Who qualifies for First Step Act Earned Time Credits?

Federal inmates who complete BOP-approved Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs or Productive Activities (PAs) earn credits. To apply credits toward early release, the inmate must be classified as minimum or low risk on the PATTERN risk tool, and their offense must not be on the disqualifying offense list under 18 U.S.C. � 3632(d)(4)(D).

What offenses disqualify someone from FSA early release?

Inmates convicted of certain violent offenses, sex offenses, terrorism-related crimes, and offenses involving a minor cannot apply FSA earned time credits toward early release. They may still earn credits but cannot use them to reduce their sentence end date. InmateResearch can check your loved one's specific offense against the disqualifying list.

How do I find out if my loved one qualifies for First Step Act credits?

You need to check three things: their PATTERN risk score (minimum or low), their offense against the FSA disqualifying list, and their current program participation record. InmateResearch researches all three for a flat $97 and delivers a written report showing exactly where they stand and what steps to take next.

First Step Act Earned Time Credits � Does My Loved One Qualify?

Q: How many days can the First Step Act take off a federal sentence?

Eligible federal inmates can earn up to 15 days of Earned Time Credits (ETCs) for every 30 days of successfully completed programming. Inmates assessed as minimum or low risk can apply those credits toward early transfer to supervised release � up to 365 days off the back end of their sentence.

By Orlando Pena · InmateResearch.com · Updated May 2026

The First Step Act allows federal inmates to earn up to 365 days off their sentence � but only if three specific conditions are met. Most families never find out which condition is blocking their loved one's release.

What most families don't know: Your loved one may already have FSA credits on the books � but a risk score or disqualifying offense is preventing them from being applied. We identify exactly what's blocking release.

What Are First Step Act Earned Time Credits?

Signed into law in December 2018, the First Step Act (FSA) created a system where federal inmates earn time credits by completing approved rehabilitation programs inside BOP facilities. These are called Earned Time Credits (ETCs).

For every 30 days of successfully completed programming, eligible inmates earn:

10 days of ETCs (standard rate)
15 days of ETCs if assessed as minimum or low risk

Once enough credits accumulate, they can be applied to move the inmate's release date earlier � or transfer them to a halfway house or home confinement sooner.

The 3 Things That Must All Be True

To actually benefit from FSA credits, your loved one must clear all three of these gates:

Risk level: Must be assessed as minimum or low risk on the BOP's PATTERN tool
Offense eligibility: Current conviction must not appear on the FSA disqualifying offense list (18 U.S.C. � 3632(d)(4)(D))
Program completion: Must have completed BOP-approved EBRR programs or Productive Activities

Failing even one gate means credits accumulate but cannot be applied toward early release. Most families don't find out which gate is the problem until they've already waited months.

Offenses That Block FSA Early Release

Even if an inmate earns hundreds of FSA credits, certain convictions make those credits non-applicable for early release. These include convictions involving:

Violence, weapons, or explosives
Sex offenses or offenses involving a minor
Terrorism or domestic terrorism
Human trafficking
High-level drug trafficking with prior convictions

The full list has over 50 specific offense codes. We cross-reference your loved one's conviction against every one of them.

Find Out Exactly Where Your Loved One Stands

We research their PATTERN risk score, offense eligibility, program credits on file, and projected release date � delivered in one written report. If FSA credits can't apply, we identify every other open path.

Get the $97 Sentence Reduction Report

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days can the First Step Act take off a federal sentence?

Eligible federal inmates can earn up to 15 days of ETCs for every 30 days of completed programming. Minimum and low risk inmates can apply those credits toward early transfer to supervised release � up to 365 days off the back end of their sentence.

Can the BOP deny First Step Act credits?

Yes. The BOP has discretion in how credits are applied and has faced litigation over delays and miscalculations. Families who know their loved one's exact credit balance, risk level, and release date calculation are in the strongest position to challenge errors through the administrative remedy process.

What if my loved one is not eligible for FSA early release?

We identify every other available path � RDAP (up to 12 months off), Good Conduct Time adjustments, Compassionate Release, and 18 U.S.C. � 3582(c)(2) motions. No dead ends � only next steps.

InmateResearch.com provides data research and documentation services only. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice or legal representation. Information on this page is for educational purposes and reflects federal law as of May 2026.