YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

Focus on Reentry: 

Criminal Justice 

A companion guide to assist those working with 

people with criminal records.

FREE PRINTED &

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE

www.consumerfinance.gov Published July 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

What’s inside?

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

How to use this companion guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Financial well-being - the ultimate goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Tool: Step 1: Measuring financial well-being........................... 14

 Step 2: Scoring the financial well-being scale..................... 16

Having the Money Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Tool: My money picture ............................................ 20

Tool: Preparing your money situation before or during incarceration ..... 23

Tool: Preparing for release: Documents and identification .............. 26

Modules: Your Money, Your Goals for people with criminal records

Module 1: Setting Goals ............................................... 29

Tool: Setting SMART Goals ......................................... 31

Tool: Putting goals into action....................................... 34

Module 2: Saving ..................................................... 36

Handout: Saving at tax time......................................... 38

Tool: Saving and asset limits ........................................ 40

Module 3: Tracking Income and Benefits................................. 43

Tool: Income and benefits tracker ................................... 45

Tool: Understanding your pay stub .................................. 47

 Module 4: Paying Bills................................................. 51

Tool: Spending tracker ............................................. 53
3 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Module 5: Getting through the Month................................... 56

Tool: Creating a cash flow budget ................................... 58

Module 6: Dealing with Debt........................................... 61

Tool: Reentry debt log ............................................. 63

Tool: Lowering your debt ........................................... 65

Module 7: Understanding Credit Reports and Scores ..................... 68

Tool: Requesting your free credit report .............................. 71

Handout: Requesting your free credit reports by mail from a correctional facility . . 75

Tool: Reviewing your credit reports .................................. 76

Handout: Disputing errors on your credit report....................... 79

Module 8: Choosing Financial Products and Services...................... 82

Tool: Opening a checking or savings account ......................... 84

Tool: Evaluating your prepaid or payroll card.......................... 88 

Handout: Knowing your prepaid card rights .......................... 93

Module 9: Protecting your Money....................................... 94

Handout: How to handle identity theft ............................... 96

Handout: Submitting a complaint.................................... 98

Module 10: Understanding Background Screening Reports ................ 99

Handout: Background screening reports ............................. 102

Tool: Reviewing your background screening reports ................... 104

Handout: Obtaining your criminal records ............................ 107

Additional resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
INTRODUCTION 4

Introduction

About the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a 21st century agency 

that helps consumer finance markets work by making rules more effective, by 

consistently and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers 

to take more control over their economic lives. Learn more at https://www .

consumerfinance.gov

About Your Money, Your Goals

Your Money, Your Goals is a financial empowerment resource. Financial 

empowerment is about building the skills you need to manage money and to 

choose the financial products and services that work for you. 

Your Money, Your Goals is designed for anyone who works with people living with 

low incomes. Maybe you are part of a nonprofit, community-based, or private 

sector organization, or work in a government agency dedicated to helping the 

public. 

At the center of Your Money, Your Goals is the financial empowerment toolkit. 

The toolkit gives you the tools and information you need to help people set and 

achieve goals; build skills in managing money, credit, and debt; and choose 

financial products that are right for them. Each person has different circumstances 

and ideas they can benefit from, so you can select the tools that best meet their 

needs and just work with those topics.

Your Money, Your Goals for people with criminal records

There are an estimated 70 million to 100 million people with criminal records in 

the US. In 2019, jails reported more than 10 million1 admissions. Every year, more 

than 600,0002 individuals are released from prison. Blacks and Hispanics are 

disproportionately represented in prison and jail populations. For example, as of 

2019 for every 100,000 residents in the United States in each group, there were 

1,096 Black residents in prison, 525 Hispanic residents, and 214 White residents. 

1 U .S . Dep't of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Jail Inmates in 2019 (March 2021) available at 

https://www .bjs .gov/content/pub/pdf/ji19 .pdf

2 U .S . Dep't of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Prisoners in 2019 (Oct . 2020) available at 

https://www .bjs .gov/content/pub/pdf/p19 .pdf 
5 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

As noted in a CFPB report: "Because of demographic differences in incarceration 

rates among races, the difficulty of formerly incarcerated individuals in accessing 

the banking system upon release also reinforces racial disparities in access to 

financial products."3 Many of these justice-involved individuals face barriers to 

successful reentry. Many barriers to accessing jobs, housing, education and other 

key reintegration outcomes have financial challenges attached to them.

The CFPB developed the Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry guide 

to help frontline staff working with individuals affected by the criminal justice 

system address financial challenges. This guide includes tools and information 

from the toolkit along with information, tips and tools based on insights from 

people dealing with the impact of their criminal records. Your Money, Your Goals 

is centered on the core philosophy that everyone has the right to control their 

money and make their own financial decisions.

This guide, the toolkit and related materials are free and accessible to assist 

organizations, their staff and volunteers in using the Your Money, Your Goals 

resources. These resources make it easy for organizations to:

§ Train others on the use of the toolkit, guides and booklets

§ Integrate the resources and training into the organization’s work

§ Develop a referral guide for local, state, and national resources for consumer 

finance issues

§ Assess whether the training and tools help staff and volunteers have more 

confidence about financial issues and decision-making

Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry is available as a downloadable PDF file. 

Hard copies can be ordered free of charge at https://pueblo .gpo .gov/CFPBPubs/

CFPBPubs .php?CatID=36 Each tool in this guide is dynamic and interactive and 

can also be downloaded individually here: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/

If you are working with individuals in correctional facilities, 

we have individually wrapped, binderless booklets 

available at https://pueblo .gpo .gov/CFPBPubs/CFPBPubs .

php?NavCode=XA&CatID=36&PHPSESSID=1p4c55v1livkqpbdr70hjhakt1

3 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law Report, 

Vol . 1, p . 556 (Jan . 2021) available at https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_

taskforce-federal-consumer-financial-law_report-volume-1_2021-01.pdf
HOW TO USE FOCUS ON REENTRY 6

How to use Focus on Reentry

This guide — Focus on Reentry — complements the Your 

Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit. You can 

use this guide as a primary resource and supplement it with 

the full toolkit when you need additional information and 

tools.

The introduction to the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit is for you—the social services 

staff, volunteers, or other individuals who provide services. This information can help 

you prepare to use the toolkit. If you are not already familiar with the Your Money, Your 

Goals toolkit, we suggest reviewing it as the first step. www.consumerfinance.gov/

your-money-your-goals

What’s inside Focus on Reentry

Focus on Reentry – like the Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit - 

consists of a set of ten modules that organizations may integrate into their daily work 

with the people they serve. It was not designed as a curriculum. These modules 

function independently of one another, can be used in any combination or order, and 

are appropriate for people in a wide variety of settings. Staff and volunteers using the 

modules also may benefit from financial empowerment in their own lives.

§ Module 1: Setting Goals

§ Module 2: Saving

§ Module 3: Tracking Income and Benefits

§ Module 4: Paying Bills
7 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

§ Module 5: Getting through the Month

§ Module 6: Dealing with Debt

§ Module 7: Understanding Credit Reports and Scores

§ Module 8: Choosing Financial Products and Services

§ Module 9: Protecting your Money

§ Module 10: Understanding Background Screening Reports 

You can use the information and tools to help people with 

criminal records:

§ Identify financial challenges to successful transition

§ Obtain documents related to identification to help ease the transition 

process

§ Develop a cash flow budget by tracking income and spending

§ Identify and prioritize debt—both debt arising from involvement in the 

criminal justice system (criminal justice debt) and consumer debt

§ Access and review credit reports

§ Understand the background screening process and individual rights 

when applying for jobs

You can use the guide in one-on-one or small group settings. Each 

person’s needs are unique and often complex. Even when there are 

multiple issues to address, you shouldn’t try to cover all the information 

and tools with everyone you serve. Covering all the tools at once, or even 

a few tools at one time, would be overwhelming for most people. Only 

review one or two tools at a time, beginning with a key topic and the tools 

that make the most sense for their situation.
HOW TO USE FOCUS ON REENTRY 8

Phases of journey Module or section Focus on Reentry Tools

Before incarceration § Starting the money 

conversation

§ My money picture

§ Preparing your money 

situation before or during 

incarceration

During incarceration § Starting the money 

conversation

§ Module 7, 9

§ Setting SMART goals

§ Preparing for release: Getting 

documents and identification

§ Requesting your free credit 

reports by mail from a 

correctional facility

§ How to handle identity theft

§ Submitting a complaint

After incarceration § Starting the money 

conversation

§ Module 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 

§ Setting SMART goals

§ Reviewing your background 

screening reports

§ Reentry debt log

§ Creating a cash flow budget

§ Knowing your prepaid card 

rights

§ Saving at tax time 

When in the reentry journey to use tools 

Having conversations about money is important. Focus on Reentry is designed for use before, 

during and after incarceration, as well as anytime during the life of a person who has been involved 

in the criminal justice system. However, a few of the tools are designed to address needs at a 

particular point in the journey. For example, when you are incarcerated, you may want to focus on 

your credit report to help identify and address errors and take action to prevent identity theft. The 

chart below provides some suggestions for the tools to use.

PHASES OF JOURNEY REENTRY TOOLS
9 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Level of 

access Setting Accessing Your Money, Your Goals 

resources



Online

§ Community, e.g., social services 

agencies, nonprofit organizations, 

community supervision

§ Online access 

§ Visit www.consumerfinance.gov

§ Use accessible, dynamic – autofillable 

and calculable – tools at www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-yourgoals (not fillable on mobile device)

§ If you fill out any tools, remember to 

download and save those copies, or 

print them out. 

  

Digital, 

offline

§ Community

§ Correctional facilities 

§ No online access

§ Digital offline access

§ Visit www.consumerfinance.gov

§ Download accessible and dynamic 

PDFs, including Focus on Reentry 

and individual tools, at: www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-yourgoals

§ If you fill out any tools remember to save 

them in a file or print them out



Paper

§ Community

§ Correctional facilities 

§ No online or digital access

§ Visit https://pueblo .gpo .gov/CFPBPubs/

CFPBPubs .php

§ Order hard copies of Focus on Reentry 

and other Your Money, Your Goals 

resources free of charge at: https://

pueblo .gpo .gov/CFPBPubs/CFPBPubs .

php?CatID=36

§ Order individually wrapped 

booklets for correctional facilities 

free of charge at: https://pueblo .

gpo .gov/CFPBPubs/CFPBPubs .

php?NavCode=XA&CatID=36

How to access Focus on Reentry 

You may be working in a variety of settings such as a social services agency, a legal aid organization, 

or inside a correctional facility. Some of these settings may have strong online access while others 

may be in a paper-only environment. CFPB’s resources are available in any setting in the reentry 

journey. The chart helps guide you depending on the level of access you may have.

TYPE OF ACCESS FOR YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS RESOURCES
Looking for more?

Focus on Reentry is part of a suite of materials and resources. They are all designed to help organizations, 

staff and volunteers integrate financial empowerment into their organization’s work and train others on 

using the resources with the people they serve. 

Created by Jaime Serra

from the Noun Project

RESOURCE  CONTENT  LANGUAGE  AUDIENCE

 YMYG Financial Empowerment Toolkit

More than 240 pages of information, 

including 43 tools and handouts, that helps 

people engage in money conversations

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

consumer-tools/educator-tools/yourmoney-your-goals/toolkit/

§ A resource 

that includes 

recommendations 

on which tools to 

use based on the 

situation and time 

available

§ English, 

§ Spanish

§ Chinese

§ Staff and 

volunteers who 

want to learn 

and train others

§ Consumers 

seeking help 

with financial 

decisionmaking

 Companion Guides

Shorter guides to complement the main 

toolkit, designed to focus on unique needs 

of specific audiences and communities

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-moneyyour-goals/companion-guides/

§ Focus on Reentry: 

Criminal Justice

§ Focus on People 

with Disabilities

§ Focus on Native 

Communities

§ Focus on Military 

Communities

§ English § Staff and 

volunteers 

working with 

the target 

populations

§ Consumers 

in target 

populations 

Booklets to help talk about money

Colorful, compact booklets that include 

selection of 8 simplified tools from the Your 

Money, Your Goals toolkit—all focused on a 

common financial stressor.

www.consumerfinance.gov/your-moneyyour-goals/booklets-talk-about-money

§ Booklets for correctional facilities

§ Co-brand booklets

For booklets - https://pueblo.

gpo.gov/CFPBPubs/CFPBPubs.

php?NavCode=XB&Sub2ID=238&CatID=36

For co-branding - https://www.

consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/

educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/cobrand-booklets-help-talk-about-money

§ Behind on Bills?

§ Debt getting in 

your way?

§ Want credit to 

work for you?

§ Building your 

savings?

§ English

§ Spanish 

(Check for 

availability)

§ Staff and 

volunteers 

§ Consumers 

seeking help 

with specific 

financial 

situation

§ Organizations 

interested in 

co-branding the 

booklets 
11 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

RESOURCE  CONTENT  LANGUAGE  AUDIENCE

 Training decks, guides and videos

Power point training presentations, videos, 

and guides to help those who want to train 

others on how to use the resources 

www.consumerfinance.gov/consumertools/educator-tools/your-money-yourgoals/training-implementation/

§ Each resource is 

accompanied by 

a training deck 

for those who 

want to train 

other staff and 

volunteers

§ English

§ Spanish 

(Check for 

availability)

§ Organizations

§ Staff and 

volunteers 

interested in 

training others

 Surveys

Pre-and post-training surveys 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

consumer-tools/educator-tools/

your-money-your-goals/trainingimplementation/

§ Brief surveys 

designed to 

gauge whether 

the training 

helped staff and 

volunteers gain 

confidence in 

having money 

conversations 

with the people 

they serve

§ English § Organizations

§ Staff and 

volunteers

Videos to spark action

Short (1-3 minute) videos explain concepts 

from Your Money, Your Goals

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

consumer-tools/educator-tools/yourmoney-your-goals/videos/

§ Videos 

introduce topics 

such as getting 

credit report, 

which can be 

followed up with 

an actionable 

tool

§ English § Organizations 

to help 

introduce 

topics and 

connect to 

toolkit for staff 

and volunteers

§ Staff and 

volunteers 

to help train 

others on the 

toolkit topics 

§ Consumers to 

show how to 

take an action
HOW TO USE FOCUS ON REENTRY 12

How to get updates

CFPB revises and adds to resources to meet the needs of consumers and stay current 

with laws and policies. Check the website for updates to see if there are new or updated 

resources to help you help the people you serve. You can also sign up to receive email 

updates on the Your Money, Your Goals webpage https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/ or email yourmoneyyourgoals@

cfpb .gov to ask to get on the email list.
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: THE ULTIMATE GOAL 13

Financial well-being: The 

ultimate goal

At the CFPB, we work to help people take control of their financial lives to reach 

life goals, achieve financial peace of mind, and avoid pitfalls that can derail them. 

The ultimate goal of our work is to help people improve their financial well-being. 

Financial well-being means how much your financial situation and money choices 

provide you with security and freedom of choice. 

Financial well-being is not completely determined by factors like income, education 

level, or previous financial experiences. People with the same income and education 

level can experience different levels of financial well-being. 

We developed a questionnaire and a scoring method as tools that can help you take 

stock of your financial well-being as well as the people you serve. Both you and the 

people you serve can reflect on values and feelings about money, which can help 

you connect financial decision-making and values.
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: THE ULTIMATE GOAL 14

 GETTING STARTED

Measuring financial well-being

Using Your Money, Your Goals can help you and those you 

serve take action to achieve financial goals. One of the key 

questions you might ask yourself after taking action is, “Am 

I better off than before?”

To answer that question, you can use our financial well-being questionnaire and 

your resulting score. Together, they let you accurately and consistently measure your 

financial well-being before and after taking steps to improve your financial situation. 

You can use this tool for yourself and administer it to others. 

What to do

§ You can use the scale to assess a person’s financial well-being at intake. 

§ The questions can help guide a conversation about money issues.

§ You can also use the scale to track changes in an individual’s financial well-being 

over time.

§ The scale also provides a tool to measure whether your organization’s programs 

are improving the financial well-being of those you serve.

