Finding real work from home jobs for felons is not easy. A lot of pages online make it sound simple, but that is not true. Some remote companies still run background checks. Some remote jobs are very competitive. Some listings are flat out scams.
Still, there are real companies and platforms worth checking.
Some use freelance or contractor models where clients care more about skills and results. Others have job postings that publicly say qualified applicants with criminal histories may be considered, consistent with applicable law. That does not mean guaranteed approval, but it is still better than chasing random “easy remote jobs” that go nowhere.
Remote platforms that may be more realistic for felons
These are often the best starting point for felons because they do not always work like a normal local job application. In many cases, you are trying to win work by showing skills, completing tasks, or getting chosen by a client.
Upwork
Upwork is one of the best remote platforms for felons to check because it is built around freelance work. Freelancers create a profile, submit proposals, and get hired by clients for projects. That can be a better fit for felons who want to earn based on skills instead of going through a standard hiring process.
Best for felons who want to do:
- writing
- virtual assistant work
- research
- bookkeeping
- design
- marketing
- data entry style support work
Important note: Upwork is real, but it is not instant money. Most felons will need to build a profile, send proposals, and start with smaller jobs before getting traction.
UserTesting
UserTesting is a real platform where people test websites and apps from home and give feedback. It can be a solid side income option for felons who speak clearly, follow directions, and have a basic home setup. UserTesting says contributors must apply and be approved, and it lists equipment requirements like a computer, mobile device, reliable internet, and microphone.
Best for felons who want:
- beginner friendly side income
- simple online tasks
- app and website testing work
Important note: This is usually better as extra money, not a full income replacement.
Rev
Rev is a real work from home platform for freelance transcription and captioning. Its freelancer page says workers can choose jobs, set a flexible schedule, and get paid weekly. This can be a good fit for felons who type well, pay attention to detail, and can work quietly at home.
Best for felons who are good at:
- typing accurately
- listening carefully
- staying focused on repetitive work
Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk is a real Amazon owned platform where workers can request an account and complete small paid tasks in their spare time. It is one of the more realistic ways for felons to make a little money online fast, but it is usually not a strong long term income path.
Best for felons who need:
- extra money
- simple online tasks
- a starting point while looking for better options
Important note: This is usually better for spare cash than a stable remote career.
Working Solutions
Working Solutions is a real remote customer service company that uses independent contractors who work from home. It is worth checking for felons looking for customer support work, but the company says that if selected for a program, applicants go through a video interview and a background check.
Best for felons who are good at:
- talking with customers
- staying calm under pressure
- working from scripts
- handling service issues
Liveops
Liveops is another real remote customer service company. It is often mentioned in work from home discussions, but its eligibility page says it uses a criminal history check and that some results may disqualify applicants.
Arise
Arise is a real work from home platform tied to customer service opportunities. It may still be worth checking for some felons, but it should be used with caution. Arise has background check rules for some programs, and the FTC took action against the company in 2024 over deceptive earnings claims.
Remote employers that consider applicants with felonies
These companies are not promising to hire every felon. They are saying in their job postings that qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered, consistent with applicable law.
FlexJobs
Flex Jobs is basically a database of work from home jobs. No, they are not all felon friendly remote jobs but some of them are. This can be a excellent tool for felons to find work.
Zapier
Zapier is a remote first company, and current postings say it will consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws. For felons looking for real remote employers, this is the kind of evidence that is worth paying attention to.
Note: many Zapier jobs are skilled roles, not easy beginner jobs.
Gusto
Gusto job postings say the company considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
Earnest
Earnest has postings stating that qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with Fair Chance rules or ordinances.
Vida Health
Vida Health has remote postings that say the company considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
The Truth About Remote Jobs for Felons
Remote work is not one thing. Some companies hire employees for remote roles and may still review criminal history. Other platforms let freelancers or contractors create a profile, apply for projects, or complete tasks without going through a normal in person interview. That difference matters. For many felons, the best remote opportunities are the ones where the company or client is mainly focused on whether you can do the work.
That does not mean every online job is felon friendly. It means some remote work paths give felons a better shot than a standard job application does. This is why it is smarter to target the right type of online work instead of applying to every random work from home listing you see.