Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau

YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS

Focus on Reentry

A companion guide to assist organizations, 

their staff and volunteers working with 

justice-involved individuals
ii YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
About the CFPB 1

About the CFPB

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a federal government agency 

focused on making markets for consumer financial products and services work 

for consumers – whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among 

credit cards, asking for their credit reports, or using those or any number of other 

consumer financial products and services, including bank accounts, prepaid cards, 

payday loans, and student loans. This means ensuring that consumers get the 

information they need to make the financial decisions they believe are best for 

themselves and their families—that prices are clear up front, that risks are visible, 

and that no important information is buried in fine print.

The Office of Financial Empowerment works to empower low-income and 

economically vulnerable consumers to make informed financial decisions by 

providing them with tools, information, and opportunities to build skills in financial 

decision-making and by promoting a more inclusive and fair financial marketplace. 

One way we do this is by working closely with social service providers, financial 

educators, legal aid, and community-based organizations to incorporate financial 

capability into their existing service delivery.

The Office of Financial Empowerment developed the Your Money, Your Goals

(YMYG) financial empowerment toolkit to provide organizations and individuals 

with high quality, unbiased financial information and tools to help them better 

address financial issues. The Focus on Reentry companion guide is designed to 

complement the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit in ways that can help address 

the unique financial challenges facing individuals pre- and post–release from 

incarceration. As you use this companion guide and the toolkit, you can help the 

people you serve become more financially empowered, reduce their financial 

stress, and manage their finances in ways that contribute to achieving their goals 

and dreams, including a successful transition after incarceration.
2 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
What's inside 3

What's inside

About the CFPB                                                    1

1. About the toolkit and reentry companion guide 5

2. Getting started 9

Reentry Tool: My money picture worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Reentry Tool: Setting goals worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Reentry Tool: Documents and identification checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

3. Managing money 27

4. Dealing with debt                                               31

Reentry Tool: Tracking your debt worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Reentry Tool: Ways to help with your debt checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

5. Understanding credit reports and scores 41

Reentry Tool: Credit report review checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Reentry Tool: Disputing errors on your credit report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

6. Background screening reports 51

Closer Look Handout: Background screening reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Reentry Tool: Background screening report checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Closer Look Handout: Obtaining your criminal records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Closer Look Handout: Disputing errors in your criminal records . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

7. Using and protecting your money                                 65

8. Additional resources 67
4 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
About the toolkit and reentry companion guide 5

1. About the toolkit and 

reentry companion 

guide

Focus on Reentry provides frontline staff and volunteers 

with information and tools to help justice-involved 

individuals deal with financial challenges.

The CFPB launched the Your Money, Your Goals (YMYG) initiative in 2014 to provide 

training, information, and tools for frontline staff and volunteers in organizations 

working with low-income and economically vulnerable consumers. Those 

organizations include public and private social services agencies, legal aid and pro 

bono organizations, community volunteer, and worker organizations.

Your Money, Your Goals: A financial empowerment toolkit is a financial 

empowerment toolkit. What does that mean? Financial empowerment includes 

financial education and financial literacy. It also focuses on helping individuals 

build their ability to manage money as well as access and use financial services 

that work for them. The toolkit is a collection of important financial empowerment 

information and tools you can choose based on the current needs and goals of the 

people you serve.

Your Money, Your Goals is designed as a toolkit, not a curriculum, to help you 

identify and share the particular information and tools that are best suited to help 

the people you serve get started on solving specific financial challenges and 

reaching their goals. If your clients or the people you serve want or need additional 

help, the toolkit includes types of resources to which you can refer them.

To assist organizations and their staff and volunteers in using the toolkit, the CFPB

developed various materials available at consumerfinance.gov/your-money-yourgoals to help make it easier for organizations to:

§ Train others on the use of the toolkit,
6 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

§ Integrate the toolkit and training into the organization’s work, develop a referral 

guide for local and national resources for consumer finance issues, and

§ Assess whether the training and toolkit help increase the user’s confidence 

about financial issues and decision-making.

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

guide to help frontline staff working with justice-involved individuals address some 

of the specific financial challenges they may face.

The Focus on Reentry companion guide helps frontline staff help their clients:

§ Identify financial challenges to successful transition,

§ Create goals and identify steps to achieve them,

§ Obtain documents related to identification to help ease the transition process,

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

criminal justice system (criminal justice debt) and consumer debt,

§ Access and review credit reports, and

§ Understand individual rights to obtain and review criminal background 

screening records during the employment application process.

How to use this reentry companion guide

Both the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit and Focus on Reentry companion guide 

contain:

§ Narrative information to provide you – the frontline staff and volunteers – with 

information about financial education and consumer financial protection issues.

§ Tools designed and written for the people you serve. You can copy the tools for 

clients to use or take with them.

Since successful reentry efforts begin during incarceration, the companion guide 

can be used anytime while someone is awaiting trial or sentencing, in jail or prison, 

serving a sentence, or following release. When using this companion guide, you 

should refer to the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit as the main document. If you 

are not already familiar with or trained on the toolkit, we suggest reviewing the 

toolkit as the first step. Focus on Reentry provides additional or substitute narrative 

information and tools to that of the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit. This companion 

guide addresses the special issues faced by the justice-involved individuals who 

you serve. The guide tracks the modules as they appear in the main toolkit. 

The Your Money, Your Goals toolkit and Focus on Reentry companion guide can be 

used in one-on-one or small group settings. The contents of the companion guide 
About the toolkit and reentry companion guide 7

can and should be accessed as needed based on the priorities and situations of 

the individuals being helped. The materials—implementation guide, training Power 

Points, referral guide template, and pre- and post-surveys—can all be found on the 

Your Money, Your Goals web page at consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals.

Reaching reentry

The CFPB has participated in the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, which was 

established in 2011 by the Department of Justice, and includes 20 federal agencies 

(justice.gov/reentry/federal-interagency-reentry-council). 

The Federal Interagency Reentry Council is working towards their mission to:

§ Make communities safer by reducing recidivism and victimization,

§ Assist those who return from prison and jail in becoming productive citizens, and

§ Save taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration.

A chief focus of the Reentry Council is to remove federal barriers to successful 

reentry, to not only reduce recidivism and high correctional costs but also to 

improve access to jobs, housing, education, and other key reintegration outcomes. 

Many of these barriers and outcomes have financial challenges attached to them. 

The Your Money, Your Goals toolkit and Focus on Reentry companion guide do not 

address all the issues individuals face as part of the reentry process. The last section 

of the companion guide refers to useful resources on several other topics relevant to 

reentry such as access to benefits and housing. These resources were developed by 

the Reentry Council or other government agencies to help people in transition.
8 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
Getting started 9

2.Getting started

Individuals transitioning from incarceration may face 

unique financial challenges. This companion guide is 

designed to help tackle these challenges.

The introductory section of the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit will provide you 

with a better understanding of the goals of financial empowerment and show you 

how to use the toolkit to discuss financial issues and decision-making with the 

people you serve. In addition to providing a "how-to" for the Your Money, Your 

Goals toolkit, Introduction Part 1: Introduction to the toolkit includes a financial 

empowerment self-assessment tool to help you understand your own financial 

know-how and how you approach financial decision-making. 

This can help you identify those financial topics where you may want to gain more 

insight from the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit. This can also help you better 

understand how to identify the financial challenges your client may be facing and 

where in the toolkit you can go for help with that topic. Use the main toolkit binder if 

you have it, or find this portion of it at consumerfinance.gov/your-money-your-goals.