A step further

Use the Scoring Worksheet to get a score from the scale. To find out more about 

what the score means and how you compare to others, you can visit https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/financial-well-being-resources/
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING: THE ULTIMATE GOAL 15

Part 1: How well does this statement describe you or your situation?

This statement describes me Completely Very well Somewhat Very little Not at all

1. I could handle a major unexpected expense

2. I am securing my financial future

3. Because of my money situation, I feel like

I will never have the things I want in life

4. I can enjoy life because of the way

I’m managing my money

5. I am just getting by financially

6. I am concerned that the money I have

or will save won’t last

Part 2: How often does this statement apply to you?

This statement applies to me Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never

7. Giving a gift for a wedding, birthday or other

occasion would put a strain on my finances

for the month

8. I have money left over at the end of the month

9. I am behind with my finances

10.My finances control my life

Part 3: Tell us about yourself.

11. How old are you? 18-61 62+

12. How did you take the questionnaire? I read the questions Someone read the questions to me

CFPB FINANCIAL WELL-BEING SCALE

Questionnaire NAME OR NUMBER
FINANCIAL WELL BEING: THE ULTIMATE GOAL 16

1. Select the person’s answers, record the response value in the right hand column 

and add up the total values for each part of the questionnaire.

This statement describes me Completely Very well Somewhat Very little Not at all

Response 

 value

1. I could handle a major unexpected expense 4 3 2 1 0

2. I am securing my financial future 4 3 2 1 0

3. Because of my money situation, I feel like 

I will never have the things I want in life 0 1 2 3 4

4. I can enjoy life because of the way 

I’m managing my money 4 3 2 1 0

5. I am just getting by financially 0 1 2 3 4

6. I am concerned that the money I have 

or will save won’t last 0 1 2 3 4

Part 1 subtotal: ____________

This statement applies to me Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never

 Response 

 value

7. Giving a gift for a wedding, birthday or other 

occasion would put a strain on my finances 

for the month 

0 1 2 3 4

8. I have money left over at the end of the month 4 3 2 1 0

9. I am behind with my finances 0 1 2 3 4

10.My finances control my life 0 1 2 3 4

Part 2 subtotal: ____________

Total response value: ____________

CFPB FINANCIAL WELL-BEING SCALE 

Scoring worksheet NAME OR NUMBER
17 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Find the financial well-being score

How old is the person? 

 18-61 62+ 

How did the person take the questionnaire? 

 Self-administered

 Administered by someone else

Because scores vary based on age and how 

the questionnaire was administered, you must 

convert the total response value to a financial 

well-being score.

a. Find the row that corresponds to the total 

response value. 

b. Follow that row across to the column that 

corresponds to the person’s age and how the 

questionnaire was administered.

c. Record the final score. 

Financial well-being score: _________________

Learn more at 

consumerfinance.gov/financial-well-being

Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau
18

Having the money 

conversation

Understanding how incarceration can affect their personal 

finances is the first step in empowering the people you 

serve

At a glance

These tools can help you start the money conversation with people facing difficult 

choices. 

 My money picture

 Preparing your money situation before or during incarceration

 Documents and Identification

Overview

Often, people who are in the criminal justice system - before, during or after 

incarceration - struggle with money or financial issues. Depending on the setting 

and where the person is in the transition process, there are different approaches you 

can use with them to reflect on their goals and values. 

The tools in this Module can help you:

§ Protect money before or during incarceration

§ Discuss values around money

§ Learn what documents are needed while transitioning from incarceration

Using the tools

§ Use My money picture to help you determine the financial issues you want to 

focus on and which other tools will help you improve your situation. This tool can 

be used to help you think about your values and choices around money anytime - 

before, during or after incarceration.
19 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

§ Use Preparing your money situation before or during incarceration to review 

a few key money decisions you may be facing and how to get help for them, 

such as getting a freeze on your credit report

§ Use Getting documents and identification to identify important sources 

to verify identity and how you may secure them. Being able to verify your 

identity is always important. If you are incarcerated, focusing on getting 

your documents is essential to help with the transition process and to spot 

potential identify theft issues.
HAVING THE MONEY CONVERSATION 20

 GETTING STARTED

My money picture

This tool helps you build a picture of where you are and 

where you want to go financially. This can help point to your 

next step in this guide.

Values and money decisions can be sensitive and challenging for people transitioning 

from incarceration or facing challenges due to their criminal record. The tool is meant 

to help people reflect on their own values around money. Individuals may not want 

to discuss or share their responses. What is important is that they are honest with 

themselves, and they understand the tool is designed to help them with the reentry 

process. 

What to do

You can use the method that you think works best with each individual and depending 

on the setting, for example: 

§ Print out the page and give it to the individual to complete.

§ Read the questions and fill in the person's responses, in the PDF or on the printed 

copy.

§ Weave the questions into a conversation with the person and note the responses in 

the PDF or on the printed copy.

Depending on the situation, you may want to ask the person to include members of 

their family. Discussing money goals together, or pooling resources, may help with 

transition.

A step further

If you keep a copy of this tool, be sure you have a system for keeping the information 

completely confidential. Be ready to describe your system for keeping this information 

secure. As you proceed, follow your organization’s policies when it comes to storing 

and handling people’s personal information. If you are working in a correctional facility 

setting, you may want to ask ahead of time about the procedures for the individuals 

you serve to keep and store documents. 

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides
HAVING THE MONEY CONVERSATION 21

1. Answer the questions below.

2. Use the answers to identify information and resources that can help you address the financial

issues you care about.

If you could change one thing about your money situation, what would it be?

Money means different things to different people. What does money mean to you? 

Values are the things that are most important to people. What are some of your values? 

Questions Yes No I don't 

know

Do you have dreams for you or your family that 

require money to make them happen?

Do you have or will you have a safe and affordable 

place to live?

Do you have or will you have reliable transportation? 

Do you have or have you applied for benefits, 

including Medicaid, Medicare, or other health care 

coverage?

Use My money picture to find a place 

to start your conversation
22 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Questions Yes No I don't 

know

When unexpected expenses or emergencies 

happen, do you think you have or will have some 

money set aside to cover them? 

Do you have court-ordered fines or debts related 

to your conviction that you are struggling or may 

struggle to pay? 

Do you have student loans or other debts such as 

child support, that you may have trouble paying? 

Do you have an idea of your credit score? Have you 

ever ordered your credit report? 

Do you have a copy of your criminal record or RAP 

(Record of Arrest and Prosecution)? If not, do you 

know how to get it? 

Do you or will you have a checking or savings 

account at a bank or credit union? A general purpose 

prepaid card?

Have you had issues with a financial product or 

service like a bank account, loan, mortgage, debt 

collector, or credit report that you haven’t been able 

to resolve?
HAVING THE MONEY CONVERSATION 23

 GETTING STARTED

Preparing your money situation 

before or during incarceration 

Incarceration poses many challenges, including accessing and maintaining finances. 

This tool is to help you identify and take action before or soon after incarceration to 

minimize some of your exposure to financial harm. For example, if you, or someone 

on your behalf, places a freeze on your credit report while in prison, that may help 

prevent identify theft. 

What to do

You can use this checklist prior to or soon after incarceration. 

§ Identify any of the issues that apply. It is important to highlight that there are 

actions a person can take to protect themselves from loss, even when they are 

incarcerated. 

§ Use the websites and the "Additional resources" provided to access the appropriate 

tools or information to address the issue.

§ If you work with people in correctional facilities, you can print the tools and 

information in advance. 

A step further

If you are working with someone in a correctional facility, you can inquire ahead of time 

whether the facility has some of the resources discussed in the tool. Also, you can find 

out their policies for keeping confidential documents for people in their facilities. 

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/
HAVING THE MONEY CONVERSATION 24

Get ready by Preparing your money situation before time of incarceration

1. Review all the items on the list to see if any apply to you. 

2. For those you check, seek out the information by visiting the website or tool, or asking a trusted 

family member, friend or social services or legal services provider to get the information. If you 

are already in a correctional facility, you may want to seek out resources from staff in the library, 

other staff, or social services or legal services provider.

Child support

If you have child support obligations and will be unable to pay when you are incarcerated, 

you may want to seek assistance with getting a modification of the child support order. 

For state-by-state information on how to change a support order, visit: https://www .acf .hhs .

gov/css/parents/how-do-you-get-child-support/changing-order

Student loan debts

Private and public student loans may feature a range of alternative repayment plans that may 

be available to an incarcerated individual. For federal student loans, you may be eligible 

for an income-driven repayment plan and qualify for reduced or $0 monthly payments. 

But it is critical to look into these options as soon as you transition to incarceration to make 

sure all requirements are met. For more information, see https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/student-loans/ and Additional resources of this guide. https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/#anchor_reentry

Protecting against identity theft

You may want to put a free credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit to help prevent identity 

theft when you are incarcerated. See Focus on Reentry guide Handout: How to handle 

identity theft in Module 9: Protecting your money. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/yourmoney-your-goals/companion-guides/#anchor_reentry

Bank or credit union account

If you have an account that you won’t be using, you should check with your bank or credit 

union about the policies for inactive accounts and account closing. If the bank or credit union 

closes the account due to inactivity, you may incur fees and it may affect your ability to get an 
25 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

account in the future. For more information on accounts, see Focus on Reentry guide Module 

8, Tool: Opening a checking or savings account. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/yourmoney-your-goals/companion-guides/#anchor_reentry

 Power of attorney

 If you think you will need help managing your money or property while you are incarcerated, 

you may want to seek assistance to make a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal 

document that gives another individual (the “agent”) legal authority to make decisions 

about your (the “principal’s”) money or property. Anyone interested in setting up a power 

of attorney should seek legal assistance. Every state has its own rules about what’s in the 

document, witnessing requirements and the agent’s duties. For legal services programs in 

your state, see www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-find-an-attorney-in-my-stateen-1549/

If you do set up a power of attorney, the CFPB’s Managing Someone Else’s Money, Power of 

Attorney Guides can help explain to you and your agent how the power of attorney works 

and the responsibilities of the agent. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/

managing-someone-elses-money/power-attorney-guides/
HAVING THE MONEY CONVERSATION 26

 GETTING STARTED

Preparing for release: Documents and 

identification

This tool will help you identify the documents and types of 

forms of identification you need when you transition to the 

community.

If you are transitioning from incarceration, you may need help with getting or renewing 

identification documents. Applying for a job or benefits, opening a bank account, 

and many other activities require documentation of identity. Working to resolve 

identification and secure documents before release will make it easier for you to 

achieve goals such as securing housing or benefits.

To obtain your driver’s license or identification cards, you have to complete 

an application and pay an application fee, although some states may provide 

identification cards for a reduced fee or for free.

What to do

§ Go through the list to see which documents you do and do not have.

§ Get copies of the documents you don’t have. If you are incarcerated, it is important 

to find out what the facility's process is for getting documents such as a replacement 

Social Security card.

§ Store your documents in a safe place. If you are incarcerated, check with staff at the 

facility to find out how to store and protect your documents.

A step further

Check with your state resource ahead of time so you know what documents are needed. 

Before you work with a person who is incarcerated, you might want to ask about the 

correctional facility's policies with regard to obtaining and storing identity documents.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/
HAVING THE MONEY CONVERSATION 27

Getting documents and identification 

will ease your transition

1. Review the list and check off those documents you already have.

2. Go back and see which documents you need to get and can get while you are incarcerated.

Document Status Where to get it

Certified copy of birth 

certificate

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

To get a copy of your vital records such as your 

birth certificate, write to the state in which you were 

born. Find out where to write for each state by 

visiting https://www .cdc .gov/nchs/w2w .htm

State picture 

identification card or 

driver’s license

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

Some states have limited purpose driver’s or 

identification cards for those that cannot meet the 

identification requirements for the other cards, 

for example, if you do not have a Social Security 

number. In some states, there may be restrictions 

on getting your license or state ID if you have 

outstanding criminal debt. Check to see if your 

state offers a payment plan for your debt. To find 

out your state’s requirements visit https://www .usa .

gov/motor-vehicle-services

Social Security card Have it

Ordered it

Need help

To get your Social Security number or a 

replacement card contact the Social Security 

Administration at https://www .ssa .gov/reentry

Criminal record or RAP 

(Record of Arrest and 

Prosecution) sheet

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

If you have access to a copy of your record or RAP 

sheet in prison, it is helpful to keep a copy with you 

as you transition.
28 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Document Status Where to get it

Green card or 

immigration documents 

(if applicable)

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

For a list of acceptable documents visit https://

www .uscis .gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents/

list-documents. To replace your green card visit 

https://www .uscis .gov/green-card/after-wegrant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-card. 

For other countries consulates, see https://travel .

state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification/

ConsularNotificationandAccess.html. For those 

with green cards or other immigration status, there 

are complicated legal issues involved after an arrest 

or conviction. Learn more at https://www .uscis .gov/

citizenship/learners

Proof of residency Have it

Ordered it

Need help

Find out which documents your state accepts, 

such as a rental or lease agreement, utility bills, or 

other documentation with your name. Check to 

see if there are any special rules for incarcerated 

or formerly incarcerated in your state. Visit https://

www .usa .gov/motor-vehicle-services

Medical records or 

immunization records

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

To get a copy of your medical or immunization 

records, you need to contact your medical 

provider(s). Find out which documents you need to 

apply for Medicaid or health insurance at https://

www .healthcare .gov/incarcerated-people

Bank or credit union 

account information

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

Contact your bank or credit union directly. In 

addition to picture identification, they may ask for 

Social Security cards and other information. See 

Module 8, Tool: Opening a checking or savings 

account. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/yourmoney-your-goals/companion-guides/#anchor_

reentry

Selective service record 

or draft registration

Have it

Ordered it

Need help

Registration with Selective Service may be 

required for certain federal programs and 

benefits. Learn more about registering at 

https://www .sss .gov/register/who-needs-toregister/
MODULE 1: SETTING GOALS 29

MODULE 1

Setting goals

Turn your hopes, wants, and dreams into reality by setting 

and achieving goals.

At a glance

This module can help you create a plan with weekly targets to help you reach your 

goals. 

 Setting SMART goals

 Putting goals into action

Overview

Everyone has a different idea of the future they want to build. What do you want to 

accomplish in the near future? What do you want for yourself and your family in the 

long term? These ideas of your future are your hopes, wants, and dreams. But they 

don’t just happen on their own. Accomplishing your dreams means thinking about 

the money you need to help make them come true. Setting goals along the way is a 

good strategy to help you achieve your dreams. Some goals may take a few weeks 

or months to reach, like saving money to buy gifts for the holidays or buying a new 

mattress. These are short-term goals. Others may take many months or even years to 

reach, like paying off a large debt. These are long-term goals.

Focus on Reentry

Even while you are incarcerated or in transition from incarceration, it’s important to 

set financial goals for yourself. You can start with thinking about your values, which 

help you shape how you prioritize what to do with your money.
30 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

If your goals support your values, you’ll be more likely to prioritize them, which 

gives you a greater chance of accomplishing them. Focus on small steps to achieve 

your goals to help you take back control of your finances.

Getting started is the most important step. Write down your goals to make them 

real to you. Sharing your goals with others helps you even more to achieve them. 

Using the tools

§ Use Setting SMART goals to identify short- or long-term goals and identify steps 

to achieve them.

§ Use Putting goals into action to identify small, actionable steps you can take to 

achieve your goals.
MODULE 1: SETTING GOALS 31

 GETTING STARTED

Setting SMART goals

Setting goals is the first step toward achieving your dreams. 

This tool teaches you how to effectively set goals that 

are SMART—meaning they are (S)pecific, (M)easurable, 

(A)chievable, (R)elevant, and (T)ime bound

SMART goals provide an easy-to-follow structure for creating goals. This helps you 

really break down what you want into a format that makes it simpler to plan for, track, 

and ultimately achieve your goals. 

To create your goals, first think about your values. When your goals match up with 

the values that are important to you and your family, you’re more likely to prioritize 

achieving them. 

If you’re not sure what your goals are, think about what you want to change in your life. 

