During COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) implemented a policy to allow phone calls to be free to adults in custody. Each month those in custody could make up to 500 minutes of calls at no cost. However, with the end of the pandemic declared over a year ago and the BOP under budgetary constraints, that program is coming to an end (article available here).
According to the BOP, effective January 1, 2025, the BOP is returning to its pre-pandemic phone and video service operations in addition to implementing a phone incentive in accordance with the Program Statement on First Step Act (FSA) Program Incentives (P5220.01).
The Bureau will provide people who are participating in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs under the FSA access to free phone minutes each month.
The FSA primarily benefits those who are minimum security with little chance of returning to prison. Many first time, non-violent offenders have relatively shorter sentences, under 6 years, while those who have longer sentences and are at higher security prisons are not eligible for FSA.