Updated 8/29/2024
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Many incarcerated people can get time off—that is, a reduction of their sentences—by behaving well in prison.
What Is Federal Good Time Credit?
In the federal system, inmates who, in the judgment of the Bureau of Prisons, have exhibited "exemplary compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations" can get up to 54 days per year credited toward their sentences. In other words, inmates who earn all of their good time credits will serve approximately 85% of their sentence.
Who Is Eligible for Good Time Credit?
Anyone who is serving a sentence of more than one year (366 days or more), but less than life in prison, is eligible to earn good time credits. Good time credit is awarded for cooperative behavior, participating in programs, and making progress toward a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. (18 U.S.C. § 3624(b) (2024).)
The First Step Act of 2018 also expanded opportunities for some inmates to earn time credits toward early transfer to home confinement or Residential Reentry Centers. (18 U.S.C § 3632 (2024).)
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