See if there’s a goal you can create that would help bring about that change. 

It’s likely there are many things you want to achieve. But if you can focus on one or two 

priorities that align with your values, you’ll have a better chance of reaching that goal.

What to do

§ List your values to help you think about what is important to you and your family.

§ Brainstorm a list of dreams and goals. Remember, dreams are aspirational and 

usually vague. Goals are specific things you can achieve to help you reach 

your dreams. 

§ Create a SMART goal from one or two items on your list of goals. Write down what 

makes this goal specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.

A step further

After you’ve written down your SMART goals, take a look at the “Putting goals into 

action” tool to create an easy-to-follow plan for achieving your goals. 

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 1: SETTING GOALS 32

Setting SMART goals based on your values motivates you to achieve them

1. Think about your values and choose which ones are most important to you.

2. List some things you'd like to change about your life and dreams you have.

3. Pick one or two items from your list of brainstormed ideas and create a SMART goal.

Make copies of the next page if you want to set more than one goal.

Which values are most important to you?

 Family/friends

 Freedom

 Happiness

 Health

 Reputation

 Self-respect

 Spirituality

 Stability

 Status

 Other:_________________

 Other:_________________

 Other:_________________

What are your hopes, wants, and dreams?

Thinking about your values, write a list of things you'd like to change and dreams you have. They can 

be short term (less than six months to achieve) or long term (more than six months to achieve). 

Things I'd like to change Dreams I have for myself and my family .
33 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Use your list of dreams to create a SMART goal .

Remember that SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound.

My SMART goal is . . .

To make sure your goal is SMART, write in what makes your goal specific, measurable, achievable, 

relevant, and time bound.

SMART 

characteristic Questions to ask yourself . Your answers

Specific What will I achieve? Who will 

benefit from the goal? What 

specific thing will I accomplish? 

Measurable How much? How many? How 

will I know when it's done?

Achievable Is this goal something that I 

can actually reach? Do I have 

the tools and support I need to 

accomplish this?

Relevant Is this something that I really 

want? Is now the right time 

to do this? Why is this goal 

important?

Time bound When will I reach this goal? Is 

the time frame reasonable?
MODULE 1: SETTING GOALS 34

 GETTING STARTED

Putting goals into action

Before you can accomplish a goal, you need a plan for how 

to achieve it. This tool helps you turn your SMART goals into 

an easy-to-follow action plan.

All goals take time and commitment to achieve. One of the most effective ways to 

accomplish your goals is to create an action plan outlining the steps you’ll take.

Many goals also require external resources to achieve. These resources could include 

needing information, tools, transportation, or even a professional financial coach or 

counselor to help you. These kinds of resources should be added to your action plan. 

Research shows that people who write down specific goals are much more likely 

to reach their goals than if they don’t write them down.4 Sharing those goals with a 

friend and checking in with them regularly about your progress also increases the 

chances that you’ll reach your goals. 

What to do

§ Break up your goal into small, actionable steps. Write each step in a separate box. 

§ Consider what resources you will need to take each step and write them next to 

that step. 

§ Set a deadline for each step’s completion.

§ Think about sharing your progress with a friend or family member. Add their name 

next to the step and how often you will check in with them. This can help keep you 

motivated. 

A step further

Now that you have an action plan for accomplishing your goals, take a look at 

Module 2: Saving to learn more about how to save money to achieve your goals.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals/tools

4 Based on research performed by Dr. Gail Matthews, Dominican University of California. 
MODULE 1: SETTING GOALS 35

Make a plan for Putting goals 

into action

1. Pick a SMART goal that you want to achieve and break it up into steps.

2. Write down each step, the resources you'll need to achieve it, and the due date for completing it.

3. Pick a friend or family member to tell about your goal and check in with them on a regular basis.

This will help you keep yourself accountable.

Select a SMART goal you want to achieve .

My SMART goal is . . . .

Make an action plan for your SMART goal .

Steps

List one specific step in each 

box for achieving your goal

Resources I need 

This can be things like tools, 

information, transportation, 

assistance, or money

Date to 

complete 

step

Who will I 

check in with?

And how often 

will I check in?

1.

2.

3.

4.
MODULE 2: SAVING 36

MODULE 2

Saving

Saving on a regular basis can help you make progress 

toward achieving goals and better handle unexpected 

expenses when they come up.

At a glance

This module can help you think about and plan for savings to help you reach your 

goals.

 Saving at tax time 

 Saving and asset limits

Overview

Savings is money you set aside today to use in the future. It could be for something 

you need in the next few months or even years from now.

People save for many reasons:

§ Unexpected expenses and emergencies

§ A bill they know will be due every few months, like car insurance

§ Annual expenses like children’s school supplies

§ To pay for future purchases or life events, like a new TV, appliances, assistive 

devices, a car, a home, or retirement

Focus on Reentry

If you are transitioning from incarceration and without a job, saving may not be your 

first priority. If you can include savings among your goals, identifying easy ways to 

save even very small amounts is worth it. 
37 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Saving money is particularly important if your income fluctuates or varies from 

week to week. This could be because your income changes depending on how 

many hours you are scheduled to work each week. It could also be because you 

work seasonally, rather than year-round. In both situations, setting aside money in 

weeks or months with higher income can help you pay your bills on time when your 

income decreases or stops. 

Some things you can think about saving for include:

§ Saving for your immediate needs such as a security deposit for an apartment, 

and basic expenses like transportation, food and housing. If you have any 

criminal debt, you may want to prioritize saving to pay that debt because it may 

prevent you from getting a license or place you at risk of violating parole or 

probation.

§ If you receive benefits payments, you may face restrictions that limit options 

for saving money. Because savings are an asset, there may be "asset limits" 

associated with the public benefits you receive. Review the Asset limit tool to see 

if your benefits are affected.

§ If you are disabled, there are savings options that do not impact the asset limits 

associated with SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. For more information, see 

Focus on Disabilities, Module 2, Tool: Setting up an ABLE account https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/

If you are working and make under a certain level of income, you may be eligible 

for the Earned Income Tax Credit or other tax credits. It is important to find out 

whether you are eligible. See the Handout: Saving at tax time in this module. 

Using the tools

§ Review the Saving at tax time handout for tips on how to prioritize saving when 

you get your tax refund. For information about incarceration and filing taxes, see 

Additional resources and visit https://www .irs .gov/individuals/prisoner-re-entryprogram

§ Use Saving and asset limits to get a clear picture of how much you can save 

while still maintaining your public benefits. Public benefits may be affected by 

incarceration, which is discussed in Module 3.
MODULE 2: SAVING 38

Saving at tax time.

Ways to save throughout the 

tax process. 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE TAX SERVICES

If you need assistance in preparing and filing 

your returns one of your choices is to visit a 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. 

IRS-certified volunteers can help you file your 

taxes and make a plan for your refund, all for 

free. Eliminating preparation fees can make a 

big difference in your ability to start or build 

your savings, or pay bills and expenses. Find a 

site by visiting https://www .irs .gov/individuals/

free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifyingtaxpayers or call (800) 906-9887.

UNDERSTAND FEES FOR PAID PREPARERS

If you use a paid preparer to do your taxes, they 

may offer you a refund anticipation check. This 

is when any fees you owe for tax preparation 

are taken out of your refund amount, which is 

deposited onto a prepaid card or into a bank 

account. There are additional fees you pay for 

this service (typically ranging from $25-$55), on 

top of the tax preparation fees. 

Despite their name, refund anticipation checks 

don’t get you money faster than filing your 

taxes online and using direct deposit.

CLAIM ALL OF YOUR TAX CREDITS

You may qualify for one of these common 

tax credits:

§ The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a 

benefit for people who are working, but have 

low-to-moderate income. The amount of the 

credit is based on your income and filing 

status. Income limits and other rules for the 

EITC change every year. You can look them 

up by visiting https://www .irs .gov/creditsdeductions/individuals/earned-income-taxcredit. 

§ The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is available to 

taxpayers for each qualifying child that 

meets certain criteria. The CTC can reduce 

the taxes you owe, and if you owe no taxes 

it may result in a refund. In order to receive 

the child tax credit a taxpayer must be 

able to claim the child as a dependent and 

must include a Social Security number for 

each qualifying child for whom the credit 

is claimed on the tax return. For the most 

current information visit https://www .irs .gov/

publications/p972

§ The IRS is required to do additional 

verification of information on tax returns 

claiming the EITC and the CTC. This may 

cause some delay in the receipt of refunds 

that include these tax credits. 

CONSIDER DIRECT DEPOSIT

If you’re receiving a refund, using direct deposit 

is free and faster than a check. Depositing part 

or all of your refund into your account or onto 

a prepaid card keeps your money secure until 

you need it. 

Have your account information ready. If you’re 

filing your own return there’s space on the 

form or in the software to enter your account 

information for direct deposit. If you're getting 

help filing your return make sure to bring your 

account information with you.
39 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

KICK-START YOUR SAVINGS

Your tax refund can help you pay for things you 

need right now or help you save for things you 

want down the road.

Great, no-hassle ways to save: 

§ Keep part of your tax refund in a separate 

account, like a savings account, so you’ll have 

money for sudden expenses. 

§ Purchase a Series I Savings Bond and earn 

interest from the government. You don’t 

need a bank account and you can give bonds 

as a gift. For more information visit https://

www .treasurydirect .gov/indiv/research/

indepth/ibonds/res_ibonds_ibuy.htm
MODULE 2: SAVING 40

 GETTING STARTED

Saving and asset limits

If you receive public benefits there can be limits on how 

much you can have in assets before the benefit is cut off. 

It’s important to understand these limits to make sure your 

savings goals don’t affect the benefits you receive or are 

applying for. 

Assets are things you own that have value. Your money in a savings or checking 

account is an asset. A car, home, business inventory, and land are also assets. 

Each program has different rules about what counts as an asset and the total value of 

your assets allowed to qualify for assistance. For some programs, these rules are the 

same regardless of where you live. For others, each state determines its own rules. 

In general, your liquid assets (like cash or money in savings or checking accounts) are 

counted as assets. In some states, if the value of your car exceeds a certain amount, 

anything over that amount may be counted as an asset as well. 

What to do

§ Identify which public benefits the person you’re working with currently receives or 

may be applying for in the near future.

§ Use the websites provided to figure out their state’s specific asset limit for each 

program and write it on the tool.

§ If you regularly work with people who receive public benefits, consider completing 

this tool in advance. Make copies and review it with the people you serve. 

A step further 

Asset limit rules change regularly, so check the rules every year to make sure you have 

the most up-to-date information.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 2: SAVING 41

Learn how Saving and asset limits can 

affect your benefits..

1. Select the programs that you're enrolled in or plan to apply for in the future.

2. Review the asset limit listed and learn more about each program's asset limit rules by visiting

their website.

PROGRAM TYPE PROGRAM YOUR STATE'S ASSET LIMIT

Disability Social Security Disability 

Insurance (SSDI)

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/

disability/

No limit

 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

https://ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/ $

Groceries 

and household 

expenses

 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 

Program (SNAP)

https://www .fns .usda .gov/snap/

state-directory

$

 Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families (TANF)

https://www .acf .hhs .gov/programs/

ofa/help

$

Housing and 

home energy

 Low Income Home Energy

Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

https://www .acf .hhs .gov/ocs/lowincome-home-energy-assistanceprogram-liheap

$

 Public housing

https://www.benefits.gov/

benefit/863

$






42 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

PROGRAM TYPE PROGRAM YOUR STATE'S ASSET LIMIT

Medical Family Medicaid

https://www .medicaid .gov/stateoverviews/index .html

No limit

 Medicare Part D Extra Help 

(Low-Income Subsidy)

https://www .shiptacenter .org/

$

 Medicare Savings Programs

https://www .shiptacenter .org/ $

 State Child Health Insurance 

Program (SCHIP)

https://www .medicaid .gov/stateoverviews/index .html

$


MODULE 3: TRACKING INCOME AND BENEFITS 43

MODULE 3

Tracking income and 

benefits

You have to know what’s coming in before you can plan for 

what’s being spent. Tracking the money and benefits you 

receive is the first step in creating a budget that works for 

you.

At a glance

This module can help you track the income you’re earning and any public benefits 

you’re receiving to better budget your money. It also helps you understand things like 

deductions and garnishment, which affect how much money you bring home. 

 Income and benefits tracker

 Understanding your pay stub

Overview

Income is the money you receive from part-time or full-time work, including in prison 

or jail, self-employment and investments. You use income to pay for the things you 

need and want or can save it to spend toward one of your goals. Money can also 

come from things like tax refunds and gifts from family, which can also be spent or 

saved like income.

Public benefits are payments you may receive from the government to help pay for 

necessities. Most benefit payments have restrictions about how they can be spent. 

So while these payments help increase your spending power, they aren’t as flexible as 

income earned from a job.
44 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Focus on Reentry

It’s important to track benefits the same way you’d keep track of your income 

because certain rules and restrictions apply for people with criminal records. For 

more information about Social Security benefits, visit https://www .ssa .gov/reentry/

§ Social Security benefits are not payable if you are incarcerated for more than 

30 days. Benefits to your spouse or children will continue as long as they remain 

eligible. You can be reinstated in Social Security benefits the month after your 

release. For more information about social security benefits, see What Prisoners 

Need to Know at https://www .ssa .gov/pubs/EN-05-10133 .pdf

§ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you are incarcerated for 12 or 

more consecutive months, your SSI benefits will terminate and you will need to 

file a new application for SSI benefits upon release. If you are incarcerated for 

fewer than 12 consecutive months and your benefits have been suspended, you 

apply to reinstate your SSI payments upon release. You can start receiving SSI 

payments the month you are released.

§ Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits will be suspended if you have been 

convicted of a criminal offense and sent to jail or prison for more than 30 

consecutive days. Your benefits can be reinstated after your release without 

filing a new claim. 

§ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. According to federal law, people with 

felony drug convictions are banned from receiving TANF or SNAP benefits. 

However, check with your state first because most states have opted out, 

eliminated, or modified the ban.

Using the tools

§ Complete the Income and benefits tracker to see how much money you’re 

bringing home each month. If you are incarcerated and receiving wages, you 

can use the tools to keep track of any wages coming in. Using the tools can also 

help prepare for managing your money as you transition to the community. 

§ Use Understanding your pay stub to understand what is deducted from your 

paycheck to come up with your net pay. Then you can fill out the example for 

your own paycheck to help you see how much money is being taken out.
MODULE 3: TRACKING INCOME AND BENEFITS 45

 GETTING STARTED

Income and benefits tracker

Get a total picture of your income and benefits to help you 

plan when to pay your expenses. 

Your income and benefits provide you with the financial resources to pay for your living 

expenses. It’s important to get a clear picture of how much you have coming in every 

month, so you can better budget to pay your bills and possibly save toward 

your goals. 

Remember that income isn't the same as benefits. While income (money earned from 

a job) can be used to pay for anything, some benefits can only be used for a particular 

purpose, like paying for food or medical costs. 

Also, income may not always come on a regular basis. Knowing what income is regular, 

irregular, seasonal, and one-time-only can help you be prepared for when you have 

less coming in. 

What to do

§ Gather all of your pay stubs, benefits statements, and records of electronic 

payments.

§ Enter the amount of income or benefits you receive next to the correct category in 

the appropriate week of the month.

A step further

Look at your total monthly income. If it’s less than what you think you need, use 

the“Increasing income and benefits” tool in the toolkit for tips on how to make more.

If you haven’t already, consider completing the “Spending tracker” (in Module 4). This 

will help you build a cash flow budget, which is covered in Module 5: Getting through 

the Month.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 3: TRACKING INCOME AND BENEFITS 46

Plan the best times to save and spend 

with this Income and benefits tracker

1. Fill in the net income amount you receive each 

week for any category that applies to you. Note 

any income that comes at predictable times 

and in the same amount to help show you what 

income you can count on each month.

2. Add up the amounts you receive each week and 

write that in as the weekly total.

3. Add up the weekly totals to figure out your 

income for the month.

4. Make copies of the tracker to follow your income

from month to month.