Focus for reentry

Often, individuals who are in or are recently released from jail or prison struggle 

with money or financial issues. The following are some approaches you can use to 

help your client with their financial challenges:

1. Have the money conversation

One way to have “the money conversation” with an individual is to help them 

reflect on their values around money and their current financial situation. Reentry 

Tool: My money picture can help your client assess their financial goals and 
10 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

challenges. The responses can help you identify which topics, in the Your Money, 

Your Goals toolkit or the Focus on Reentry companion guide, to cover with the 

people you serve, using the key that follows the tool as a guide. The tool will help 

you to focus the discussion on your client’s values or financial situation.

Use: Reentry Tool: My money picture

2. Set specific goals and plan for them

Depending on the setting in which you are working with your client, either in 

prison before release or in the community post-release, Reentry Tool: Setting goals

may be the appropriate place to begin the discussion. This tool will help your client 

set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Able to be reached, Relevant, and Time 

bound) and define the steps to achieve them. These goals may be short term, e.g., 

finding a place to live or longer term, e.g., saving for a car.

Use: Reentry Tool: Setting goals

3. Get documentation of identity

Soon-to-be or just-released individuals 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. You can use Reentry 

Tool: Documents and identification checklist to help your client identify sources for 

identification and potential issues they may have in securing them.

Use: Reentry Tool: Documents and identification checklist
m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Values and money decisions

What's included:

§ Reentry Tool: My money picture worksheet

What to do:

Depending on the situation, you may want to ask your client to include members 

of their family to discuss their family financial challenges. Discussing financial goals 

together, or pooling or coordinating resources, may help the individual’s transition.

You can use the method that you think will work best with each individual, 

for example:

§ Give a copy of this tool and ask the individual to complete it

§ Read the questions and fill in the individual’s responses

§ Weave the questions into a conversation with the individual and record 

the responses

What to say:

"We all have values that are important to us that can affect how we make decisions 

about money. Answer the following questions based on where you are today, pre- or 

post-release from incarceration. There are no right or wrong answers.

Your answers can help identify what information and resources may help you with your 

reentry from jail or prison to civilian life. You can share this or keep it for yourself, but be 

honest with your answers. This tool is for you."

Getting started 11
12 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

9 REENTRY TOOL

My money picture worksheet

We all have values that are important to us and these values can influence our 

money decisions. Answer the questions below to identify the information and 

resources that can help you address the financial issues you care about.

1. If you could change one thing about your financial situation, what would it be?

 

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

 

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

 

4. Do you have dreams for you or your family that require 

money to make them happen?

* Yes * No *I don’t know

5. Do you have or will you have a safe and affordable place

to live?

* Yes * No *I don’t know

6. Do you have or will you have reliable transportation? * Yes * No *I don’t know

7. Do you have or have you applied for benefits, including 

Medicaid, Medicare, or other health care coverage?

* Yes * No *I don’t know
13

8. When unexpected expenses or emergencies happen, do 

you think you have or will have some money set aside to 

cover them? 

* Yes * No *I don’t know

9. Do you or do you expect to have court-ordered fines or 

debts related to your conviction that you are struggling 

or may struggle to pay? 

* Yes * No *I don’t know

10. Do you have student loans or other debts such as child 

support, you are or may have trouble paying? 

* Yes * No *I don’t know

11. Do you have an idea of your credit score? Have you ever 

ordered your credit report? 

* Yes * No *I don’t know

12. 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? 

* Yes * No *I don’t know

13. Do you or will you have a checking or savings account at a 

bank or credit union? A general purpose prepaid card?

* Yes * No *I don’t know

14. 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?

* Yes * No *I don’t know

This tool is included in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion 

guide. The CFPB has prepared this material 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, 

attorney 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.

This tool 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.
14 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

KEY TO REENTRY TOOL: MY MONEY PICTURE 

My money picture worksheet

Use the following chart to help you analyze your client's responses. This 

analysis will help you determine where to start the financial empowerment work 

with your client whether in pre- or post-release from incarceration.

1. If you could change one 

thing about your financial 

situation, what would it be?

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 1: Setting goals and 

planning for large purchases.

§ Or, based on your client's response, select the most relevant

module or tool to start the financial empowerment discussion.

With your client

§ Ask where they would like to be if their situation was changed. 

§ Use Reentry Tool: Setting goals to identify the steps it would 

take to make the change happen and to create strong, 

measurable, achievable goals.

2. Money means different 

things to different people. 

What does money mean 

to you?

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Introduction, Part 4: Emotions, 

values, and culture: What's behind our money choices? to 

understand your client's values or attitudes about money.

§ Or, based on your client's response, select the most relevant 

module or tool. 

With your client

§ Talk about what money means to them.

§ Ask how has their relationship to money changed over time. 

How has it changed since they have been involved with the 

justice system?
Getting started 15

3. Values are those things 

that are most important to 

people. What are some of 

your values?

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Introduction, Part 4: Emotions, 

values, and culture. What's behind our money choices?

§ Or, based on your client's response, select the most relevant 

module or tool 

With your client

§ Have your client write down some of the internal and external 

factors that affect their values.

4. Do you have dreams for 

you or your family that 

require money to make 

them happen?

Answer: If "No" or "I don’t know"

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 1: Setting goals and 

planning for large purchases

With your client

§ Have your client brainstorm hopes, wants, and dreams. 

§ Use Reentry Tool: Setting goals to create SMART goals and 

figure out how much money is needed to reach these goals.

5. Do you have or will you 

have a safe and affordable 

place to live?

Answer: If "No" or "I don’t know"

Review

§ Reentry Tool: Setting goals

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 8: Additional resources

With your client

§ Use Reentry Tool: Setting goals to work towards a housingrelated goal.
16 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

6. Do you have or will 

you have reliable 

transportation? 

Answer: If "No" or "I don’t know"

Review

§ Reentry Tool: Setting goals

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 5: Understanding credit reports and 

scores

With your client

§ Ask your client to write down all their transportation options 

and the cost of each.

§ Use Reentry Tool: Setting goals to work towards a 

transportation-related goal.

7. Do you have or have 

you applied for benefits, 

including Medicaid, 

Medicare, or other health 

care coverage?

Answer: If "No"

With your client 

§ Suggest that your client can call 211 or local emergency 

assistance center.

§ Consider referring your client to a local workforce opportunity 

center.

Answer: If "Yes"

With your client

§ Use Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 3: Tracking and 

managing income and benefits, Tool 1: Income and resource 

tracker to track total income and benefits.

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 3: Tracking and 

managing income and benefits

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 8: Additional resources

to find information on the effect of incarceration on benefits 

and health care
Getting started 17

8. When unexpected 

expenses or emergencies 

happen, do you think you 

have or will have some 

money set aside to cover 

them? 

Answer: If "No" or "I don’t know"

Review

§ Reentry Tool: Setting goals

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 3: Managing money

With your client

§ Use Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 4: Paying bills, Tool 

1: Spending tracker to track spending for one week.

§ Suggest that your client put aside a small amount each week, 

if possible. If they plan to get a tax refund, suggest that they 

consider putting a portion toward savings.

9. Do you or do you expect 

to have court-ordered 

fines or debts related to 

your conviction that you 

are struggling or may 

struggle to pay? 

Answer: If "Yes" or "I don’t know" 

Review

§ Reentry Tool: Setting goals

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 4: Managing debt 

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 1: Setting goals and 

planning for large purchases 

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 6: Dealing with debt

With your client

§ Use Reentry Tool: Tracking your debt to help your client identify 

fines or debts related to the conviction.

§ Have them ask their attorney, court, probation or parole officer 

about any opportunities for repayment plans.

10. Do you have student loans 

or other debts you are or 

may have trouble paying?

Answer: If "Yes"

Review

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 5: Managing debt

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 6: Dealing with debt

With your client

§ Use Reentry Tool: Tracking your debt to list and prioritize their 

debts. 

