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What 'Opt-In Status' Means — How It Affects Phone Minutes and Incentives for Loved Ones at FCI Oxford

If your loved one is at FCI Oxford,

• 2 min read • bop.gov
What 'Opt-In Status' Means — How It Affects Phone Minutes and Incentives for Loved Ones at FCI Oxford

At FCI Oxford, someone can enter opt-in status for FSA incentives after completing the needs assessment surveys in TRULINCS. This matters because opt-in status determines whether they qualify for incentives tied to programming.

The benefit families notice most? Phone time. People in opt-in status earn extra monthly phone minutes as an FSA programming incentive. If your loved one wants to stay in regular contact, opt-in status can make a real difference.

Opt-in status also connects to program participation. At FCI Oxford, people who enroll in, participate in, or complete Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs may be considered for transfer closer to their release location. Engaging with these programs can factor into the Bureau's transfer decisions tied to release planning.

Note: Completing EBRR programs that are 100 hours or longer may come with a financial achievement award or preferred housing at FCI Oxford.

When opt-in status stops, the incentives tied to it pause too - including extra phone minutes and programming-related considerations. Since opt-in status begins after completing the needs assessment surveys in TRULINCS, that's the first thing to check if incentives aren't showing up. Opt-in can also be affected by BOP status changes or participation issues, and how it resumes depends on Bureau rules and the person's situation. For specifics about your loved one's record, their unit team will have the clearest answers.

What 'Opt-In Status' Means — How It Affects Phone Minutes and Incentives for Loved Ones at FCI Oxford

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  • ✓ Ask your loved one if they’ve completed the needs assessment surveys in TRULINCS, since that’s what may start opt-in status for FSA incentives.
  • ✓ Encourage them to enroll in and stick with EBRR programming when it’s available, since participation and completion can trigger incentives (including consideration for nearer-release transfer).
  • ✓ If they’re working on a longer program, remind them that completing EBRRs of 100+ hours may come with a financial achievement award or preferred housing.
  • ✓ If opt-in status has stopped, have them ask their unit team what needs to be addressed so they can return to opt-in status under BOP rules.

For general questions about the First Step Act or the FSA guide, email the Bureau's Reentry Services Division at FSA@BOP.GOV. For questions about how opt-in status or incentives apply to someone specific at FCI Oxford, reach out to your loved one's unit team.

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