Term to know: net income

Net income is what you actually bring home in

your paycheck. It's your total pay (gross income)

minus taxes, insurance, and other deductions

that are taken out.

Income for month of 

WEEK 1. WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5

Job 1

Job 2

Child support

Disability benefits

SNAP

TANF

Other government 

programs

Other:

Total weekly income

Total income for this month










MODULE 3: TRACKING INCOME AND BENEFITS 47

 GETTING STARTED

Understanding your pay stub

This tool helps you understand what is in, and taken out 

of, your paycheck. It helps you figure out what you will 

take home in pay, which will help you create a budget and 

manage your money.

For many in transition, their first job brings their first paycheck, and the terms and the 

amounts on the pay stub are not always easy to understand. Income tax and employee 

benefit programs can seem like abstract concepts. When you see how your total hourly 

or yearly pay amount is reduced by taxes and deductions to the “net” or “take-home” 

pay amount, you can think more realistically about how much money is available for 

spending and saving.

What to do

This tool helps you see the difference between gross pay and net pay. You can go 

over all the entries and deductions on the same pay stub. Then, fill in the form with the 

information from your pay stub.

Based on what you discover through this activity, consider ways to keep the 

conversation going. For example, you could:

§ Look at the deductions on the W-4 form to see how much is being withheld.

§ Think about how you can use this information on your take-home pay. For example,

you could think about a realistic budget for ongoing expenses like rent or start to

save up for something in the future, like a car.

§ When you receive your W-2 at tax time, you can see how these deductions are

listed. The W-2 form is what you will typically need to file your taxes.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides
MODULE 3: TRACKING INCOME AND BENEFITS 48

The first step in budgeting is 

Understanding your pay stub

1. Review the sample pay stub to explore how

the paycheck amount is calculated and what

the entries mean.

2. Get a copy of your pay stub and fill in the

amounts on the second page so you can

see what the deductions are and how your

"net pay", or the amount you take home, is

calculated.

3. Review any employee benefit programs that

you may be eligible for at work. Some of those

benefits could reduce taxable income and

reduce taxes at the end of the year.

4. Look at the deductions on your W-4 form to

see how much is being withheld and decide

whether you want to change it.

How to read a pay stub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Pay period

Calendar days included in the paycheck. Your 

employer sets up the schedule of when you are 

paid.

Money you’ve earned

2 Gross wages

How much you made before deductions were 

taken out.

3 YTD gross

Summary of total gross wages, deductions, and 

net pay from the beginning of the year to end of 

the current pay period (year to date).

4 Net pay

Gross pay minus all the deductions. This is your 

“take-home” pay.

Money taken out of your paycheck

5 Federal tax

Amount withheld for federal income tax. This is 

deducted each pay period so you do not have a 

large tax bill when you file your tax return.

6 FICA tax

Amount withheld by your employer to pay your 

Social Security tax. Social Security primarily 

provides benefits to retired people and the 
49 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

disabled. You and your employer both contribute 

to Social Security, and your paycheck shows the 

part you pay.

7 FICA Medicare

Amount withheld by your employer to pay 

your Medicare tax. Medicare is a federal health 

insurance program generally available to those 

who are 65 and older or disabled.

8 State tax

Amount your employer withholds to pay your 

state income tax. (Not all states have income 

tax.) This is deducted each pay period so you 

do not have to pay a large amount when you file 

your tax return.

9 Deductions

Taxes, insurance premiums, and the cost of other 

programs that are subtracted from your gross 

wages. (Because contributions to programs like a 

401(k) retirement plan or health insurance plans 

are subtracted before your tax withholdings are 

calculated, they reduce your tax liability.)
MODULE 3: TRACKING INCOME AND BENEFITS 50

Pay rate: 

Hours worked: 

Gross wages: 

FICA Medicare:

FICA SS tax:

Federal tax:

State tax (if applicable): 

Other deductions: 

Total deductions:

Net pay: 

YTD gross:

YTD deductions: 

YTD net pay:

Put your money to work for you

Most employers offer to deposit your paychecks directly into your checking or 

savings account, instead of giving you a paper check. Direct deposit usually makes 

your money available faster. 

And, you can instruct your employer to split your paycheck between your checking 

account and your savings account. This can help your savings add up automatically, 

a little at a time.

Questions about opening a checking or savings account? See Module 8 for information 

and tools. 

  Your own paycheck example
MODULE 4: PAYING BILLS 51

MODULE 4

Paying bills

Learn to organize, track, and prioritize bills and expenses.

At a glance

This module can help you better understand where your money goes and learn how 

to reduce expenses and pay bills more efficiently. 

 Spending tracker 

Overview

To stay financially healthy, "you should spend less than you earn.” This simple rule may 

work for many people, but it isn’t very helpful if you can’t afford to pay all of your bills 

and living expenses.

For some, balancing personal priorities and family expectations can sometimes 

be a challenge. And if your work is seasonal or irregular, you may be able to cover 

everything when you’re working, but struggle to cover expenses in the months or 

weeks when you’re not.

Focus on Reentry

As you transition from incarceration, you need to figure out how to pay for your 

immediate needs such as food, housing, and transportation. It’s impossible to know 

if you’re going to be able to afford all your bills unless you’re familiar with how much 

you’re expected to pay each month. Make sure you know what bills are due, how 

much they usually are, and what time of the month they’re due.

Tracking your spending is a good way to plan for bills, especially if you haven’t had 

the opportunity to spend in a while. When you categorize and write down how you’re 

spending your money, it makes it easier to see what’s important to you and where 
52 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

you might be able to cut back. It also helps you think about how much of your 

spending is on needs versus wants.

Using the tools

§ Use the Spending tracker to get a clear picture of where you’re using your

money and financial resources. If you are incarcerated, you can keep track

of any commissary or other spending. Using the tool may help you when

managing money during transition.
MODULE 4: PAYING BILLS 53

 GETTING STARTED

Spending tracker

Before deciding on changes to your spending, it’s a good 

idea to understand how you use your money now.

Keeping track of what you earn and everything you spend money on for a month, 

rather than just a week or two, lets you see all of your income and expenses in one 

place. Many people who track their spending for a month discover that they're 

spending money in small ways that add up and sometimes don’t match their priorities. 

Once they track their spending, many people can find money to save for emergencies, 

unexpected expenses, and goals. Others are able to balance their budgets.

What to do

§ Get a small container or envelope. Every time you spend money, get a receipt and

put it into the case or envelope. If the receipt doesn’t list what you purchased, take

a few seconds and write it on the receipt. If you don’t get a receipt, write down

the amount and what you purchased on a piece of paper and add it to the stack. If

you use a mobile device to keep track of your spending, make sure you read the

“Protecting your information on digital money apps” tips in Module 4 of the toolkit.

§ Analyze your spending. Go through your receipts and enter the total you spent

in each category for each week. Add the weekly amounts per category. Write

these down in the “Category totals” column. Once you have these totals, add them

together to get your total spending for the month. If tracking your spending for a

whole month seems too difficult, try it for just one or two weeks.

§ Notice trends. Circle items that are the same every month (like rent, car, or cell

phone payments). These are often your needs and obligations. This will make

creating your budget easier. Identify any areas you can eliminate or cut back on—

these will generally be wants.

A step further

Once you've tracked your spending, be sure to add it into your budget or cash flow 

budget. 

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 4: PAYING BILLS 54

A Spending tracker can help you analyze 

and change your spending habits..

2. Use the table to track your spending in the

categories below. Don’t forget about bills

you share with others.

Spending for the month of:

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 CATEGORY TOTALS

Cell phone

Debt 

payment

Eating out

+ childcare

Entertainment 

+ personal care

Health

expenses

others

 Housing 

+ utilities

Pets

Transport

Other

Total spending this month:













Education 

 I

1. Get an envelope to collect your receipts.

3. At the end of the month, add up each category.

nter Groceries + 

Other Supplies





 Helping 
55 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

CATEGORIES USED IN THE SPENDING TRACKER

Any costs related to having and using your cell phone

Debt payment Credit card payments, payday loan payments, pawn loan 

payments, auto title loan payments, other loan payments

Eating out Any meals or beverages purchased outside of the home

Education + 

childcare

Childcare costs, school supplies, school materials fees, field trips, 

other activity fees

Movies or concerts, sports equipment/fees, sporting events, 

lottery tickets, alcohol, books/CDs, subscriptions, streaming 

services, haircuts, hygiene items, dry cleaning

Groceries + 

other supplies

Food and beverages brought into the home, household supplies 

(diapers, paper towels, etc.)

Health 

expenses

Co-payments, medication, eye care, dental care, health insurance 

premiums

Donations to religious organizations or other charities, gifts

utilities

Rent, mortgage, insurance, property taxes, electricity, gas, water 

and sewage, landline, television, Internet service

Pets Food, vet bills, and other costs associated with caring for your pets

Transport Gas, car payment, insurance, repairs, transit fares, ride services, 

cabs 

Other • Court-ordered expenses (child support, restitution)

• Household items (things for your home like cleaning supplies,

kitchen appliances, furniture, other equipment)

• Savings (saving for emergencies, goals, back-to-school

expenses, holiday purchases, children’s education, retirement)

• Tools or other job-related expenses (equipment, special

clothing, job-related books, machinery, working animals or

livestock, union dues)











 

Entertainment 

+ personal care



Cell phone







 Helping others

Housing + 
MODULE 5: GETTING THROUGH THE MONTH 56

MODULE 5

Getting through the 

month

Tracking when your money comes in and goes out can 

help you understand if you’ll have enough each week or 

month.

At a glance

This module helps you understand cash flow by looking at how money flows into and 

out of your household. It also provides suggestions for how to improve your cash flow 

if you’re having trouble making ends meet. 

 Creating a cash flow budget

Overview

When it comes to money, timing matters. If the timing of your income doesn’t match 

the timing of your expenses, you may come up short without planning in advance. 

That’s why monthly budgets sometimes don’t work out from week to week. 

Focus on Reentry 

When you are transitioning from incarceration, it’s important to stay focused on 

achieving key financial goals that help you successfully transition into civilian life. 

The more frequently you track your money, the easier it is to identify the areas where 

you can make changes to move toward your goals and avoid distractions that can 

take you off course. Some changes you can make to get through the month with 

more ease include:
57 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

§ Negotiating a new due date on your bills

§ Splitting large payments like rent

§ Consolidating debts such as student loans

For more information on strategies to help you get through the month, 

see Module 5 of the toolkit. https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/

documents/cfpb_your-money-your-goals_financial-empowerment_

toolkit .pdf

Using the tools

§ Complete Creating a cash flow budget to see how your income 

and expenses line up. If you are incarcerated, you can use the tool 

for tracking any money you may have or as a tool to prepare for 

managing money as you transition.
MODULE 5: GETTING THROUGH THE MONTH 58

 GETTING STARTED

Creating a cash flow budget

A cash flow budget is all about tracking the timing of your 

income and expenses to make sure you have enough from 

week to week. 

Before you can build a cash flow budget, you will need to track your income, resources, 

and expenses for at least one month. Use the Income and benefits tracker in Module 

3 and the Spending tracker in Module 4 to help you get started. You’ll need the 

information from both of these tools to create your cash flow budget.

What to do

§ Enter your beginning balance for the week.

§ Add all of the income and benefits you receive that week. Subtract all of your 

expenses for that week. Include the money you spend on everyday expenses, bills, 

and savings. Also include benefits you use to pay for things that would otherwise be 

paid for with cash, such as SNAP and TANF. Remember that some benefits may only 

be used for specific expenses. For example, SNAP benefits can be used for food, 

but not household items, like paper towels. If you receive a housing subsidy, include 

the full value of the subsidy under income and resources and the full market rate of 

your rent under expenses.

§ What's left is your ending balance. If it’s positive, you have enough income and 

benefits to make it through the week. If it’s negative, you’re falling short.

§ Copy your ending balance for the week to the beginning balance of the next week. 

Repeat these steps for the rest of the weeks that month.

A step further

If it looks like there are weeks where your expenses are more than your income and 

benefits, you can use the "Improving cash flow” tool in the toolkit to brainstorm some 

strategies for getting back on track. 

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 5: GETTING THROUGH THE MONTH 59

Consider expense and income timing 

by Creating a cash flow budget 

1. Enter your starting balance for the month under Week 1. This is the total amount of money 

available to you from cash on-hand, prepaid cards, and checking and saving accounts.

2. Write down the amounts you receive during Week 1 from the categories listed. If you have 

income from other categories, add them together and write them under "Other."

3. Add up all your income for Week 1 and enter under "Total income."

4. Write down the amounts you spend during Week 1. If you have expenses from other categories, 

add them together and write them under "Other."

5. Subtract all the expenses for Week 1 from the "Total income" for Week 1. Write this amount in 

"Ending weekly balance."

6. Copy the amount from "Ending weekly balance" from Week 1 into the "Starting balance" for 

Week 2. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for the remaining weeks in the month.

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5

BEGINNING 

WEEKLY 

BALANCE

Starting 

balance

$250 $400 $ $ $

ADD MONEY 

YOU RECEIVE 

EACH WEEK

+ 300

+ 100

+ 

Total income = 650 = = = =

SUBTR ACT 

YOUR WEEKLY 

EXPENSES

— 200

— 35

— 15

ENDING 

WEEKLY 

BALANCE = 400 = = = =

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
60 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5

BEGINNING 

WEEKLY 

BALANCE

Your starting balance 

is a total of your cash, 

prepaid card, and 

account balances.

Starting 

balance

$

Wk. 1 ending 

balance

$

Wk. 2 ending 

balance

$

Wk. 3 ending 

balance

$

Wk. 4 ending 

balance

$

ADD 

MONEY 

YOU 

RECEIVE 

EACH WEEK

Job 1 +

Job 2 +

Housing subsidy +

SNAP +

TANF +

Other +

Total income = = = = =

SUBTRACT 

YOUR 

WEEKLY 

EXPENSES

Cell phone —

Debt payment —

Eating out —

Education and 

childcare —

Entertainment —

Groceries and 

other supplies —

Health expenses —

Helping others —

Housing and utilities —

Pets —

Savings for 

emergency fund —

Savings for goals 

like education or 

retirement

—

Transport —

Other —

ENDING 

WEEKLY 

BALANCE = = = = =




MODULE 6: DEALING WITH DEBT 61

MODULE 6

Dealing with debt

Learn about ways to manage your consumer and criminal 

debt. The more you know about how debt works, the 

easier it is to make choices that are right for you.

At a glance

This module helps you get a picture of what you owe, get a handle on your payments, 

and cut down on stress from growing debt. 

 Reentry debt log

 Lowering your debt

Overview

What is debt? Debt is money you owe to another person or business. Whether you 

took out a loan, used a credit card, or got behind on a bill payment, that’s debt. Debt 

can be hard to face when it feels like a barrier to your goals, but it’s important to 

remember that there are resources you can use to help you take control of your debt. 

Even small steps toward paying down debt can make a big difference in making it feel 

more manageable.

Focus on Reentry

Understanding debt, how to manage it, and how to reduce or get rid of it are 

important components of financial empowerment. Debt, however, is a current reality 

for many people transitioning from incarceration or facing the challenges of having 

a criminal record. When transitioning to the community, it is important to determine 

whether you owe consumer debt and the amount you owe. 

But it is also important to determine whether you owe criminal justice debt, or 

legal financial obligations. Failure to pay criminal justice debt can carry serious 

consequences such as returning to prison or jail. 
62 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

You may owe various fees, fines, and restitutions because of your arrest, 

conviction, and incarceration. These vary from state to state and may 

be called by different names. Types of debt you may owe as a result of 

incarceration include:

§ Pre-conviction fees, such as jail fees for pretrial incarceration or fees for 

electronic monitoring devices.

§ Sentencing fees, such as restitution to compensate victims and public 

defender or prosecution reimbursement fees.

§ Incarceration fees, such as fees for room and board while in jail or 

prison, or health care and medication fees.

§ Probation and parole supervision fees, such as drug testing or vehicle 

interlock device fees.