§ Use Reentry Tool: Ways to help with your debt to help the client 

manage debt. 
18 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

11. Do you have an idea of 

your credit score? Have 

you ever ordered your 

credit report? 

Answer: If "No" or "I don’t know"

Review

§ Focus on Reentry, Section 5: Understanding credit reports and 

scores

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 7: Understanding credit 

reports and scores

With your client

§ Order and review their free annual credit report. 

§ Dispute any errors in credit reports to the credit reporting 

agencies.

12. 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?

Answer: If "No" or "I don’t know"

Review

§ Reentry Tool: Background screening reports

§ A Closer Look: Obtaining your criminal records

With your client

§ Encourage your client to keep a copy of any court records in 

a safe place.

13. Do you (or will you) have 

a checking or savings 

account at a bank or credit 

union? A general purpose 

prepaid card?

Answer: If "No"

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 8: Money services, 

cards, accounts, and loans

With your client

§ If your client would like to open an account, encourage 

the client to shop around and compare several banks or 

credit unions. 

§ Inform your client that they have the right to get a free copy of 

their consumer report from the consumer reporting company 

from which the bank or credit union inquired before making 

its decision to deny their application.
Getting started 19

14. 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?

Answer: If "Yes"

Review

§ Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 9: Protecting your 

money

With your client

§ Your client can submit a complaint to the CFPB online at

consumerfinance.gov/complaint or via phone at (855) 411-

CFPB (2372) or TTY/TDD (855) 729-CFPB (2372).
m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Setting goals

What's included: 

§ Reentry Tool: Setting goals worksheet

What to do:

All goals take time and commitment to reach. Work with your client to:

§ Brainstorm and write a list of goals, identifying as short or long-term.

§ Turn these goals into SMART goals.

§ Create an action plan. Some goals may require a few steps, others may require 

more steps but the steps should be very specific.

§ Identify the resources needed to achieve the goals.

What to say:

"Writing down goals is helpful. You will also need to develop a plan. This tool will help 

you set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Able to be reached, Relevant, and Time 

bound) and define the steps required to achieve them. These goals may be short term 

or long term. 

For example, if your goal is to find an apartment to live in, your SMART goal could be 

to rent an apartment near public transportation within 3 months at a cost of $750 per 

month."

Steps to reach goal Resources needed Deadline

1. I will look at apartment 

listings every day

Apartment listing 

websites

 9/2/2016

2. I will check my credit 

report for errors 

Website for free credit 

report

9/15/2016

20 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
Getting started 21

9 REENTRY TOOL

Setting goals worksheet

This tool will help you set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Able to be 

reached, Relevant, and Time bound). Write down two short-term and two longterm goals. Then write the steps and resources you'll need to reach these goals.

Short-term goal 1:

Steps Resources needed Deadline Completed

1. *

2. *

3. *

4. *

5. *

Short-term goal 2:

Steps Resources needed Deadline Completed

1. *

2. *

3. *

4. *

5. *
22

Long-term goal 1:

Steps Resources needed Deadline Completed

1. *

2. *

3. *

4. *

5. *

Long-term goal 2: 

Steps Resources needed Deadline Completed

1. *

2. *

3. *

4. *

5. *

This tool is included in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion 

guide. The CFPB has prepared this material 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, 

attorney 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.

This tool 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.
m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Obtaining identity documentation

What's included:

§ Reentry Tool: Documents and identification checklist

What to do:

Soon-to-be or just-released individuals 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 or identify problems early on, e.g., pre-release, will make it easier for 

individuals to achieve goals such as securing housing or benefits.

To obtain their driver's license or identification cards, individuals will have to complete 

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

a reduced fee or for free.

§ Ask your client to list what identification documents they already have.

§ Go down the list of documents in Reentry Tool: Documents and identification 

checklist with your client to see which ones they may need.

What to say:

"It's important to have forms of identification when you leave jail or prison or 

otherwise transition to the community. There may be some hurdles to getting your 

documents and identification. The sooner you get started the better. This tool will 

help you identify the documents and types of forms of identification you need."

Getting started 23
24 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Q REENTRY TOOL

Documents and identification checklist

You will need identification when you leave jail or prison to apply for a job, 

to get a bank or credit union account, and for many other activities. Use the 

following checklist to gather your critical document and identification.1

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 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, 

e.g., 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 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 ssa.gov.

Criminal record or RAP 

(Record of Arrest and 

Prosecution) sheet

£ Have it

£ Ordered it

£ Need help

See A Closer Look: Obtaining your criminal records.

1 Based on a worksheet in Keys to Your Financial Future from Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, 2013.
25

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 uscis.gov/i9-central/acceptable-documents/list-documents. 

To replace your green card visit uscis.gov/greencard/after-green-card-granted/replace-greencard. For Matricula Consular cards for Mexican 

citizens living abroad visit mexico.us/consulate.

htm. For those with green cards or other immigration 

status, there are complicated legal issues involved 

after an arrest or conviction. Learn more at uscis.

gov/citizenship/learners.

Proof of residency £ Have it

£ Ordered it

£ Need help

Find out which documents your state will accept, 

e.g., 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 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 will need to contact your medical 

provider(s). Find out which documents you need 

to apply for Medicaid or health insurance at 

healthcare.gov/incarcerated-people.

Bank or credit union 

account information

£ Have it

£ Ordered it

£ Need help

Contact your bank or credit union directly.

Selective service 

record/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

sss.gov/Registration-Info/Who-Registration.

This tool is included in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion 

guide. The CFPB has prepared this material 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, 

attorney, 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.
26 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
Managing money 27

3.Managing money

Individuals transitioning from prison or jail often have 

limited resources and may be overwhelmed thinking 

about how to manage their money.

Savings can seem a distant or unattainable goal. But saving, even very small 

amounts, can help your client get ready to pay off debt or manage limited 

resources. Helping consumers track their spending and income helps them identify 

whether they are on track to achieve their goals. You can use Your Money, Your 

Goals Modules 2, 3, 4 and 5 to help with understanding how to track and manage 

resources, which can help you and the people you serve develop habits, including 

savings, and confidence in being able to achieve goals. These modules can be 

used together or separately. 

What’s included

Module 2: Saving

This Your Money, Your Goals toolkit module can be used to help clients who want 

to focus on saving for specific goals, to repay debts, or to prepare for emergencies. 

In addition to information and the tools to develop a savings plan, it also helps with 

understanding where to save safely, addressing concerns about potential limits on 

savings if a client is or will be receiving public benefits, and opportunities to save 

additional income that your client may receive from tax refunds or a second job. 

The tools are:

§ Tool 1: Savings plan

§ Tool 2: Savings and benefits: Understanding asset limits

§ Tool 3: Finding a sale place for savings

§ Tool 4: Increasing your income through tax credits
28 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Module 3: Tracking income

This Your Money, Your Goals toolkit module helps individuals clearly identify and 

track all their resources and includes easy to use charts and tables. It also provides 

information on how people can receive income and benefits, e.g., paper check, 

payroll card, EBT benefits cards, etc.

The tools are:

§ Tool 1: Income and resource tracker

§ Tool 2: Ways to receive income and benefits: Know your options

§ Tool 3: Ways to increase income and resources

Module 4: Paying bills

This module focuses on how to pay bills and other expenses and has tools that 

include charts and tables to help people track their income and expenses so they 

can see where and when they spend. It also provides suggestions to help the people 

you serve figure out how to prioritize their bills in months that they find they can’t pay 

them all on time.

