The First Step Act (FSA) allows eligible federal inmates to earn time credits toward early release by participating in approved prison programs and activities. These programs are known as Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction Programs (EBRRs) and Productive Activities (PAs).
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), there are now over 130 approved programs and activitiesFirst Step Act Earned Time Credits. These credits can be used to transfer earlier to:
- Residential Reentry Centers (halfway houses)
- Home confinement
- Supervised release
At Prison Law Firm, we help inmates and families understand how these programs work and ensure that prisoners receive the time credits they have earned under federal law.
How First Step Act Programs Earn Time Credits
Federal inmates who participate in approved programs can earn:
- 10 days of earned time credit for every 30 days of successful participation
- 15 days of credit for every 30 days for inmates classified as minimum or low risk of recidivism
These credits accumulate throughout an inmate’s sentence and can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in prison.
Examples of First Step Act Programs
The Bureau of Prisons offers dozens of programs across federal facilities that qualify for earned time credits. Some of the most common programs include:
Education Programs
- GED Preparation
- Adult Continuing Education (ACE)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Financial Literacy Programs
- Parenting Classes
Vocational and Job Training
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preparation
- Computer skills training
- Construction and maintenance training
- Food service certification
- Business and entrepreneurship classes
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Programs
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)
- Non-Residential Drug Abuse Treatment (NRDAP)
- Anger Management
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Victim Impact Programs
Life Skills and Reentry Programs
- Release Preparation Program
- Job readiness and resume training
- Personal finance education
- Family reunification programs
- Reentry planning workshops
Productive Activities
In addition to formal programs, inmates may also earn credits through approved productive activities such as:
- UNICOR employment
- Institution work assignments
- Faith-based programs
- Mentorship and tutoring
- Wellness and personal development programs
Why Many Inmates Are Not Receiving Their Credits
Although the First Step Act has created major opportunities for sentence reduction, implementation by the Bureau of Prisons has been inconsistent.
Common issues include:
- Earned time credits not being properly applied
- Programs not being recorded correctly in BOP systems
- Inmates being incorrectly labeled ineligible
- Incorrect PATTERN risk scores
- Credits being lost after disciplinary actions
Many prisoners discover that they have earned months—or even years—of credits that have never been applied to their projected release date.
How Prison Law Firm Helps Federal Inmates
Understanding and enforcing First Step Act rights can be difficult without legal guidance.
Prison Law Firm assists with:
- Reviewing First Step Act eligibility
- Calculating earned time credits
- Filing BP-9 administrative remedies
- Challenging incorrect credit calculations
- Planning halfway house and home confinement transfers
- Helping attorneys advocate for their incarcerated clients
If you or a loved one is serving a federal sentence, it is critical to ensure that the Bureau of Prisons correctly applies all earned time credits.
Contact Prison Law Firm today to review your First Step Act credits and protect your early release eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many First Step Act programs exist?
The Bureau of Prisons currently offers more than 130 Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction Programs and Productive Activities that allow inmates to earn time credits.
Do work assignments count for First Step Act credits?
Yes. Certain approved work assignments and productive activities may qualify for earned time credits.
Can inmates lose First Step Act credits?
Credits may be lost following disciplinary infractions, depending on the severity of the violation and BOP policy.
How much time can the First Step Act reduce?
Eligible inmates can earn up to 15 days of credit for every 30 days of programming, potentially reducing their time in prison by months or even years.