§ Mandatory treatment fees

§ Other fees

It is important to find out whether you have any outstanding criminal debt 

from any of your cases. You can find out from the court(s), your attorney 

or probation officer or other supervision personnel. Find out whether 

the debt has been sent to collections, and if so, to which collection 

agencies. Unlike other kinds of debt, criminal justice debt can be subject 

to extraordinary collection procedures. Criminal justice debts also may 

not be deemed “debts” by state law, which means that collectors are not 

subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Using the tools

§ Complete the Reentry debt log to help you prioritize which debts to 

pay, including any criminal debt you may owe. Keeping track of your 

debt while incarcerated may help you manage your money and keep 

track as you transition. 

§ Review Lowering your debt to help understand your options for 

reducing debt.
MODULE 6: DEALING WITH DEBT 63

 GETTING STARTED

Reentry debt log

This tool gives you a clearer picture of your debt. 

If you have been involved with the criminal justice system, you may have criminal 

justice debt. The consequences of not paying this debt may affect your terms of 

supervision or create a risk of reincarceration, so it’s important to find out which 

debts would have the worst consequences if you couldn’t pay them. Identifying and 

tracking criminal justice debt, along with other debt, can help you prioritize debt 

payments.

What to do

§ Write down to whom you owe the debt, how much is owed in total, and how much 

you can afford to pay. 

§ For each debt list the potential consequences of delaying payment.

§ You can check your state's law or resources to find out if there are protections you 

may have regarding the criminal debt.

A step further

After you’ve taken stock of what debts you have and the consequences of delaying 

their payment, complete the tool "Lowering your debt” to explore some strategies to 

help you manage your debt.

For a state-by-state list of legal aid offices, which may offer resources or assistance with 

criminal debt issues, visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-findan-attorney-in-my-state-en-1549/

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/
MODULE 6: DEALING WITH DEBT 64

Track your debts and how much you 

owe with this Reentry debt log

1. This tool will give you a clearer picture

of your debt. Write down to whom you

owe the debt, how much is owed in

total, and how much you can afford to

pay.

2. Then list the potential consequences of

delaying payment.

3. If you have criminal debts make sure you

understand the consequences of not

paying them.

Remember, a bill isn't always debt.

For instance, your phone bill isn't debt, but 

any past due amount is debt.

Common debt types to help you brainstorm:

Auto 

loan



Back child 

support

Credit card 

debt



Friends 

and 

family

Medical 

debt



Payday 

loan



Student 

loan



Mortgage 

or pastdue rent



Justice 

system debt 

such as fees 

and fines

$

To whom do you owe 

the debt?

Total 

amount left 

to pay

Weekly or 

Monthly 

payment 

Code 

(A-I)

Consider the consequences 

of not paying each type 

of debt

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

$ $

Total weekly (or monthly) payment 

A. Reincarceration

B. Repossession (of

something you own)

C. Loss of driver’s license

D. Loss of housing

E. Garnishment (a portion of

your paycheck or money

in an account is taken to

pay what you owe)

F. Loss of service (utilities cut

off or loss of cell phone

service)

G. Lawsuit or other collection

effort from a creditor or

debt collector

H. Negative report to credit

reporting company

I. Other
MODULE 6: DEALING WITH DEBT 65

 GETTING STARTED

Lowering your debt

This tool will help you think of strategies to help you manage 

your debt. 

Before you select strategies to help you manage your debt, you need to think about 

which debts are the most important to pay down right now. Some debts, especially 

those that are criminal justice-related, have worse consequences than others when 

payments are missed or delayed. Prioritize your debts using the Reentry debt log 

tool before completing this tool. 

What to do

§ Show your checklist to the counselor you are working with and ask that person 

which strategies might be helpful

§ Work with the counselor to check off the strategies that can help you

A step further

Start putting these strategies to use. Pick one strategy and try to see if you can use it to 

help you manage one or more of your criminal justice debts.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/
MODULE 6: DEALING WITH DEBT 66

Strategies for Lowering your debt

1. Review and list all your debts, including any criminal justice debt.

2. Prioritize your debt based on the consequences of not paying.

3. Review the strategies and check the ones that seem possible for you to pursue.

Debt prioritization

List your debts starting from those with the most serious consequences first. Use Tool: Reentry 

debt log and toolkit Module 6: Dealing with debt to prioritize your debts based on the 

consequences of not paying.

Negotiate a payment plan or a reduction of your debt

Contact the governmental organizations, courts, and businesses where you owe money. 

See if they are willing to set up a payment plan or reduce the amount you owe. Before beginning 

to negotiate, figure out what you can afford to pay each month. Don’t agree 

to a repayment plan that you cannot afford.

If you owe money on a debt that is in collections, you may want to contact an attorney through 

a legal aid organization before contacting the creditor or debt collection company. See last 

box below for your rights in debt collection. To find a legal aid organization, see https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-find-an-attorney-in-my-state-en-1549/

Be sure you are not settling a debt without understanding the potential impact. If you settle 

a debt, any savings you get from paying less than the full amount owed may be considered 

income and taxable. If you make a small payment on an old debt, one that is past the statute of 

limitations, it may restart the clock for suing you on that debt.

Watch out for businesses that say they can eliminate your debts

Watch out for debt settlement or consolidation businesses that:

§ Charge any fees before they settle your debts.

§ Tout that there is a “new government program” to bail out personal credit card debt.

§ Guarantee to make your debt go away or that unsecured debts can be paid off for pennies on

the dollar.

§ Tell you to stop communicating with the creditors.

§ Tell you they can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits.

Visit a nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service agency

They can often give you advice or create a Debt Management Plan (DMP) for you. They may 
67 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

also negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. There may be fees for these services. To find a 

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) agency in your community, visit https://www .nfcc .

org/agency-locator

For court-related debts, explore payment plans, reductions, and waivers

Payment plans involve creating an installment plan of the amount owed where an individual will 

make regular payments on the debt. Reductions are a lessening of the amount owed. Waivers 

are a setting aside of the fee or fine. Check with your state or locality to see if there are any 

programs or protections in place related to criminal debt.

Court-ordered debt related to your involvement in the criminal justice system may affect the 

terms of your supervision/probation and failure to pay this debt may lead to reincarceration. If 

you do not know whether you owe fees, fines, or restitution, contact the court(s) and/or ask your 

lawyer or probation officer. 

Know your rights in debt collection

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act says people collecting debts can’t harass, oppress, abuse, 

or deceive you or anyone else they contact. For example, debt collectors can’t:

§ Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., in general

§ Make repeated phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse, or harass you or any person

answering the phone

§ Use obscene or profane language

§ Make threats of violence or harm

§ Lie about the amount you owe

§ Deceive you to collect money, for example by falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers

or saying you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay your debt

§ Publish lists of people who refuse to pay their debts (this does not include reporting

information to a credit reporting company)

§ Talk to you without telling you they are a debt collector, or use a fake company name

If debt collectors harass or deceive you, they may be breaking the law. It's a good idea to keep 

a file of all letters or documents a debt collector sends you and anything you send to a debt 

collector. Record the dates and times of your conversations and take notes about what you 

discussed. These records can help you if you have a dispute with a debt collector, meet with a 

lawyer, or go to court. For updates and more information, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/debt-collection

Need to submit a complaint? Visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call 855-411-

CFPB(2372).

Note: If debt collection efforts seek to recover criminal-justice debt, these protections may not 

apply.
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 68

MODULE 7

Understanding credit 

reports and scores

Building a positive credit history (which is measured 

through credit reports and scores) can help you when 

getting a job or approval for housing or a loan.

At a glance

This module explains the importance of credit reports and scores and reviews ways to 

improve and maintain your credit history.

 Requesting your free credit reports

 Requesting your free credit reports by mail from a correctional facility

 Reviewing your credit reports

 Disputing errors on your credit report

Overview

The concept of “credit” can be complicated. People sometimes confuse the words 

debt and credit. A simplified way to tell them apart is to think of credit as the ability 

to borrow money and repay it later, while debt is the amount of money that you have 

to repay when you’ve used credit. You can have credit available to use without having 

debt. For example, you may have a credit card that is paid off—meaning you have 

credit available to use but don’t owe any debt. When you take out a credit card or 

other loan, you create (or add to) your credit history. Sometimes when people talk 

about their financial situation, they say they have “good credit” or “bad credit.” This 

usually refers to their credit history.

Credit reporting companies gather information from your credit history into a credit 

report. A credit report may show some of your bill payment history, along with some 
69 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

public record information and a record of how often you have applied for 

credit.

A credit report may also show how much available credit you have, how 

much of your available credit you’re using, whether you have made your 

payments on time, and whether debt collectors have reported that they’re 

attempting to collect debt that you owe.

The information in your credit report is used to create credit scores. Many 

lenders use credit scores to decide how much money they can lend you and 

how much interest to charge. In general, the higher your credit score, the 

better the loan terms may be.

Focus on Reentry

Credit reports have particular significance for people who have been 

involved in the justice system. Civil judgments, child support, bankruptcies, 

tax liens, and other debts can and do appear on credit reports. Credit 

reports typically do not include arrests or criminal convictions but 

background screening reports do. Background screening reports are often 

used by employers and landlords when considering prospective employees 

and renters. See Module 10, Background screening reports for more 

information and tools.

Incarcerated individuals may have difficulty accessing and reviewing their 

credit reports, making it harder to spot, stop, or fix identity theft. You may 

want to get a free credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit report. See 

Module 9, Tool: How to handle identity theft. For information on how to spot 

the signs of identity theft, visit https://www .identitytheft .gov

Many individuals transitioning from incarceration may have a poor credit 

history or are "credit invisible," meaning they have no or little credit history. 

Building or rebuilding credit is important to getting jobs, housing and 

credit. There are ways to build credit, including with products such as 

secured credit cards or credit building loans. For more information and 

tools about credit, see "Want credit to work for you?" booklet at https://

www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-moneyyour-goals/booklets-talk-about-money/

Using the tools

§ Complete Requesting your free credit reports to plan when you’re going 

to order your free annual credit reports
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 70

§ If you are incarcerated, review the Requesting your free credit report by mail 

from a correctional facility handout and pay close attention to the items you 

need to provide in your letter of request

§ Complete Reviewing your credit reports to make sure all the information in 

them is correct and up to date

§ Review the Disputing errors on your credit reports handout to learn how you 

can dispute mistakes on your reports
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 71

 GETTING STARTED

Requesting your free credit reports

Make a plan for requesting your free credit reports once 

every 12 months. 

Your credit report can be used for more than just a loan approval. That’s why it’s 

important to look at your reports each year to make sure your information is correct. 

You should request your credit report from all three nationwide credit reporting 

companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—since each report can have different 

information in it. Learn more about requesting credit reports for minors at https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/should-i-request-credit-reports-for-my-children-en-1271/

If you work with youth in foster care, visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/

im-a-caseworker-for-a-youth-in-foster-care-how-do-i-check-a-credit-report-for-a-youthin-foster-care-en-1871/

What to do

§ Pick a method to order your credit reports. You can get them online, by phone, or 

by mail. If you get your reports online, be sure you’re accessing them from a safe and 

secure device and location. Be very cautious doing this on public computers, since 

you’re accessing sensitive personal information and you want to keep it safe.

§ Be ready to answer some security questions if you request your report online or by 

phone. You’ll be asked questions that are meant to be hard for anyone but you. If you 

can’t answer, you’ll have to request the report by mail. Questions might be: 

§ How much is your monthly mortgage or car payment?

§ Which bank is your auto loan from? 

§ Decide when you’ll order each report. Consider getting a report from a different 

credit reporting company every four months, as a way to monitor your credit for free. 

 CONSUMER ALERT

In addition to your free annual credit report, you also can now request your free credit 

reports weekly from each of the nationwide credit reporting agencies through April 

20, 2022 at https://www .AnnualCreditReport .com. You can also get six free credit 

reports every twelve months from Equifax through December 31, 2026.
72 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

A step further

Review your credit reports carefully. They’ll probably be similar, but there may be 

differences between them, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to make sure that 

the information listed about you is accurate. Use the “Reviewing your credit reports” tool 

to check your credit reports for any mistakes.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 73

Pick a strategy for Requesting your 

free credit reports ..

REQUEST ON THREE SEPARATE DATES REQUEST ON A SINGLE DATE

Check your reports on three different 

dates throughout the year. Staggering 

them can help you see if anything is 

changing throughout the year or if any 

fraud has occurred.

Choose a single date that's easy to remember, 

like a birthday or holiday, to request all three 

of your reports at once. This is good if you're 

buying something big soon, that requires new 

credit, so you can correct errors right away. 

 I will request my reports on these three 

separate dates:

 I will request a report from all three 

companies on this day:

DATE COMPANY DATE COMPANY

Equifax Equifax, Experian, TransUnion 

Experian

TransUnion

Strategies for requesting your credit reports

 CONSUMER ALERT

In addition to your free annual credit 

report, you also can now request your 

free credit reports weekly from each of 

the nationwide credit reporting agencies 

through April 20, 2022 at https://www .

AnnualCreditReport .com. You can also get 

six free credit reports every twelve months 

from Equifax through December 31, 2026.

1. Pick when you'll request your credit

reports using the strategy that works best

for you.

2. Write down when you'll request them from

each company, Experian, Equifax, and

TransUnion. You can get a free report from

each company once every 12 months.

3. Create a reminder on your calendar or

phone to help you follow through.
74 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The federal government authorizes only one 

source for your free credit reports. You can make 

a request online, by phone, or by mail. 

Visit https://www .AnnualCreditReport .com

Call (877) 322-8228

Request by mail. Download and complete the 

form at https://www .AnnualCreditReport .com/

manualRequestForm .action.

Mail the completed form to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service

P.O. Box 105281

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

How to request your free reports
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 75

Incarcerated individuals who may not have 

access to the internet or phone can opt to 

request a free credit report by mail. In your 

letter, you can request credit reports from all 

three credit reporting companies: TransUnion, 

Equifax, and Experian. 

The credit reporting companies request the 

following information for mail requests from 

prisons or jails:

§ Consumer’s first, middle, and last names, plus

any suffix used

§ A prisoner identification number

§ Current address

§ Address(es) during the two years preceding

incarceration

§ Social Security number

§ Date of birth

§ The name of the correctional institution as the

return address and the prisoner identification

number on the envelope used to mail the

request.

To request your credit reports by mail, write to 

the address below and include the name of the 

credit reporting company or companies you 

want the report from:

Annual Credit Report Request Service 

P.O. Box 105281 

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 

(877) 322-8228

Correctional facilities have different rules related 

to retaining personal information. Check with the 

correctional facility to determine how to keep 

copies of your credit report. 

If you hit barriers as you request your credit 

report from prison or jail, you can submit a 

complaint to the CFPB.

Be sure to include your prison identification 

number and prison address when submitting a 

complaint to CFPB.

HOW TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT

 Online

www .consumerfinance.gov/complaint

 By phone (180+ languages)

M-F, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET

(855) 411-2372

(855) 729-2372 TTY/TDD

 By mail

Consumer Financial Protection 

1700 G St. NW 

Washington, DC 20552

Requesting your free credit reports 

by mail from a correctional facility .
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 76

 GETTING STARTED

Reviewing your credit reports

Look through your credit reports carefully to make sure all the 

information is correct. 

Errors on your credit reports can negatively affect your credit scores and ability to get a 

loan. Reviewing your reports on a regular basis can also help you monitor for things like 

identity theft and fraud.

Sometimes your information isn’t reported to all three nationwide credit reporting 

companies. As a result, some things may not be listed on all three reports, especially 

information about older accounts, accounts you’ve closed, or some of your older jobs 

or addresses. 

This can cause inconsistencies among your credit reports. It’s most important to make 

sure that the information that is listed on each report is correct.

What to do

§ Start by getting free copies of your credit reports. Use the “Requesting your free 

credit reports” tool to find out how. 

§ Read through each credit report carefully, using the checklist as a guide for what 

errors to look for.

A step further

If you find any mistakes on your credit reports, you should dispute them. Use the 

“Disputing errors on your credit reports” tool to get started.