The tools are:

§ Tool 1: Spending tracker

§ Tool 2: Bill calendar

§ Tool 3: Ways to pay bills: Know your options

§ Tool 4: Strategies for cutting expenses

§ Tool 5: When cash is short – prioritizing bills and planning spending

Module 5: Getting through the month

This module brings together the income and spending trackers to help create cash 

flow budgeting. The cash flow budget tools let clients not only see how much money 

comes in and where it goes out in spending but a cash flow budget is useful to 

demonstrate how someone can make changes in the timing of their spending that 

affect their ability to meet their monthly budget. 

The tools are:

§ Tool 1: Cash flow budget

§ Tool 2: Cash flow calendar

§ Tool 3: Improving cash flow checklist
Managing money 29

Focus for reentry

Income and benefits are critical for someone transitioning from incarceration. For 

additional information and resources, check out Section 8: Additional resources

within this companion guide.

Benefits

Incarceration has an impact on public benefits. There are specific rules related to 

receiving benefits after arrest and incarceration. Federal law imposes a federal ban 

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

Assistance Program (SNAP) program benefits on individuals with felony drug 

convictions (after certain date). However, many states have opted out, eliminated 

or modified the ban, so check with your state. See fns.usda.gov/snap/section-115-

denial-assistance-and-benefits-certain-drug-related-convictions.

Social Security benefits are not payable if an individual is convicted of a criminal 

offense and confined for more than 30 consecutive days. Benefits can be reinstated 

starting with the month following the month of release. Although individuals cannot 

receive monthly Social Security benefits while they are incarcerated, benefits to 

spouses or children will continue as long as they remain eligible. For more information 

visit the reentry portal at ssa.gov/reentry.

For individuals that receive Social Security Disability (SSDI), benefits will be 

suspended if they have been convicted of a criminal offense and sent to jail or 

prison for more than 30 continuous days. Their benefits can be reinstated after 

release without filing a new claim.

For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payments are suspended 

while they are in prison. Payments can be reinstated in the month the person is 

released. However, if the confinement lasts for 12 consecutive months or longer, 

eligibility for SSI benefits will terminate and the individual must file a new application 

for benefits. If you are working with a client who is released within 12 months (from 

the date they entered prison or jail), it is important for them to request reinstatement 

immediately or they may have to start all over again with the application process. 

Benefits cannot be started until the individual has been released. The individual 

should remember to bring their release forms to the local Social Security office. More 

information on Social Security, SSI and SSDI from the Social Security Administration is 

available at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10133.pdf.
30 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Employment

Getting a job may be very difficult for justice-involved individuals. To find resources 

related to finding jobs, job training, or building job skills, visit the Department of 

Labor’s site dol.gov/general/audience/aud-unemployed for links to American 

job centers and other job assistance sites. For information about state-specific 

governmental agencies and community-based organizations that assist people with 

criminal records seeking jobs and other support, see careeronestop.org/exoffender/

findajob/who-hire-ex-offenders.aspx.

Child support

Incarcerated individuals may be eligible to get a modification of their child support 

order. See the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Changing a Child 

Support Order guide acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/programs/css/changing_a_

child_support_order.pdf for more information about child support, incarceration, 

and policies on modifying a child support order, including state specific information. 

Also see HHS’ s Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) website for information, 

including rules related to federal tax refund offset for child support. Your client may 

wish to seek help from Legal Aid to navigate these issues, which are mostly controlled 

by state, rather than federal law. To find a legal aid organization near you, visit 

consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1549 and lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid.
Dealing with debt 31

4.Dealing with debt

Failure to pay criminal justice debt can carry additional and 

serious consequences such as returning to prison or jail.

Your Money, Your Goals toolkit Module 6: Dealing with debt provides information 

about various types of debt and how to manage and avoid being trapped by it, 

and describes some of a consumer's rights if a debt is in collection. Debt and credit 

are not the same. Debt often results from using credit. Someone can have a line of 

credit without having debt. For example, an individual may have a credit card but no 

outstanding balance on it.

Focus for reentry

Module 6 in the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit is helpful when working with 

individuals who are trying to address their various debts. Debt can be overwhelming 

but the consequences of not paying debt can be even worse. This module helps 

individuals prioritize and manage their consumer debt payments. Two tools to 

highlight are Tool 4: Repaying student loans and Tool 5: When debt collectors call: 

Steps you can take.

This module also addresses potential issues associated with using short term, high 

cost loans, including how individuals may want to avoid debt traps. The module 

includes information on alternatives such as credit building loans offered by some 

banks and credit unions that could help people interested in rebuilding a credit 

record or creating a positive credit history. These approaches may be very useful for 

many of the justice-involved individuals you work with who need to build their credit 

in order to achieve goals such as purchasing a car.

Types of debt justice-involved individuals may face

In addition to debts from credit card spending, housing, student or other loans, or 

child support (which may be court-ordered by a civil court), individuals involved 
32 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

with the justice system may likely have debts related to their arrest, sentencing, 

incarceration, and supervision. These are often called criminal court-ordered debts, 

criminal justice debt, or legal financial obligations. It is important for individuals to 

determine whether they owe court-ordered debt related to their involvement in 

the criminal justice system and the amounts owed. Some debts, such as restitution, 

are often a condition of supervision and nonpayment may affect the term of the 

supervision or whether the individual is reincarcerated.

There are generally three types of monies owed—fees, fines, and restitution—by 

individuals as a result of their arrest, conviction, and incarceration. These vary from 

state to state and may be called by different names but the following are some of 

the types of fees, fines, or restitution requirements individuals may owe as a result 

of involvement with the justice system.

Pre-conviction fees

§ Application fee to obtain public defender

§ Jail fee for pretrial incarceration

§ Jury fees

§ Rental fee for electronic monitoring devices

Sentencing fees

§ Fines, with accompanying surcharges

§ Restitution (to compensate victims and possibly others)

§ Fees for court administrative costs

§ Fees for designated funds (e.g., libraries, prison construction)

§ Public defender reimbursement fees

§ Prosecution reimbursement fees

Incarceration fees

§ Fees for room and board in jail and prison

§ Health care and medication fees

§ Probation, parole, or other supervision

Probation and parole supervision fees

§ Drug testing fees

§ Vehicle interlock device fees (DUIs)

§ Rental fee for electronic monitoring devices
Dealing with debt 33

Mandatory treatment fees

§ Drug and alcohol treatment fees

§ Therapy fees

§ Class fees

Some clients may benefit from help with finding out the status and amount of their 

court-ordered debts. If individuals do not know whether they have court-ordered 

debt, the amount, or to whom the debt is owed, they can contact the court(s) 

where they were convicted. Individuals should ask about all cases, and whether the 

case has been sent to collections and if so, to which agencies. The individual can 

check with the court or ask their attorney, probation officer, or other supervision 

personnel who may know about the debts.

It is important to find out the impact of nonpayment for the various types of fees, 

fines and restitution to help prioritize which debts must be paid first if not all can be 

paid at once. Unlike many types of civil or consumer debt, criminal justice debt can 

be subject to different and potentially extraordinary collection procedures. Some types 

of criminal justice debt are unlikely to be discharged in bankruptcy. Criminal justice 

debts also may not be deemed “debts” by state statutes. Criminal justice debts 

may not be “debts” under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) because 

they are not obligations to pay money arising out of consumer transactions, and 

therefore, those who seek to recover on them would not be subject to the FDCPA. 

(See Module 6 in the toolkit for information about protections under the FDCPA)

Student loans and incarceration

Justice-involved individuals may have student loans. According to the Department 

of Education, it is important to make sure that individuals do not go into default 

on those loans, as doing so has important consequences, including affecting their 

eligibility for Pell Grants or future loans.

There are options for individuals with federal student loans including IncomeDriven Repayment and rehabilitation plans to help avoid or rebuild after default. 

