Release Preparation Guide

How to prepare for release from federal prison.

Coming Home

Getting out of federal prison can be both exciting and stressful. Planning ahead can reduce anxiety and help to facilitate a smooth transition home.

Shortly after arriving at your designated BOP facility, you will be given a job assignment. While these jobs are typically very low-paying, some pay a decent amount by prison standards. Once you have purchased your initial necessities, begin saving as much as you can afford to. Even small amounts will add up over your time in prison and you will need as much money as possible when you are released.

Having a valid driver’s license when you are released will make your transition considerably smoother. If your driver’s license will be expired by your release date, it may be possible to renew it through the mail. A loved one on the outside can look into your state’s rules and help make preparations to get it renewed at the right time.

Inmates are ideal targets for identity thieves because of their isolation. Consider a credit freeze to protect you while you are away.
Request a credit report well before your release so you have time to deal with any irregularities before you get home.

Get your GED if you don’t already have it.
Enroll in classes offered through your facility’s Education Department.
Any certifications you can earn while in prison may help secure employment upon your release. Take advantage of any opportunities for vocational training.
Earn a college degree through the mail from a reputable and accredited program.

If possible, include letters of reference from one or two former employers, coworkers, or close associates who can write about your positive qualities as a worker, acknowledge your criminal history without going into detail, and assert their belief that you have the ability to move past it.

Let your loved ones know that your release date is approaching and you will be looking for employment. Someone in a loved one’s network might know of a possible work opportunity.

SSI benefits are suspended if you are incarcerated for more than 30 consecutive days but less than 12 months, and terminated if you are incarcerated for 12 months or longer. You must request to have your benefits reinstated upon your release and you must provide a copy of your release documents.
If your BOP facility has a pre-release agreement with a local SSA office, your Case Manager might be able to help expedite the process so you can start receiving your benefits as soon as possible after your release.

The BOP will provide you with transportation if necessary.
If you are being picked up by a loved one, make sure they know when to arrive, where to go, and what to expect.

The BOP will provide appropriate clothing for your release if necessary.
You can have approved clothing mailed to the facility prior to your release date.

If you want to take home more than you can physically carry, consider mailing the bulk of it home prior to your last day.

Every halfway house has different rules and restrictions. Read your paperwork carefully to understand what is allowed.
Stock up on approved commissary items you will need right away. It may be some time before you are allowed to go to a store.

Every federal district has its own set of rules for supervised release.
Every state has its own set of rules for sex offender compliance.
Understanding your restrictions will help you prepare for a successful transition home.

To read more about rules and restrictions in your area, please visit our “Post-Conviction Restrictions by Jurisdiction” page below:

Physical search (only if you are being released to the custody of law enforcement agents)
Form completion
Dress out (changing into your release clothes)
Receipt of any prescription medication
Receipt of funds, including the balance from your account and any transportation stipend deemed necessary
Receipt of property, including any identification available
Final clearance