In addition to your free annual credit report, you also can now request your free credit 

reports weekly from each of the nationwide credit reporting agencies through April 20, 

2022 at https://www .AnnualCreditReport .com. You can also get six free credit reports 

every twelve months from Equifax through December 31, 2026.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 77

Monitor and find errors by Reviewing 

your credit reports regularly.

1. Make a copy of this tool, one for each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies.

2. Use the checklist to review the five sections of each of your credit reports.

3. Write down any questions you have or incorrect information you need to dispute.

Name of credit reporting company:

SECTION IS THIS INFORMATION CORRECT? QUESTIONS OR ERRORS

Header and 

identifying

information

 My name (including spelling)

 My Social Security number

 My current telephone number

 My current address

 My previous addresses

 My employment history

Public record 

information

 My financial public record 

information, like bankruptcies, 

judgments, or tax liens

Collection agency 

account information

 My accounts, if any, in 

collections

 The status of each of 

my accounts






78 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE



SECTION IS THIS INFORMATION CORRECT? QUESTIONS OR ERRORS

Credit account 

information

 All of the accounts are mine

 The status of each of 

my accounts, such as whether 

they are open or closed; and 

whether I paid on time, missed 

payments, or paid less than the 

amount due.

 I'm accurately listed as an 

authorized user, co-signer, or 

joint owner

 All accounts I've closed 

are listed as "closed by the 

consumer"

Inquiries made to 

your account

 I recognize all "hard inquiries" 

or times when I've applied for 

credit and a lender reviewed 

my credit report. To learn more 

about inquiries, visit https://

www.consumerfinance.gov/

ask-cfpb/whats-a-credit-inquiryen-1317


MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 79

Disputing errors on your 

credit reports .

If you find mistakes on your 

credit reports, you should 

dispute them. Here’s how you 

can dispute errors you find. 

Errors can appear on one or more of your 

credit reports due to an error in the information 

provided about you or as the result of fraud or 

identity theft. 

If you find errors on your credit reports, you 

should dispute them with the credit reporting 

company (most often Equifax, Experian, or 

TransUnion) and the furnisher of the information.

GETTING READY TO DISPUTE

Review the mistakes you identified in the 

“Reviewing your credit reports” tool. Then 

gather any documents you have that support 

your dispute. 

This can include things like:

§ Your credit report with the mistake circled or 

highlighted

§ Copies of anything that proves there is an 

error—for example, if your report incorrectly 

shows that you’re late paying a credit card, 

make copies of bills or cleared checks (or 

money order stubs) that show you’ve paid on 

time

§ Copies of your Social Security card, birth 

certificate, or other personal identity 

information, if you’re disputing a mistake 

related to that information

If you suspect that the error on your report 

is a result of identity theft, visit https://www .

identitytheft .gov. See Module 9: Protecting 

your Money for more information about identity 

theft and steps to take if you are a victim, 

including filing a fraud alert or security freeze. 

SUBMITTING THE DISPUTE

You can submit a dispute to the credit reporting 

company by phone, by mail, or online. Explain 

the error and what you want changed. Clearly 

identify each mistake separately, state the facts, 

explain why you are disputing the information, 

and request that it be removed or corrected.

Some of the credit reporting companies 

provide a dispute form you can use. You’ll also 

want to send a letter explaining the mistake(s)—

there’s a letter template you can use on the 

next page. 

Make sure you also include copies of all of your 

supporting documentation. Keep your originals.

You can also choose to send a copy of the 

dispute to the business or individual that 

provided the incorrect information (furnisher). 

You can usually find that address on your 

credit report.

If you’re mailing the dispute information, it’s a 

good idea to use certified mail with a return 

receipt requested, if that’s available to you. That 

way, the post office will send a postcard telling 

you when your dispute letter was delivered.
80 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

EQUIFAX EXPERIAN. TRANSUNION

Online https://www .equifax .

com/personal/disputes

https://www .experian .

com/disputes

https://www .

transunion .com/creditdisputes/dispute-yourcredit

Mail Mail letter explaining 

mistakes and completed 

dispute form

Mail letter explaining 

mistakes

Mail letter explaining 

mistakes and 

completed dispute 

form

Dispute form:

Use form below

Dispute form:

None needed

Dispute form:

https://www .transunion .

com/docs/rev/personal/

InvestigationRequest .pdf

Mail to:

Equifax Information 

Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30348

Mail to:

Experian

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

Mail to: 

TransUnion Consumer 

Solutions

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

Phone (800) 864-2978 (888) 397-3742 (800) 916-8800

WAITING FOR MISTAKES TO GET FIXED

The credit reporting company generally has 

30 calendar days (45 days in some cases) to 

investigate your dispute. They have five 

business days to notify you of the results 

once the investigation is complete.

If the error is fixed, you’ll receive a copy of your 

updated credit report, which doesn’t count as 

your free annual report.

If, as a result of your dispute, a furnisher 

determines they sent the wrong information 

to a credit reporting company, they must send 

the correction to various credit reporting 

companies to which they had provided the 

incorrect information. 

IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE RESULTS

You can send the credit reporting company a 

letter stating you don’t agree with the outcome. 

The credit reporting company has to clearly 

note that the information has been disputed and 

provide your explanation on any future reports.

You can also submit a complaint to the Bureau 

at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint. 

We'll forward it to the company and work to get 

you a response. 

You may also want to seek assistance 

from a lawyer. Learn more at https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-findan-attorney-in-my-state-en-1549/

Ways to contact the credit reporting companies
MODULE 7: UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES 81

Name

I am writing to dispute information that appears on my 

consumer report.

I am disputing the items on the following page. Please investigate the items I have 

described below, make necessary corrections and notify me when complete.

Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely,

Credit reporting company name and address

Name and return address

Date of birth (any format) Report confirmation number, if available

Today's date

My information

Phone number

- -
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 82

MODULE 8

Choosing financial 

products and services

Learning about financial products and services and how they 

work can help you better manage your money, improve your 

credit scores, and save for your goals.

At a glance

This module helps you understand the different kinds of financial products and services 

available, with a focus on checking and savings accounts and prepaid cards.

 Opening a checking or savings account

 Evaluating your prepaid or payroll card

 Knowing your prepaid rights

Overview

Financial products and services are the tools you use to store and access money, make 

payments and purchases, send money to other people or businesses, and pay for 

purchases over time. They include things like checking and savings accounts, prepaid 

cards, payroll cards, government benefits and EBT cards, credit cards, money transfers, bill 

payment services, and loans.

One important key to finding the right financial product or service is first thinking about the 

reason you need one. You may want a secure place to put the money you’re saving for your 

goals, unexpected expenses, or emergencies. You may want a convenient way to pay your 

bills or to use your mobile phone to access your financial accounts. You may be looking for 

a loan to buy a car. Or you may want to repair or build your credit history to improve your 

credit scores.
83 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Focus on Reentry 

Individuals with criminal records may face barriers in opening accounts. One common 

barrier to opening a bank or credit union account is a lack of identification. Another is 

negative information on a report from a specialty consumer reporting company, showing 

your checking account or banking history. Specialty consumer reporting companies may 

also use public records, including criminal records, in the reports they create about you 

and provide to banks and credit unions. If you are interested in getting an account at a 

bank or credit union, you should check to see if one or more of these checking account 

screening companies has compiled a report on you, and if their information is accurate. 

Similar to background screening and credit reports, you can review the report and file a 

dispute if you find mistakes. The CFPB has compiled a list of consumer reporting companies 

at https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_consumer-reporting-companieslist_03-2021.pdf

Even if you’ve been denied an account based on information that is accurate, you may still 

be able to get access to the financial services that you need. Ask the bank, credit union or 

other financial provider if they offer accounts that are designed to reduce risks for both you 

and financial institution, typically by helping you manage your spending and avoid overdraft 

and overdraft fees. For more information, about bank and credit union account services, 

see https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/bank-accounts/

Before selecting or using a financial product or service, take time to understand the 

conditions and fees associated with each one to help you avoid unexpected charges. If you 

already have a bank account, and you are not using it or you haven't used it in a while, check 

with your bank to see if they closed the account or charged you fees you didn’t expect. If 

you opt for a prepaid card, make sure to check the fees and terms, and understand your 

rights. The tools in this section can help you. 

For more information about your financial choices and tools to help with those choices, see 

Module 8 in the toolkit https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_your-moneyyour-goals_financial-empowerment_toolkit.pdf

Using the tools

§ Complete Opening a checking or savings account to make sure you have all the 

documentation and answers you need. Be sure to shop around and compare accounts 

and features to get the account that meets your needs.

§ Complete Evaluating your prepaid or payroll card to make sure you understand the 

details and fees associated with using the card

§ Review the Knowing your prepaid card rights handout before you buy or use a prepaid 

card so you know about your rights and responsibilities. You may be given a prepaid 

card as you transition from prison. Register the card to help make sure any protections 

are in place.
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 84

 GETTING STARTED

Opening a checking or 

savings account

Learn what documents you need and what questions to ask 

before you open an account .

Showing up prepared to the bank or credit union when you’re ready to open an account 

will help you save time and money. 

Most banks and credit unions require two forms of identification to open an account. 

Some will take one form of identification (such as your driver’s license or passport) and a 

bill with your name and address on it. The other part of being prepared is understanding 

the terms and costs of opening an account. Get answers to common questions before 

you sign your paperwork.

What to do

§ Gather your documents. Make sure you have the proper identification and documents 

to open an account.

§ Bring the required amount of money to open the account. You’ll usually need 

between $25 and $100 to open a checking or savings account at a bank. Some credit 

unions and banks don’t require an opening deposit and some require a deposit as low 

as $5 to open an account. 

§ Get all the facts. Call the bank or credit union or do research online to answer the 

questions in the checklist. Make sure you know how the account works and what fees 

are involved. 

A step further

Make the most of your account and keep your costs low by reviewing the “Avoiding 

checking account fees” tool.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 85

Gather what you need before Opening 

a checking or savings account

1. Review the items you need to open the account and check them off as you gather them. Write 

down any questions you have.

2. Get answers to all the questions listed to make sure you're aware of the terms, costs, and 

limitations of the account.

WHAT I NEED TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT QUESTIONS I HAVE

 A picture ID issued by a state, or the U.S. or foreign 

government (check which foreign IDs your bank or credit 

union accepts) 

 One of these second forms of identification: 

§ Social Security card

§ Birth certificate

§ Bill with your name and address on it

 Your Social Security number or ITIN; if you don't have one, 

you may be able to open only a no-interest account

 Money to put into the account 

QUESTIONS I WILL ASK THE BANK OR CREDIT UNION RESPONSES

 Is there a monthly fee? If so, how much is it and can it 

be waived? 

 Is direct deposit available?

 Do I have to pay for checks?

 Are there per-check or transaction fees? How much 

are they? 
86 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

QUESTIONS I WILL ASK THE BANK OR CREDIT UNION RESPONSES

 Are there convenient, free ATMs located near where I live, 

work, or shop?

 Is there access to online banking? What’s the cost to use?

 Is there access to online bill paying services? What’s the 

cost to use?

 What happens if I try to spend or withdraw more money 

than I have in my account (overdraft)?

 Are there alerts when my balance gets low?

 Will I earn any interest on the money in the account? What 

is the interest rate?
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 87

DEFINITIONS OF COMMON PREPAID CARD FEES

All fees vary from card to card, so check your cardholder agreement for terms, conditions, and 

costs. Here are some of the fees you might see.

Additional card For a second card when adding another person as an authorized user 

to your account

ATM withdrawal To use your card to withdraw money from an ATM; usually varies 

depending on if the ATM is within your card provider’s network or not

Balance inquiry To check your card balance using certain methods, like at an ATM or by 

calling customer service (there might be a fee for some methods or if 

you check often)

Bill payment To pay a bill online through the card provider’s website; may be 

charged a fee for each bill paid

Card cancellation To cancel a card at any time (there usually isn’t a fee); you might pay a 

fee to get a check for the remaining balance on the card

Card replacement To replace your card if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged

Card-to-card transfer To transfer money between two prepaid cards (also called a person-toperson transfer fee)

Cash reload For adding money to your card at a retail location

Decline If you attempt to use your card for something that costs more than the 

amount of money you have left on your card

Foreign transaction When you use your card in a foreign country or to pay in a 

foreign currency 

Inactivity If you don’t use your card for a certain period of time

Monthly A fixed fee you pay each month, even if you don’t use your card, that’s 

automatically deducted from your account balance (often waived if you 

sign up for direct deposit)

Paper statement If you request paper statements for your card transactions 

Transaction Charged every time you use the card for certain types of transactions 

(sometimes called a “per purchase fee”)
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 88

 GETTING STARTED

Evaluating your prepaid or payroll card

Carefully read the terms and fee descriptions when you get 

your prepaid or payroll card to learn how much you’ll pay 

each month to have and use your card .

Each prepaid and payroll card has its own set of rules and fees. Before you use your card, 

it’s important to understand the fees you’ll pay to maintain your account, make purchases, 

and withdraw money. After adding up the fees, you can compare cards and also compare 

the cost of a card to the costs of a bank or credit union account. 

Most prepaid cards have their own policies about loss, theft, and errors. Information 

about these policies can be found in the cardholder agreement. 

Most prepaid cards also offer details about terms and fees on their website, so you can 

look online if you want to compare cards before buying one. 

What to do

§ Review the definitions of common prepaid card fees so you know what they are. 

§ Find the terms and fees for your prepaid or payroll card. These are usually on the back 

or inside of the card packaging. 

§ Get all the facts. Make sure you have all the answers about how the card works and 

what fees are involved. Consider researching prepaid cards online, so you can read 

about all the features before you buy it.

A step further

A prepaid or payroll card can also give you the services that you would get with a debit 

card linked to a checking account. Review the “Finding financial products and services” 

tool to learn more. If your employer pays wages by payroll card, you must be offered 

at least one other option to get paid. Learn more with the “Knowing your prepaid card 

rights” handout.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/your-money-your-goals/tools
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 89

Learn about fees by Evaluating your 

prepaid or payroll card..

1. Look at your cardholder agreement to 

answer the questions about fees and 

card protections. 

2. Write in the response for each question. 

If there is no fee, enter $0. 

3. Use these answers to help manage the cost 

of having and using your card. 

Don’t forget to register your prepaid card to 

get all the protections offered. 

Adding money and getting cash

Questions to ask before using your card Notes

What’s the fee to withdraw money from an ATM that’s 

in-network? That’s out-of-network?

Things to consider: You may pay zero or smaller ATM fees by 

using your prepaid card at in-network ATMs, depending on 

the terms of your cardholder agreement.

Your payroll card may allow you a certain number of free ATM 

withdrawals each month. 

What’s the fee for reloading my prepaid card with cash at a 

retail location? Can I reload my card at the retail location 

where I purchased it?

Things to consider: Many retail stores don’t allow you to reload 

your card at the store and those that do sometimes charge 

a fee. Most prepaid cards provide other options for loading 

money to your card without a fee, such as direct deposit. 

Payroll cards usually don’t allow you to reload with cash. 

What’s the fee for spending or withdrawing money in 

another country?

Things to consider: Also called a currency conversion fee, this 

is usually a percentage of your purchase, withdrawal, or other 

transaction, rather than a flat fee.
90 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Checking my balance

Questions to ask before using your card Notes

What ways can I check my balance and what do they cost? 

How do I check my balance for free?

Things to consider: Most cards offer at least one free way to 

check your balance, such as online or request by email or text.

Is there a fee for receiving a paper statement in the mail?

Things to consider: You may be able to go online to get a 

statement, or at least a list of your recent card purchases and 

other transactions, without a fee.

Loss and errors

Questions to ask before using your card Notes

What’s the fee for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card?

Things to consider: Write down your card number and the 

customer service phone number and keep it in a safe place. 

Call customer service right away to report a lost or stolen card.

What protections do I have if my card is lost or stolen? Am I 

responsible for the charges?

Things to consider: Your rights to recover money taken from 

your card account depend on what type of card it is, whether 

it's been registered, and how quickly you report the loss after 

you discover it. Call your provider right away if your card or 

PIN is lost or stolen or if you see unauthorized charges.