Your Money, Your Goal toolkit, Module 6, Tool 4: Repaying student loans has 

information about repaying student loans in general and the Department of 

Education offers information about eligibility for federal student loan and 

repayment options for incarcerated individuals. See studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/

default/files/aid-info-for-incarcerated-individuals.pdf.

In general, options for borrowers with private student loans are more limited 

than those with federal student loans. Private student loans generally feature 
34 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

forbearance options and may also offer alternative repayment plans. Some private 

student lenders may also modify private student loans based on borrowers’ 

financial circumstances, on a case-by-case basis. For more information see Focus 

on Reentry, Section 8: Additional resources.

In addition to the tools in Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 6, the 

following tools can help justice-involved individuals you serve with specific debt 

management needs.

Clients can use:

§ Reentry Tool: Tracking your debt to list and prioritize debts.

§ Reentry Tool: Ways to help with your debt to help manage debt.
Dealing with debt 35

m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Dealing with debt

What's included:

§ Reentry Tool: Tracking your debt worksheet

§ Reentry Tool: Ways to help with your debt checklist

What to do:

Justice-involved individuals may have criminal justice debt. Many individuals may 

not know what those debts are or their significance. Identifying and tracking criminal 

justice debt, along with other debt, can help clients prioritize their debt payments.

§ Use Reentry Tool: Tracking your debt worksheet to help your client create a list of 

debts and identify the potential consequences of not paying.

§ Use Reentry Tool: Ways to help with your debt checklist to help your client 

understand the options they have in addressing their debt.

§ Reference Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 6: Dealing with debt to see if 

there are other relevant debt management tools.

What to say:

"If you can afford to pay all your debts, you should. If you can’t pay them all now, after 

you list the debts, you may want to prioritize them based on the consequences of 

not paying the debt. For example, you may want to prioritize those debts that could 

contribute to your reincarceration if you do not pay or could result in the loss of your 

car or driver’s license.

If you have been involved with the criminal justice system, it’s possible you have 

court ordered criminal justice debt. If you do not know whether you owe fees, fines, 

or restitution, contact the court(s) and/or ask your lawyer or probation officer. The 

consequences of not paying this debt may be a change in your terms of supervision or 

reincarceration so it is important to find out."
36 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

9 REENTRY TOOL

Tracking your debt worksheet

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. 

Then check off the potential consequences of delaying payment.

To whom do you 

owe the debt? 

How much 

do you owe 

in total?

How much 

can you 

afford to pay?

What could happen if you do not 

pay off the debt? 

$

£ Weekly

£ Monthly

£ Reincarceration

£ Repossession (of something you 

own)

£ Loss of driver’s license

£ Loss of housing

£ Garnishment (a portion of your 

paycheck or money in an account 

is taken to pay what you owe)

£ Loss of service (utilities cut off 

or loss of cell phone service)

£ Lawsuit or other collection effort 

from a creditor or debt collector

£ Negative report to credit 

reporting company

£ Other 

$

£ Weekly

£ Monthly

£ Reincarceration

£ Repossession

£ Loss of driver’s license

£ Loss of housing

£ Garnishment

£ Loss of service

£ Lawsuit or other collection effort

£ Negative report to credit 

reporting company

£ Other 
To whom do you 

owe the debt? 

How much 

do you owe 

in total?

How much 

can you 

afford to pay?

What could happen if you do not 

pay off the debt? 

$

£ Weekly

£ Monthly

£ Reincarceration

£ Repossession

£ Loss of driver’s license

£ Loss of housing

£ Garnishment

£ Loss of service

£ Lawsuit or other collection effort

£ Negative report to credit 

reporting company

£ Other 

$

£ Weekly

£ Monthly

£ Reincarceration

£ Repossession

£ Loss of driver’s license

£ Loss of housing

£ Garnishment

£ Loss of service

£ Lawsuit or other collection effort

£ Negative report to credit 

reporting company

£ Other 

Dealing with debt 37
38 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Q REENTRY TOOL

Ways to help with your debt checklist

Use the following checklist to help you manage your debts, especially if you 

find that you cannot afford to pay all of them now. Review the list below and 

check off the strategies that you would like to try out.

* Prioritize your debts

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

Tool: Tracking your debt 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 you owe money to. 

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.

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 state 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.
39

* 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 

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 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.

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

A debt collector covered by the FDCPA cannot:

§ Call repeatedly with intent to abuse or harass you.

§ Use obscene language.

§ Threaten you to take actions they can't or don't really plan to take.

§ Publish your name for not paying a debt.

§ Lie to you about the debt.

If debt collectors harass 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.

Need to submit a complaint? Visit 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.
40 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
Understanding credit reports and scores 41

5.Understanding credit 

reports and scores

Credit reports and scores may be used by landlords, 

employers, and lenders. Individuals should access their credit 

reports to check for identity theft and dispute any errors.

Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 7: Understanding credit reports and scores 

is designed to help you and the people you serve understand what credit reports 

and scores are, what goes into them, and why they’re important.

A credit report is generally a record of some of a consumer’s bill-paying history, 

public record information (such as a filing for bankruptcy), and prior inquiries by a 

creditor into the consumer’s credit history at the time a consumer applies for credit.

Credit scores are calculated using the information in credit reports. A credit score 

is typically a number. A higher score makes it easier to qualify for a loan or lower 

interest rates. Many scores range from 300-850, but different companies use 

different ranges of scores.

Problems on an individual’s credit report can impact the ability to rent an 

apartment or secure employment, and the interest rate for obtaining credit. So, 

individuals should review their credit reports to make sure they are accurate.

Focus for reentry

There are a number of ways credit reports have particular significance for justiceinvolved individuals. 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, 

and these reports are often used by employers and landlords when considering 
42 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

prospective employees and renters. See Section 6, 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 talk 

to your clients about some of the signs of identity theft. For information on how to 

spot the signs of identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov.

Persons who are at risk of or have been victims of identity theft may want to get a 

Security Freeze or Fraud Alert placed on their credit reports. The security freeze 

will stop potential new lenders from accessing an individual’s credit file, and

there may be fees to place and lift the freeze. Initial and Extended Fraud Alerts 

provide notice to lenders about potential fraud activity. These are free and require 

creditors to take steps to verify an individual's identity before opening a new 

account or increasing the credit limit on an existing account. However, they do not 

prevent potential new creditors from getting access to an individual's credit file. 

For more information see files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201604_cfpb_

fraud-protection-tool-for-justice-involved-individuals-handout.pdf.

Requesting a free credit report by mail

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 TransUnion, Equifax, or 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

§ A document from prison or prison official indicating individual is incarcerated 

at the location/institution (a photocopy of the item is acceptable). The credit 

reporting company may also ask that the letter from the institution be notarized.2

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 

2 TransUnion and Equifax informed the Bureau that they do not require notarization.
Understanding credit reports and scores 43

m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Reviewing your credit report

What's included:

§ Reentry Tool: Credit report review checklist

What to do:

You can work with individuals to help them understand their credit reports and that 

information in their credit reports goes into their credit score.

§ Work with your client to get their credit report. If they are in prison or jail, this may 

mean writing to the credit reporting companies.

§ Use Reentry Tool: Credit report review checklist to walk through your client's credit 

report with them to see if there is inaccurate or incomplete information.

What to say:

"Checking your credit report is very important to successful transition. Employers, 

landlords, lenders, and others check your credit report. Your credit report and score 

affect whether you qualify for and how much interest you pay on a loan.

You can get your credit report and check it to see if there are errors and identify ways 

to improve your credit score. Reentry Tool: Credit report review checklist will help you 

walk through your credit report to check for information that is incorrect or does not 

belong to you."
44 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Q REENTRY TOOL

Credit report review checklist

When reviewing your credit report, look for information that does not belong 

to you or is incorrect. Highlight the information you think may or may not be 

correct on your report as you compare it with this checklist.

