human Resources Administration (HRA), which is part of DSS, and DOC will help individuals enroll in IDNYC, the nation’s largest and most successful municipal ID program. Overseen by HRA, IDNYC provides New Yorkers, regardless of background, with a government-issued photo identification broadly accepted across New York City.

Individuals leaving DOC custody often do not have photo identification, impeding their ability to reenter easily into the community and access critical assistance programs. This pilot will help facilitate reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals by allowing them to enroll while in custody and later attain an IDNYC card upon their release. The program started enrolling applicants on August 5 and will utilize DOC’s electronic records and other documents currently accepted by the IDNYC program to verify the identity of applicants.

“The launch of this innovative pilot builds on DSS-HRA’s established efforts to connect communities in need with a broad range of critical services to facilitate a move towards self-sufficiency and independence,” said DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “We are grateful to our partners at DOC and to our IDNYC staff for helping to expand the role of IDNYC and initiate a pilot that will continue to foster a sense of purpose and peace of mind for at-risk New Yorkers through the services that IDNYC affords.”

“DOC’s mission is to help people return to their communities with tools that will allow them to thrive,” said NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie. “This much needed effort will make people’s lives better when transitioning back into their communities. Initiatives like this one, coupled with services in the community, are the keys to helping formerly incarcerated people build lasting stability and success.”

The pilot will be held at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Rikers Island. To be eligible, people in custody must have been born in New York City and have at least three months left on their sentences. DOC staff, trained by IDNYC personnel, will enroll interested people in custody in IDNYC taking photos for the ID cards and coordinating with HRA to provide cards upon their release. The pilot will be assessed after six months of activity with success measured in part by the number of people who have been enrolled in IDNYC.

Since its launch in 2015, IDNYC has played a crucial role in empowering New Yorkers by providing them access to essential resources and benefits. IDNYC has issued nearly 1.8 million cards and counting, making it easier for individuals to obtain immunization records, housing, a bank account, a high school equivalency exam and a library card, enabling all New Yorkers to participate more fully in city life.

For more information and to book an appointment at IDNYC, please visit nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311 and say “IDNYC.”

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About the Department of Social Services (DSS): The Department of Social Services, comprised of the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), serves millions of New Yorkers annually through a broad range of services that aim to address poverty, income inequality, and prevent homelessness. HRA serves over three million New Yorkers through the administration of more than 12 major public assistance programs. DHS oversees a broad network of shelters, services, and outreach programs dedicated to helping New Yorkers experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. DSS is central to the City’s mission to expand opportunity for more New Yorkers, address income inequality, help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness stabilize their lives, and ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers receive the benefits and assistance for which they may be eligible.

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.