What protections do I have if there are charges I didn't 

authorize or some other error with my card?

Things to consider: If your card is registered (or is a payroll 

card or a certain type of government benefit card), you may 

have certain “error resolution” rights that require that you get 

your money back after an error or theft (as long as you report 

it promptly).
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 91

Managing my card

Questions to ask before using your card Notes

What’s the monthly fee for having my card? 

Things to consider: Some prepaid cards that charge a 

monthly fee may waive the fee under certain circumstances, 

such as if you arrange to have your pay or benefits directly 

deposited into your account. Payroll cards usually don’t 

charge a monthly fee.

Will I be charged a fee if I don’t use my card for a certain 

length of time? If so, what is the fee and how long can I go 

without using my card before I am charged?

Things to consider: If your card charges inactivity fees, try to 

see what kinds of transactions or activity you can conduct to 

avoid the fee. Many cards don’t charge inactivity fees. 

What’s the fee if I get an additional card for an 

authorized user?

Things to consider: That additional card lets someone else 

spend your money, so think carefully about whether to add 

an authorized user to your account. Any new authorized users 

will have to register online or call customer service to verify 

their identity.

Is there a fee to cancel my card? What about to receive a 

check for the remaining unused balance after I cancel?

Things to consider: You can spend or withdraw the remaining 

funds on your card before you cancel the card to avoid a 

potential fee for sending you any unused funds. Most cards 

don’t charge to cancel the account.
92 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Using my card

Questions to ask before using your card Notes

What’s the fee for paying bills through my card 

provider's website?

Things to consider: Consider whether there are free ways to 

pay your bills, such as setting it up for the biller to debit your 

card account.

What’s the fee to transfer money between two cards?

Things to consider: Not all card providers allow you to 

transfer funds to another person using the same type of card. 

Compare this cost with other money transfer services.

Is there a fee if my transaction is declined because there’s 

not enough money on the card?

Things to consider: To avoid a decline fee, check your card 

balance before making a purchase to make sure there’s 

enough money on the card. Many cards offer free ways 

to check your balance, such as with a mobile app, by text 

message, or calling a toll-free number.

Is there a fee for each transaction I make? Do I have a choice 

between a “pay-as-you-go” plan that charges a fee per 

transaction and a monthly fee plan?

Things to consider: Some cards let you choose between a 

plan that charges transaction fees and one that charges a 

single monthly fee. Depending on how much you use your 

card in a month, one plan could be significantly cheaper than 

the other.

Can I set aside funds on the card for a specific purpose?

Things to consider: Some prepaid cards offer a savings wallet 

feature that allows you to save for your goals.
MODULE 8: CHOOSING FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 93

Knowing your prepaid card rights.

You have certain rights under 

the law and the terms of your 

cardholder agreement for your 

prepaid card. It’s important to 

know your rights and how to 

exercise them.

YOU'LL HAVE THE MOST PROTECTION IF 

YOU REGISTER YOUR PREPAID CARD 

Your use of a prepaid card might be limited 

until it's registered. Instructions for how to 

register your card are usually provided on the 

card packaging. Registration provides you with 

more protections if your card is lost or stolen. 

Some prepaid card providers may require you 

to register your card and verify your identity 

when you buy or receive the prepaid card, or 

soon after. 

CHOOSING HOW YOU GET PAID

Some employers might pay you only using a 

traditional paper check. If your employer 

offers to pay your wages by payroll card, you 

must be offered at least one other option. That 

option might be a paper check, or it could be 

direct deposit to an account of your choosing 

(such as a checking or savings account or 

your own prepaid card). Some states require 

employers to offer paper checks, while others 

permit employers to mandate electronic pay 

for wages. In those cases, you might have 

to choose between a payroll card and 

direct deposit.

CHOOSING HOW YOU RECEIVE SOME 

GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

For some types of government benefits, you 

may have a choice between receiving the 

benefits on a government-arranged prepaid 

card and having them directly deposited 

into your bank account or onto your own 

prepaid card. Check with the benefit program 

to see what your choices are.

PROTECTIONS FROM FRAUD AND ERRORS 

For most prepaid cards, you have protections 

in case of an unauthorized transaction or other 

error if you have registered your card (or if it's 

a payroll card or certain type of government 

benefit card). These protections are not 

available for needs-tested government benefits 

provided on a prepaid card and administered 

by state or local government, such as SNAP 

or TANF. Benefits administered by the federal 

government, such as SSI, are protected. 

For example, you generally can’t be held 

responsible for unauthorized charges or 

other errors if you report them promptly. The 

card provider may be required by federal 

law to credit the disputed amount to your 

account while investigating the problem if the 

investigation will take longer than 10 business 

days. You should call your card provider as 

soon as you notice your card is missing or 

notice charges you don’t recognize.
MODULE 9: PROTECTING YOUR MONEY 94

MODULE 9

Protecting your money

Learn about ways you can protect yourself and your money 

with practical tips and information about your financial 

rights and responsibilities.

At a glance

This module can help you understand your rights and responsibilities within the 

financial marketplace, how to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, and 

what you can do if you’ve been affected by identity theft, fraud, or a problem with a 

financial product or service.

 How to handle identity theft

 Submitting a complaint

Overview

When you’re an empowered consumer, you understand your rights and 

responsibilities. There are many laws that protect you when it comes to financial 

products and services. It’s the CFPB’s job to enforce these laws and handle 

consumers’ complaints about financial products and services. Knowing what your 

rights are can help prevent you from being taken advantage of during financial 

negotiations and transactions. And understanding your obligations can help you 

avoid late fees or problems with an account.

Focus on Reentry

You are also the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your financial 

information from fraud or theft. There are things you can do to be proactive about 

keeping your information safe before, after, or during incarceration:

§ Be aware of your credit. Check your credit reports regularly, and consider freezing 

your credit reports during incarceration. Make sure that someone you trust is 

taking care of your money.
95 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

§ Practice safe money habits. Make sure your passwords on important accounts 

are strong and varied. Destroy all papers, or safely digitize those you need, 

that have personal information like your Social Security number, address, and 

information about your court filings. Don’t share information with anyone you 

don’t know. 

§ If you are online or on mobile, practice safe digital habits by protecting your 

device with a passcode; using a secure, private channel (not public wireless 

networks); and opting for two-step authentication, e.g., a code via text to 

confirm identity, for extra security. And pay attention to the privacy and security 

options you are given - they are important.

§ Check all your information: Whether it is your criminal record, your background 

screening report, or your credit report, make sure your information is accurate 

and up to date. 

Using the tools

§ Review the How to handle identity theft handout to learn what steps to take if 

your identity has been stolen. To help prevent identity theft, especially if you are 

incarcerated, think about getting a freeze on your credit reports. 

§ Learn how Submitting a complaint can help you if you’ve had a problem with a 

financial product or service.
MODULE 9: PROTECTING YOUR MONEY 96

How to handle identity theft.

Here’s what you can do if you 

suspect you’re the victim of 

identity theft or fraud. 

ORDER YOUR CREDIT REPORTS FROM ALL 

THREE NATIONWIDE CREDIT REPORTING 

COMPANIES

Each company’s credit report about you is 

slightly different, so order a report from each 

company. When you order, you must answer 

some questions to prove your identity. Read 

your reports carefully to see if the information 

is correct. If you see mistakes or signs of fraud, 

contact the credit reporting company to take 

further action.

See Module 7: Understanding Credit Reports 

and Scores for tools that can help you order, 

review, and correct mistakes on your 

credit reports.

REPORT IDENTITY THEFT

Report identity theft to the Federal Trade 

Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov or (877) 

438-4338 or by mail to:

FTC Consumer Response Center 

600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. 

Washington, DC 20580

You’ll answer some questions about what 

happened and they'll use your information to:

§ Create a personal recovery plan

§ Pre-fill letters to send to merchants, banks, 

and others affected by the identity theft

§ Complete an “Identity Theft Report,” which is 

your official statement about the crime

In most cases, you can use your Identity Theft 

Report in place of a police report to clear your 

account and credit history of transactions that 

resulted from the identity theft. 

Contact the police to report identity theft if:

§ You know who did it or have information that 

could help a police investigation

§ An identity thief used your name in a traffic 

stop or any encounter with police

§ You're asked to produce a police report

CONSIDER A CREDIT PROTECTION TOOL

There are three types of credit protection tools 

that you can request from credit reporting 

companies: a security freeze, an initial fraud 

alert, or an extended fraud alert. These are all 

free.

SECURITY FREEZE

A freeze on your credit report generally helps 

prevent new credit accounts from being opened 

in your name. Usually, third-party-access to your 

credit file is completely blocked from new users 

without your express authorization. 

A freeze helps prevent identity thieves from 

opening fraudulent accounts in your name. This 

also means you won’t be able to apply for credit 

as easily if you were planning to open a new 

account or apply for a loan.

You must contact each of the credit reporting 

companies to freeze your credit report. You will 

have to contact them to lift the freeze before a 

third-party can access your credit report.
97 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

INITIAL FRAUD ALERT

An initial fraud alert requires creditors to verify 

your identity before opening a new account, 

issuing an additional card, or increasing the 

credit limit on an existing account. This is 

a good first step if you’re worried that your 

identity may be stolen, like after a data breach. 

The alert lasts for one year and can be renewed 

after it expires.

EXTENDED FRAUD ALERT

An extended fraud alert requires creditors to 

contact you before approving credit and lasts 

for seven years. It also requires credit reporting 

companies to remove you from lists prepared 

for pre-screen offers of credit or insurance 

for five years. This is available if you've filed 

an identity theft report with one of the three 

nationwide credit reporting companies.

Equifax Security Freeze

P.O. Box 105788 

Atlanta, Georgia 30348

(800) 685-1111

https://www .equifax .com/

personal/credit-reportservices/credit-freeze/

Experian Security Freeze

P.O. Box 9554 

Allen, TX 75013 

(888) 397-3742

https://www .experian .com/

freeze/center .html

Transunion

P.O. Box 2000 

Chester, PA 19016 

(800) 680-7289

https://www .transunion .com/

credit-freeze/place-creditfreeze

CONTACT INFO FOR THE THREE NATIONWIDE CREDIT REPORTING COMPANIES 

CREDIT PROTECTION AND REQUIREMENTS.

SECURIT Y 

FREEZE.

INITIAL 

ALERT.

EXTENDED 

ALERT.

Lender is required to verify your identity before 

approving new credit  

Completely prevents your report from being 

shared with most third parties unless lifted 

Triggers heightened verification procedures for the 

people who use your credit report  

Request if you believe you're a victim of ID theft  

Requires an identity theft report 

Extra free credit report  

Exclusion from prescreening lists 

Free in every state   
MODULE 9: PROTECTING YOUR MONEY 98

Submitting a complaint.

Having an issue with a financial 

product or service? If so, you 

can submit a complaint to the 

CFPB and we’ll work to get you 

a response from the company. 

The CFPB has handled over three million 

complaints, helping consumers connect with 

financial companies to get direct responses about 

problems with mortgages, student loans, debt 

collection, credit reports, and other financial 

products and services. 

Every complaint we receive gives us insights 

into problems that people are experiencing in 

the marketplace and helps us to identify and 

prioritize problems for potential action.

THE COMPLAINT PROCESS

After you submit a complaint, it goes through 

several steps.

1. Complaint submitted

You submit a complaint about an issue you

have with a company about a consumer

financial product or service. You’ll receive

email updates and can log in at https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ to track

the status of your complaint.

2. Review and route

We'll forward your complaint and any

documents you provide to the company

and work to get a response from them. If we

find that another government agency would

be better able to assist, we’ll forward your

complaint to them and let you know.

3. Company response

The company reviews your complaint,

communicates with you as needed, and

reports back about the steps taken or that

will be taken on the issue you identify in your

complaint.

4. Complaint published

We publish information about your

complaint—such as the subject and date

of the complaint—on our public Consumer

Complaint Database (https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/data-research/

consumer-complaints). If you consent, we also

publish your description of what happened,

after taking steps to remove personal

information.

5. Consumer review

We’ll let you know when the company

responds. You’ll be able to review the

company’s response and will have 60

days to give us feedback about the complaint

process.

HOW TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT

 Online

www .consumerfinance.gov/complaint

 By phone (180+ languages)

M-F, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET

(855) 411-2372

(855) 729-2372 TTY/TDD

 By mail

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

1700 G St. NW 

Washington, DC 20552

If you are sending complaint from prison, 

remember to include your prison number .
MODULE 10: UNDERSTANDING BACKGROUND SCREENING REPORTS 99

MODULE 10

Understanding 

background screening 

reports

Your credit report is only one type of consumer report 

that may affect your financial life. Learn about how 

background screening reports are used to check your 

criminal records. 

At a glance

This module helps you understand your rights when it comes to background 

screening reports and how to review them for any errors about your criminal 

history. 

 Background screening reports

 Reviewing your background screening reports

 Obtaining your criminal records

Overview

When you apply for a job or want to rent a house or apartment, a background 

screening report or check may be part of the process. The reports are used to 

evaluate prospective or current employees or tenants. Background screening 

reports may include many types of information, including credit history, public 

records from civil court proceedings – such as bankruptcy filings, evictions and 

other court documents – and information related to employment history. They may 

also include other public record information on arrests and convictions 

of individuals.
100 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Focus on Reentry

A check for criminal record history is typically included in the request an employer 

or landlord makes as part of a background screening report. Before you apply for 

a job or housing, check your credit reports to look for any errors you could address 

ahead of time. If you have a criminal record, you may want to make sure you have 

your correct criminal history or Record of Arrest and Prosecutions (RAP) sheet. 

Check to see if any records are eligible for sealing or expungement in your state. 

Background checks may be done as part of the hiring process, or for employees, 

during the promotion, reassignment, or retention process. Special rules apply 

when an employer uses a background screening report for employment purposes. 

Use the background screening handout to review your rights when employers use 

background screening reports. 

If an employer gets a background report on you without your permission, you 

can submit a complaint against the employer and the company that provided the 

background screening report. You can submit a complaint with the CFPB at https://

www.consumerfinance.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at https://www .ftc .

gov

Employers are required to give you a copy of the report and a summary of your 

rights before they take action based on any information from the report. After you 

get your report, use the background screening checklist tool to review the report. 

Various types of errors can appear in background reports, including:

§ Identity mix-ups. People with the same or similar Social Security numbers can 

get their records mixed up with each other. 

§ Multiple listings. Convictions are listed multiple times, which makes it appear 

that there are multiple offenses on your record.

§ Incomplete information. Record doesn’t reflect dismissals, deferred 

prosecutions, or other key information.

§ Old arrests. Arrests that are older than seven years.

For more information about background screening reports, visit https://www .

consumer .ftc .gov/articles/0157-background-checks and CFPB background report 

snapshot at https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201909_cfpb_marketsnapshot-background-screening_report.pdf

Individuals with criminal records may face discrimination in the employment and 

housing application process. For more information about rights under employment 
MODULE 10: UNDERSTANDING BACKGROUND SCREENING REPORTS 101

discrimination laws, visit the EEOC at eeoc.gov or call (800) 669-4000 (voice) or 

(800) 669-6820 (TTY). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

in 2016 issued guidance advising that blanket policies denying housing on the 

basis of arrests alone may violate the Fair Housing Act. For more information, see 

https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HUD_OGCGUIDAPPFHASTANDCR.PDF

You can report housing discrimination at HUD by visiting https://www .hud .gov/

program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint

Using the tools

§ Review the Background screening reports handout to understand your rights 

when employers use background reports. If you are incarcerated, you can read 

this as you prepare for release.

§ Use the Reviewing your background screening reports to help make sure the 

information in the report is accurate and identify any errors. If you find an error, 

it is important to file a dispute with the background screening company. 

§ Review the Obtaining your criminal records handout to help understand the 

process for criminal records. You may need to seek help from your lawyer, legal 

aid or expungement clinics to obtain and address any errors in your criminal 

records.