1. Is your name correct? *

2. Is your Social Security number correct? *

3. Is your current address correct? *

4. Is your current phone number correct? *

5. Are the previous addresses listed for you correct? *

6. Is the employment history listed for you accurate? *

7. Is everything listed in the personal information section correct? *

8. Is there anything listed in the public record section that is not correct? *

9. Review each item under the credit account (trade account) section. *

Do these belong to you? Are the items listed as “open” currently open?

10. Are all of the current balances correct? *

11. Are zero balances recorded for debts discharged in bankruptcy? For debts paid in full? *

12. Are you listed as a co-signer on a loan? Is this correct? *
13. Are accounts where you are an authorized user or joint owner listed? *

A person may be an authorized user (e.g., card holder requests that she or he have a card) 

but that person is not necessarily a joint owner responsible for payment on the card. If the 

account is joint or co-signed, both persons are responsible to pay for the use of the card 

and a creditor should have an agreement and proof of the joint or co-signed account.

14. Are accounts that you closed listed as “closed by the consumer”? *

15. Is negative information reported on each credit account correct? *

Look for late payments and missed payments.

16. Are any accounts listed more than once? *

Check to make sure the same account is not listed multiple times in the collections section.

17. Is old negative information still being reported? *

If yes, highlight the information that has exceeded the negative information-reporting limit, 

which is usually seven years.

18. Do you suspect that you have been the victim of identity theft after reviewing your 

credit reports (for example, you don’t recognize certain accounts)? *

If yes, contact the credit reporting companies immediately and place an initial fraud alert 

on your file. If you know you have been a victim of identity theft and have created an Identity 

Theft report, then you can seek an extended fraud alert. You may also want to consider other 

steps to protect your identity and prevent more fraud being committed with your identity, 

including requesting a block on any fraudulent information, and/or possibly filing a security 

freeze (there may be a fee to get or to remove a freeze). Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s 

identitytheft.gov website for information about identity theft and steps to take if you have 

been victimized. Finally, dispute each suspected report error with each of the credit reporting 

companies. For information on how to get a security freeze or fraud alert, see http://files.

consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201604_cfpb_fraud-protection-tool-for-justice-involvedindividuals-handout.pdf.

Understanding credit reports and scores 45
46 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Disputing credit report errors

What's included:

§ Reentry Tool: Disputing errors on your credit report

What to do:

Use this tool to help your client understand how to address inaccurate or incomplete 

information on their credit report. If your client finds inaccurate or incomplete 

information in their credit report, they should file a dispute with the credit reporting 

company and the company that furnished the information.

§ Give the tool to your client and walk them through the steps for filing 

a dispute.

§ Explain to them what information and/or documents they will need to include in the 

dispute letter.

What to say:

"Inaccurate or incomplete information in your credit report can affect your credit 

score, your access to credit, and possibly the ability to get a job, housing, or 

insurance. It is important to get accurate information on your credit report. This tool 

will help you with filing a dispute with the credit reporting company and the company 

that furnished the information, e.g., lender."
Understanding credit reports and scores 47

Q REENTRY TOOL

Disputing errors on your credit report

If you find an error on your credit report, it’s important to get it fixed. 

To dispute an error, follow these steps.

1. Review your credit report. Circle any mistakes.

2. Submit a dispute to the credit reporting company that provided the report with the error. You 

can dispute the error with each credit reporting agency either by submitting your dispute 

online or by sending it in the mail (which means you'll have a record). You can use the CFPB's 

letter template or find information for specific credit reporting companies here:

§ Equifax: equifax.com/cp/MailInDislcosureRequest.pdf

§ TransUnion: transunion.com/docs/personal/InvestigationRequest_Chester.pdf

§ Experian: experian.com/disputes/experian-mailing-address.html

§ CFPB template: http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/092016_cfpb__

CreditReportingSampleLetter.pdf

3. In your letter to the company, explain the error. You may want to include a copy of your credit 

report with the incorrect information circled. If you can, include copies (never send originals) 

of anything that proves there is an error. For example, if your report incorrectly shows that 

you are late on payments on an account, send copies of bills or cleared checks (money order 

stubs) that show you have paid them on time. 

4. Send a letter to the business or individual that provided the incorrect information. The 

address may be found on your credit report. You may want to include a copy of your credit 

report with the incorrect information circled. If you can, include copies (never send originals) 

of anything that proves there is an error.

5. If sending letters by mail, you may wish to use certified mail, return receipt requested, if that 

is available to you. The post office will send a postcard telling you when your dispute letter 

was received.
48

6. The credit reporting company generally has 30 calendar days (with an additional 15 days in 

some circumstances) to investigate your dispute. It has 5 business days to notify you of the 

results once it completes the investigation.

7. If the error is fixed based on your dispute, you will also receive a copy of your updated credit 

report. This free report does not count as your annual free report.

8. If a company provides the wrong information to a credit reporting company and then 

determines that it needs to correct your credit report as a result of your dispute, it must 

forward the correction to every credit reporting company to which it has provided the 

incorrect information.

9. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your dispute(s), you may file a brief statement with 

the credit reporting company. In any subsequent report with the information disputed, the 

credit reporting company has to clearly note that the information has been disputed and 

provide your explanation or accurate summary of it.

You also can submit a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. We will forward 

your complaint to the company and work to get you a response.

You also may want to seek assistance from an attorney. Visit consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1549

and lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid.

This tool is included in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion 

guide. The CFPB has prepared this material 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, 

attorney, 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.
Understanding credit reports and scores 49

Sample dispute letter

You can use this sample dispute letter from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website to 

a credit reporting agency as a guide for writing your own letter. It can also be found at http://files.

consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/092016_cfpb__CreditReportingSampleLetter.pdf

 Identifying information

§ Your full name

§ Consumer report/id number

§ Date of birth

§ Your address

§ Driver’s license number 

(optional)

§ Social security number 

(optional)

§ Today’s date

 Company information

§ Name of company

§ Company Address

 Disputed items

§ Your account number 

§ Dates of disputed 

information 

§ Explanation of inaccuracy 

§ Company that provided the 

disputed information

§ Type of disputed information

 Enclosures

§ List any documents that are 

included








50 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY
Background screening reports 51

6.Background 

screening reports

Special rules apply when employers use background 

screening reports. Individuals should know their rights 

and how to dispute errors.

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) addresses more than just credit 

reports, it also applies to all “consumer reports” provided by consumer reporting 

companies, including those used by potential employers and potential landlords. 

One example of such a report is a background screening report, often referred to 

as a background check.3

Background screening reports can sometimes include information about a 

person’s credit history, criminal record, public records, and information about the 

person’s employment or rental history, depending on the purpose of the report.4

When a person applies for a job, employers may ask about many aspects of the 

applicant’s background, with some exceptions.5 They can ask, for example, about 

the person’s education, financial history, and other things. Employers can also ask 

3 For more information on the different types of reports and the consumer reporting companies that 

sell them, see files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201604_cfpb_list-of-consumer-reporting-companies.pdf.

4 Some states limit the availability of credit information for use by employers for employment 

purposes. For recent list of states that limit use for employment purposes, see ncsl.org/research/

financial-services-and-commerce/use-of-credit-information-in-employment-2015-legislation.aspx.

5 See consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0157-background-checks. Employers are not permitted to ask for 

medical information until they offer the applicant a job, and they’re not allowed to ask for genetic 

information, including the applicant’s family medical history, except in limited circumstances. 

Employers may also not require an applicant to take a medical exam before an offer of 

employment is extended. 
52 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

about criminal record history.6

An employer may or may not conduct a background screen:

§ As part of the application process, before the individual has an interview.

§ After an interview, but prior to making an offer.

§ After an offer with the job contingent on the results of the background screen.

§ Once hired, in consideration for a promotion, reassignment, or retention.7

Some employers may be authorized or required by statute to conduct criminal 

record background checks.8

Use of a background report9

Special rules apply under the FCRA when an employer uses a background 

screening report for employment purposes.10 Before getting the report, 

the employer must tell the individual that they (the employer) might use the 

information to make a decision related to the individual’s employment, and ask the 

individual for written permission. The individual is not required to give permission, 

but if the individual is applying for a job and doesn’t give permission, the employer 

may reject the individual’s application. If an employer gets a background report 

on an individual without permission, the individual can file a complaint against the 

employer and the company that provided the background screening report. The 

individual can submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

(CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.

If the employer thinks they might not hire, keep, or promote the individual because 

6 Many states, counties, and cities across the country have enacted fair hiring policies that “ban 

the box” or remove questions of criminal history from job applications for state, county, local 

government and/or private employment. Some of these policies also prohibit employers from 

asking about an applicant’s criminal history until certain points in the hiring process, such as after 

an initial interview or upon a conditional offer of employment. The National Employment Law 

Project offers more information.

7 See consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0157-background-checks. 

8 For more information, see U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE, CRIMINAL HISTORY 

RECORDS: ADDITIONAL ACTIONS COULD ENHANCE THE COMPLETENESS OF RECORDS 

USED FOR EMPLOYMENT-RELATED BACKGROUND CHECK (FEBRUARY 2015). 

9 Most of the material on background screening reports in this section is from the FTC. See Federal 

Trade Commission, Consumer Information on Employment Background Checks consumer.ftc.

gov/articles/0157-background-checks.

10 Employers may also obtain criminal history information directly from the police or a state 

repository. These requests may not be covered by the FCRA.
Background screening reports 53

of something in the background screening report, the employer must give the 

individual a copy of the report and a “Summary of Rights” that tells the person how 

to contact the company that provided the report. If an individual notices a mistake 

in their background report, they should submit a dispute with the background 

screening company telling them to correct the error and send a copy of the 

corrected report to the employer. The individual should also alert the employer of 

the mistake. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting companies must conduct – free 

of charge – a reasonable investigation of the consumer’s dispute.

Negative information on background screening reports

If the background report contains some negative information, the individual should 

be prepared to explain it—and the reason it shouldn’t affect their ability to do the 

job. You may want to work with your client to have a specific response prepared or 

direct them to think specifically about what their response will be.

If the individual doesn’t get hired or promoted because of information in a 

background report, the employer is required to tell the individual orally, in writing, 

or electronically:

§ The name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company 

that supplied the criminal history or public records report,

§ That the company that supplied the information didn’t make the decision to take 

the adverse action and can’t give the individual specific reasons for it, and

§ That the individual has the right to dispute the accuracy and completeness 

of any information in the report, and to get an additional free report from the 

company that supplied it if they ask for it within 60 days of receipt of notice of 

the employer’s decision not to hire or retain the individual.

Focus for reentry

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws 

against employment discrimination and has issued guidance on employers’ use of 

arrest and conviction records in employment decisions. According to the Reentry

MythBuster on Hiring/Criminal Records Guidance published by the (2016) Federal 

Interagency Reentry Council,11 in most cases, employers may not automatically bar 

everyone with an arrest or conviction record from employment.

11 See the Reentry MythBuster at https://www.justice.gov/reentry/resources. Note: The rules apply 

to all employers that have 15 or more employees.
54 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

If an employer is aware of an applicant’s prior conviction or incarceration, the 

Reentry Council material reports that the information should only bar someone 

from employment when the conviction is closely related to the job, after the 

employer considers:

§ The nature of the job,

§ The length of time since it occurred, and

§ The nature and seriousness of the offense.12

The employer should also give an individual who may be excluded from 

employment an opportunity to show why he or she should not be excluded.13

For more information about rights under employment discrimination laws, visit the 

EEOC at eeoc.gov or call 800-669-4000 (voice) or 800-669-6820 (TTY).

When employers ask about a person’s background, they must treat that person 

the same as anyone else, regardless of race, national origin, color, sex, religion, 

disability, family medical history, or age if the person is 40 or older. An employer 

isn’t allowed to ask for extra background information based on any of these 

characteristics—for example, an employer would violate this law if they ran criminal 

background screening reports on applicants of one race but not of another race.

Landlords may also inquire about criminal histories, but subject to limits. The 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2016 issued guidance 

advising that blanket policies denying housing on the basis of arrests alone run 

afoul of the Fair Housing Act. The guidance indicates that a housing provider with 

a policy or practice of excluding individuals because of one or more prior arrests 

(without any conviction) cannot satisfy its burden of showing that such policy 

or practice is necessary to achieve a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory 

interest.14

The guidance goes on to say that a landlord that has a policy of excluding anyone 

with criminal convictions may violate fair housing laws unless the policy or practice 

accurately distinguishes between criminal conduct that indicates a demonstrable 

risk to resident safety and/or property and criminal conduct that does not.

12 Id.

13 Id.

14 The guidance applies to public, private and nonprofit housing providers. It also states that 

policies that exclude persons based on criminal history must be tailored to serve the housing 

provider’s substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest and take into consideration such 

factors as the type of the crime and the length of the time since conviction. For more information, 

see portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=HUD_OGCGuidAppFHAStandCR.pdf.
Background screening reports 55

Errors in background screening reports

There are various types of errors that may be in background reports, including 

inaccurate information. Some errors occur due to mistakes by consumer reporting 

companies and other errors may be in the underlying data, e.g., courthouse 

record. One type of error that individuals may want to check for is the inclusion 

of “expunged” records.15 This error may arise because the background screening 

company made an error or because the underlying court records are not up-todate.

In addition to general inaccuracies or inclusion of expunged information, other 

errors may include:

§ Identity mix-ups: People with the same name whose records get crossed, or 

people with similar social security numbers or other identification numbers.

§ Multiple listings: Convictions being listed multiple times, leaving the impression 

that there were multiple offenses.

§ Information not complete: Record failed to reflect dismissals, deferred 

prosecutions and other key information.

§ Arrests that are older than seven years.

When it comes to correcting information in criminal background checks, the 

process may be difficult because:

§ There are many companies that compile and sell this information, including 

online, so it’s hard to know which company a potential employer will use. This 

makes it hard to check for errors ahead of time.

§ Getting errors in the underlying criminal history information fixed may require 

finding the right records and following the process outlined by that state or 

court, depending on the record.

15 Most states have a comprehensive set of laws and rules that explain how long and when certain 

information can be included in a criminal record. These laws include rules on the “expungement” of

records. Expungement generally refers to the process of sealing certain prior criminal records, making

them unavailable through state or Federal databases. There are exceptions; often law enforcement 

can get access to expunged or sealed information. State and local court systems may define the 

scope and process of “expungement” differently or use different terms. 
56 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

m WORKING WITH YOUR CLIENT

Background screening reports 

and criminal records

What's included:

§ A closer look: Background screening reports

§ Reentry Tool: Background screening report checklist

§ A closer look: Obtaining your criminal records

§ A closer look: Disputing errors in your criminal records

What to do:

Since background screening reports are used by employers and include information 

from criminal records, it's important to make sure that criminal records and 

background screening reports are accurate and up-to-date.

§ To learn an individual's rights, with respect to background screening reports, see A 

closer look: Background screening reports.

§ To help your client review background screening reports and dispute errors see 

Reentry Tool: Background screening report checklist.

§ To obtain criminal record information see A closer look: Obtaining your criminal 

records.

§ To determine where to submit challenges if errors are found on criminal records, 

see A closer look: Disputing errors in your criminal records.