It is good practice to keep an accurate RAP (Record of Arrest and Prosecution) 

sheet on hand as you apply for jobs.
MODULE 10: UNDERSTANDING BACKGROUND SCREENING REPORTS 102

When you apply for a job, the 

employer may, with your consent, 

request a background screening 

report on you.

A background screening report, also known as 

a background check, can include information 

from public records, including criminal records. 

If you have been arrested or convicted, you 

likely have a criminal record or RAP (Record of 

Arrests and Prosecutions).

So that you know what a potential employer may 

see about you, it's a good idea to request your 

own background screening report and check it 

for errors. However, keep in mind that not every 

consumer reporting company has information 

on everyone. For a list of several employment 

background screening providers see https://

www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/

credit-reports-and-scores/consumer-reportingcompanies/companies-list/

Know your rights

Federal law (the Fair Credit Reporting Act) 

gives you certain rights and protections when 

it comes to the information in your background 

screening reports and how employers and 

others may use them. State laws may provide 

additional protections.

Under federal law, you have the right to receive:

Prior notice: The employer must tell you that it 

might use information from the report to make a 

decision about your employment.

Prior written consent: The employer must ask 

for your written permission before getting the 

report (except in the trucking industry where, 

under certain circumstances, it also may be 

given by oral or electronic means). You are not 

required to give permission. However, if you 

don’t, the employer may reject your application. 

If an employer obtains your background report 

without your permission, you can submit 

a complaint with the Consumer Financial 

Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade 

Commission (FTC).

Your own copy and a summary of your rights 

before the employer takes any “adverse 

action”: The employer must give you a copy of 

the report, and a document called “A Summary 

of Your Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting 

Act” before taking any action - such as not 

hiring, retaining or promoting you - because of 

something in the report.

Adverse action notice: If you do not get hired, 

retained, or promoted because of information in 

your background report, the employer must tell 

you orally, in writing, or electronically:

§ The name, address, and phone number of 

the company that supplied the report

§ That the company that provided the report 

didn’t make the decision to take an “adverse 

action” and can’t give you the specific 

reasons for it

§ That you have the right to dispute the 

accuracy or completeness of any information 

in the report, and to get an additional free 

report from the company that supplied 

it, if you request it within 60 days of the 

employer’s decision not to hire or retain you

Background screening reports.
103 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Some employers might say not to apply if 

you have a criminal record. That could be 

discrimination. If this happens, contact the 

EEOC at https://www .eeoc .gov/contact-eeoc

Disputing errors

If possible, request the name of the background 

screening company the employer plans to use 

at the time you provide consent. You can use 

this information to request a copy of that report. 

If there is a mistake in the background screening 

report and you wish to dispute it, immediately 

inform the background screening company 

that provided the report. For example, when 

the background screening report includes 

information about an arrest that happened 

more than seven years ago.

First, inform the background screening 

company in writing of the error or information 

you are disputing. You can tell the employer 

about the mistake as well. You can also 

include documentation to show the accurate 

or complete information, either online or 

through the mail. You may wish to choose to 

use certified mail, return receipt requested so 

that you have a record. Don't send originals, but 

send copies of documents. You may need to get 

the underlying criminal history data from the 

courthouse or state repository (See Handout: 

Obtaining your criminal records).

The background screening company generally 

has 30 days (an additional 15 days in some 

circumstances) from the time it receives your 

dispute to investigate and respond to it. The 

background screening company must review 

and consider all relevant information that you 

submit. Once the company completes the 

investigation it has 5 business days to notify you.

If there is a mistake in the background screening 

report, the background screening company 

must fix it, and send a copy of the corrected 

report to the employer. If the background 

screening company does not correct the 

errors, and remove the inaccurate, incomplete, 

or unverifiable information, you can submit 

a complaint with the CFPB or the FTC. Go to 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint or 

https://www .ftc .gov/faq/consumer-protection/

submit-consumer-complaint-ftc. You can also 

file a lawsuit.

Request additional help

Obtaining, checking, and correcting your 

background screening report may include 

many steps. It may involve requesting and/

or correcting criminal records and other data 

from multiple states, which may involve visiting 

each court that originated the records. Help 

from an attorney may be necessary to ensure 

your background screening report and your 

criminal records are accurate. Visit https://

cleanslateclearinghouse .org/states/ to find help 

in your state.
MODULE 10: UNDERSTANDING BACKGROUND SCREENING REPORTS 104

 GETTING STARTED

Reviewing your background 

screening reports

This tool will help you identify inaccurate or incomplete 

information about your criminal history on your background 

screening report. 

Since background screening reports are used by employers and include information 

from criminal records, it’s important to make sure that your criminal records and 

background screening reports are accurate and up-to-date.

What to do

§ Go through the checklist while reviewing your background screening report.

§ Check off the boxes next to any errors you find on your report. 

§ Highlight the information you think may or may not be correct on your report as 

you compare it with the checklist.

A step further

The information in your background screening reports is pulled from your criminal 

records, so it’s important that your criminal records are also accurate and up-to-date. 

You may need to seek help from legal aid, expungement clinics, or other organizations 

that provide assistance on this topic. Visit https://cleanslateclearinghouse .org/states/

for help finding assistance with criminal records issues in your state.

To access a dynamic and fillable version of this tool, visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/companion-guides/
MODULE 10: UNDERSTANDING BACKGROUND SCREENING REPORTS 105

 Find errors by Reviewing your 

background screening reports

Highlight the information you think might not be correct on your background 

screening report as you compare it with this checklist. 

If you find errors, file a dispute with the background screening company.

Possible errors in criminal history on a background screening report

The record or report does not include correct identifying information . 

Check if any of following are incorrect: 

 Full name Social Security information Addresses Case or docket numbers 

If you do not have your case or docket number, you may need to seek assistance from your 

attorney or Legal Aid or obtain your records from the court.

The report includes information you believe to be expunged or sealed . 

Expunged or sealed records are those that have been removed from public view. States have 

different laws on expungement and you should check the laws of your state to determine if 

they may apply to your records or seek assistance from an attorney or other organization. 

See next page for links to legal assistance sites.

The report includes incomplete records . 

The report lists single charges multiple times .

The report includes information that has been or should have been expunged, cleared or not 

reported under state or federal law .

The report includes arrests or other negative information that occurred more than seven 

years ago (except for convictions, which can stay on permanently in most states) . 

Some states may limit further the types or time frame for criminal history information.
106 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Possible errors in criminal history on a background screening report

The report misclassifies misdemeanors as felonies.

The report includes a charge, arrest or conviction that is not yours - you were not charged or 

convicted of such an offense .

Get help from your attorney, legal aid, a pro bono (volunteer) or other attorney, or organization 

to check and correct your record. For a list of legal aid offices visit https://www.consumerfinance.

gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-find-an-attorney-in-my-state-en-1549/ For a list of state-by-state legal 

assistance related to criminal records, visit https://cleanslateclearinghouse.org/find-a-lawyer/.
MODULE 10: UNDERSTANDING BACKGROUND SCREENING REPORTS 107

Obtaining your criminal records.

Since background screening 

reports may include criminal record 

information it's important to check 

these records for mistakes.

Potential employers may conduct background 

screening on you. To do this, they may buy and 

review a background screening report. You 

may want to get your criminal records or RAP 

sheets (Records of Arrest and Prosecution) – 

also called Identity History Summary - so you 

can check them for any mistakes, because this 

information may appear in your background 

screening report. There is often a charge for 

these records. You may be able to get the fees 

for the records waived, depending on the state 

where the records are located.

Where to get your records

Local or state police department

At the local police department where you reside 

or where you know there may be records about 

you, request that the police conduct a local or 

state criminal records search and provide you 

with a document reflecting your criminal record 

or that you have no criminal record. Local 

police departments may require your personal 

appearance in order to conduct the search.

State criminal records authority

Each state has its own agency, or repository, 

that keeps criminal record information and 

its own process for getting criminal record 

information. For state-by-state information on 

state criminal records repositories and other 

resources, visit https://clearinghouse .lac .org/. 

(If a state does not have a repository, see below 

for information about getting records from the 

courthouse.)

State or county court records

Courthouses maintain records relating to 

criminal charges and convictions, including 

arraignments, trials, pleas, and other 

dispositions. Searching county or local 

courthouses usually provides the most 

complete criminal history. Many courthouse 

records must be retrieved on-site, but some 

courthouses offer their records remotely online.

For a state-by-state listing of state court records 

sites from the National Center for State Courts 

visit https://www .ncsc .org/information-andresources/state-court-websites

Federal court records

Public Access to Court Electronic Records 

(PACER) is an electronic public access service 

that allows users to obtain case and docket 

information online from federal courts. 

Visit https://pacer .uscourts .gov/ for more 

information.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) 

Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

(FBI) centralizes criminal justice information 

and provides information and services to local, 
108 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

state, federal, and international law enforcement 

agencies, the private sector, academia, and 

other government agencies.

An Identity History Summary—often referred to 

as a criminal history record or a “rap sheet”—

is a listing of certain information taken from 

fingerprint submissions kept by the FBI and 

related to arrests and, in some instances, federal 

employment, naturalization, or military service.

For information on the various options for how 

to obtain your Identity History Summary from 

the FBI, visit https://www .fbi .gov/services/cjis/

identity-history-summary-checks

Expungement

Some criminal history records may be subject 

to expungement or sealing. There are no 

uniform rules, processes or definitions of 

“expungement.”

In general, expungement refers to destroying 

a record and sealing refers to removing 

a record from public view. But terms and 

their meanings may vary depending on the 

jurisdiction. This process may be referred to 

as “erasure,” “destruction,” “sealing,” “setting 

aside,” “expunction,” “purging” "clearing" and 

"automatic record clearance." States have 

different criteria and processes for “expunging” 

records – or making them generally unavailable 

through federal or state databases. For 

information about state expungement laws and 

resources, visit https://cleanslateclearinghouse .

org/states/

For help with criminal records 

Criminal record data, including expungement 

data, may be difficult to understand and hard 

to correct. But, you have the right to ensure 

records about you are correct. You may need to 

seek help from legal aid, expungement clinics, 

or other organizations that provide assistance. 

For state-by-state resources such as where 

to find legal assistance and other information 

related to criminal records and reentry please 

visit https://cleanslateclearinghouse .org/states/

and https://clearinghouse .lac .org
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 109

Additional resources

Help with general guidance in reentry

§ The National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC): https://

nationalreentryresourcecenter .org/about-national-reentry-resource-center

- For a state-by-state list of reentry services, visit https://

nationalreentryresourcecenter .org/reentry-services

§ State resources for people who need assistance with their criminal records: 

https://cleanslateclearinghouse .org/states/ and https://clearinghouse .lac .org/

§ Searchable national inventory of legal and regulatory sanctions and restrictions 

for people with criminal records: https://niccc .nationalreentryresourcecenter .

org/

§ List of consumer reporting companies from the CFPB: https://www .

consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/consumerreporting-companies/companies-list/

Help with employment and hiring

§ Department of Labor American Job Centers: https://www .careeronestop .org

§ Deportment of Labor employment resources: https://www .dol .gov/general/

audience/aud-unemployed

§ State-based support for people with criminal records seeking jobs: https://www .

careeronestop .org/ExOffender/FindAJob/FindOpenings/search-for-jobs .aspx

§ The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EOCC): https://www .eeoc .

gov/laws/guidance/what-you-should-know-eeoc-and-arrest-and-convictionrecords

Resources for workforce practitioners

§ Help and technical assistance for workforce professionals: https://www .

workforcegps .org/
110 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Help with housing

§ Find your local public housing agency (PHA): https://www.hud.gov/program_

offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts

§ Find a housing counselor: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housingcounselor/

§ Report housing discrimination: www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_

equal_opp/online-complaint

Help with benefits

§ For information about the rule on SNAP eligibility for felons: https://www .fns .

usda .gov/snap/fr-041519

§ Social Security benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm

- What prisoners need to know (PDF): https://www .ssa .gov/pubs/EN-05-10133 .

pdf

- Entering the community after incarceration: https://www .ssa .gov/pubs/EN05-10504 .pdf

§ Impact of incarceration on Veteran’s Benefits: https://www.benefits.va.gov/

BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/incarcerated .pdf

Help with healthcare 

§ Health coverage for incarcerated people: https://www .healthcare .gov/

incarcerated-people

§ Health Care for Reentry Veterans Services and Resources: https://www .va .gov/

HOMELESS/Reentry .asp

§ Veterans Justice Outreach Program: https://www .va .gov/homeless/VJO .asp

Help with student loans

§ Information about federal student loans: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

paying-for-college/

§ For incarcerated individuals with student loans: https://studentaid .gov/sites/

default/files/aid-info-for-incarcerated-individuals.pdf

§ Federal Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals: https://studentaid .gov/sites/

default/files/aid-info-for-incarcerated-individuals.pdf
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 111

Help with taxes

§ "Do I need to file a tax return?" https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-need-to-file-atax-return

§ Get right with your taxes: https://www .irs .gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4925 .pdf

§ Find a location for free tax help: https://irs .treasury .gov/freetaxprep/ or call 

(800) 906-9887

§ Prisoner Reentry program: https://www .irs .gov/individuals/prisoner-re-entryprogram

§ Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): https://www .irs .gov/taxpayer-advocate or call 

(877) 777-4778

Help with child support

§ State and Tribal Child Support Agency Contacts: https://www .acf .hhs .gov/css/

map/state-and-tribal-child-support-agency-contacts

§ State-by-State: How to change a child support order: https://www .acf .hhs .gov/

css/map/state-state-how-change-child-support-order

Links sometimes change. Try a search for content from your web browser.
112 FOCUS ON REENTRY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

For more information, you can refer to 

the full Your Money, Your Goals toolkit online at 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/

educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/

If you’re having a problem with a bank account, credit card, student loan, consumer 

loan or other financial products or services you can submit a complaint to 

the CFPB at https://www .cfpb .gov/complaint

For answers to commonly asked questions you might have about other money 

matters, visit “Ask CFPB” at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb

Mail

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

1700 G St. NW 

Washington, DC 20552

Email

YourMoneyYourGoals@consumerfinance.gov

Toll-free phone

(855) 411-2372

Monday–Friday

8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (EST)

TTY/TDD phone

(855) 729-2372
113

About the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a 21st century agency 

that helps consumer finance markets work by making rules more effective, by 

consistently and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers 

to take more control over their economic lives. Learn more at https://www .

consumerfinance.gov

This guide and related materials are free and accessible

The Your Money, Your Goals toolkit and this companion guide are available as 

a PDF download or can be ordered in hard copy for free. Both documents are 

accessible to people with disabilities. The individual tools and handouts in the 

toolkit and the guide are available as separate, downloadable PDF documents. 

You can add information directly into the fields of the tools and all calculations are 

done automatically.

You can find the toolkit, this guide, and additional resources such as the training 

slides and videos, and pre- and post-training surveys on the Your Money, Your 

Goals webpage at www.consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals
 DISCLAIMER

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau prepared the tools included in the Your 

Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion guide as a resource for the public. 

This material is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not a 

replacement for the guidance or advice of an accountant, certified financial advisor, or 

otherwise qualified professional. The CFPB is not responsible for the advice or actions 

of the individuals or entities from which you received the CFPB educational materials. 

The CFPB’s educational efforts are limited to the materials that CFPB has prepared.

The tools may ask you to provide sensitive information. The CFPB does not collect 

this information and is not responsible for how your information may be used if you 

provide it to others. The CFPB recommends that you do not include names, account 

numbers, or other sensitive information and that users follow their organization’s 

policies regarding personal information.

This guide includes links or references to third-party resources or content that 

consumers may find helpful. The Bureau does not control or guarantee the accuracy 

of this outside information. The inclusion of links or references to third-party sites 

does not necessarily reflect the Bureau’s endorsement of the third-party, the views 

expressed on the outside site, or products or services offered on the outside site. The 

Bureau has not vetted these third-parties, their content, or any products or services 

they may offer. There may be other possible entities or resources that are not listed 

that may also serve your needs.

Content good as of July 2021. For updates or change to laws, check website www.

consumerfinance.gov
For updates, check consumerfinance.gov