What to say:

"Employers often use background screening reports as part of the hiring process. 

These reports include information from public records, including criminal 

records. Employers must inform you and receive your consent before they obtain 

a background screening report. This tool will help you identify errors in your 

background screening report."
Background screening reports 57

q A CLOSER LOOK

Background 

screening reports

When you apply for a job, the 

employer may, with your consent, 

request a background screening 

report on you.

This background 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).

Reviewing your background screening report 

from some of the main background screening 

providers may help you find out whether 

there are errors in your files before you apply 

for a job. However, keep in mind that not 

every consumer reporting company will have 

information on everyone. For a list of many 

employment background screening providers 

see files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201604_cfpb_

list-of-consumer-reporting-companies.pdf.

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 it generally also may be given by other 

means). You are not required to give permission 

however, if you don’t, the employer may 

reject your application. If an employer obtains 

a background report on you without your 

permission, you can submit a complaint with the 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the 

Federal Trade Commission.

Pre–adverse action: Before taking any “adverse 

action” – such as not hiring or promoting you 

because of something in a background report 

- based in whole or in part on the report, 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.” 

If you do not get hired 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 criminal 

history or public records report

§ That the company that provided the 

information 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 and 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

Some employers might say not to apply if 

you have a criminal record. That could be 

discrimination. If this happens, contact the 

EEOC at eeoc.gov/contact.
58 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

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.

First, call the company that provided the 

report and inform them that there is a mistake. 

Then, follow up with a dispute in writing and 

written 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. You may need to get 

the underlying criminal history data from the 

courthouse or state repository (See A closer 

look: 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 

consumerfinance.gov/complaint or ftc.gov/

faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumercomplaint-ftc or call 855-411-CFPB(2372).

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 consumerfinance.gov/

askcfpb/1549 and lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/findlegal-aid to find help in your state.

A Closer Look on Background Screening Reports is based on information from FTC on the topic. See consumer.ftc.gov/

articles/0157-background-checks. 

This tool is included in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion 

guide. The CFPB has prepared this material 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, attorney, 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.
Background screening reports 59

Q REENTRY TOOL

Background screening report checklist

Highlight the information you think may or may 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 on a background screening report

* The record or report does not include correct identifying information. 

Check if the 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 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.
60

Possible errors on a background screening report

* The report misclassifies misdemeanors as felonies.

* The report includes a charge 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.

To find a legal aid organization near you, visit consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1549 and lsc.gov/

what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid.
Background screening reports 61

q A CLOSER LOOK

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. (If a state does not have a 

repository, see below for information about 

getting records from the courthouse.)

Ask your attorney, seek assistance from a legal 

aid or other organization, or consult the list 

below to find the agency in your state that keeps 

and provides criminal records or RAP sheets. 

If you have arrests in multiple states, you may 

have to get your record from each state in which 

you were arrested. This may include going to 

the courthouse of the arrest and adjudication to 

get the record to make sure it is accurate.

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 online.

For a state-by-state listing of state court records 

sites from the National Center for State Courts visit 

ncsc.org/Topics/Access-and-Fairness/PrivacyPublic-Access-to-Court-Records/State-Links.

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 

pacer.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 
62

and provides information and services to local, 

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.

The FBI offers the following two methods for 

requesting your Identity History Summary:

Method 1. Submit a written request to the 

FBI's CJIS Division. The request must be 

accompanied by satisfactory proof of identity, 

including name, date and place of birth, and a 

set of rolled-inked fingerprint impressions. You 

must also send a certified check or money order 

for the current processing fee. The FBI website 

states that it will not provide copies of your 

arrest records to anyone except you. If there is 

no criminal record, a report reflecting this fact 

is provided. For more information, visit the FBI

website fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-historysummary-checks.

Submit your request to:

FBI CJIS Division,

Attention: SCU, Mod. D-2,

1000 Custer Hollow Road,

Clarksburg, WV 26306

Method 2. Submit a request through an FBIapproved channeler, which is a private business 

that has contracted with the FBI to receive 

fingerprint submissions and relevant data, 

collect the associated fee(s), electronically 

forward the fingerprint submissions with the 

necessary information to the FBI CJIS Division, 

and receive the electronic record check results 

to give to the individual. 

Go to fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-historysummary-checks/list-of-fbi-approvedchannelers-for-departmental-order-submissions

for a list of FBI-approved channelers.
Background screening reports 63

q A CLOSER LOOK

Disputing errors 

in your criminal 

records

Disputing inaccurate or incomplete 

information on your criminal records 

is important but may be difficult. You 

may need to seek help from legal 

aid, expungement clinics, or other 

organizations that provide assistance.

If there is an error in your Identity History 

Summary (which is your criminal history 

record or RAP sheet), the information that is 

wrong might also appear on your background 

screening report. The FBI’s Criminal Justice 

Information Services (CJIS) division is 

responsible for the storage of fingerprints 

and the related Identity History Summary

information for the nation. The FBI does not 

have the authority to modify any information 

unless specifically notified to do so by the 

agency that owns the information. 

Requesting a change 

or correction

If you believe your Identity History Summary

contains inaccurate or incomplete information, 

you have two options for requesting a change 

or correction:

Option 1. Contact the agency 

or agencies that submitted the 

information to the FBI

For state information, most states, through 

agreement with the FBI, require that 

modification requests for Identity History 

Summary information be processed through 

their respective state central repository (the 

State Identification Bureau) before the FBI 

can apply any update to its record. You may 

contact the respective state criminal record 

repository(ies) for assistance, and, if applicable, 

request that they provide the FBI with updates 

to your "Identity History Summary." Contact 

information for state repositories can be 

found at fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-historysummary-checks/state-identification-bureaulisting.

For federal information Identity History 

Summary updates, the FBI must receive a 

request directly from the original arresting 

agency, from a court with jurisdiction over 

the arrest data, or from another agency with 

jurisdiction over the arrest data.

Option 2. Send a written challenge 

request to the FBI’s CJIS Division

Your written request should clearly identify the 

information (state or federal) that you feel is 

inaccurate or incomplete and should include 

copies of any available proof or supporting 

documentation to substantiate your claim. The FBI

will contact appropriate agencies in an attempt 

to verify or correct challenged entries for you. 

Upon receipt of an official communication 

from the agency that has jurisdiction over the 
64

data, the FBI will make appropriate changes 

and notify you of the outcome. For more 

information, visit the FBI website fbi.gov/

services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.

You may submit an Identity History Summary

challenge to the FBI’s CJIS Division by writing to:

FBI CJIS Division

Attention: Criminal History Analysis Team 1

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306

Expungement

Some criminal history records may be subject 

to expungement. There are no uniform rules, 

processes or definitions of “expungement.” 

In general, the purpose of expungement is 

to remove criminal records from public view. 

Depending on the jurisdiction, this process 

may be referred to as "erasure,” “destruction,” 

“sealing,” “setting aside,” “expunction,” and 

“purging." States have different criteria and 

processes for “expunging” records – or making 

them generally unavailable through federal or 

state databases. For questions regarding statespecific expungement procedures, contact the 

state criminal history repository in the state in 

which the arrest occurred.

Criminal record data, including expungement 

data, may be difficult to understand and hard to 

correct. You may need to seek help from legal 

aid, expungement clinics, or other organizations 

that provide assistance. Visit consumerfinance.

gov/askcfpb/1549 and lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/

find-legal-aid for help finding a lawyer or legal 

aid organization in your state.
Using and protecting your money 65

7. Using and protecting 

your money

Understanding money services, protecting against identity 

theft, and identifying red flags can help individuals safely 

access and use often limited resources.

There are many ways and places to keep your money. Some are more secure, less 

costly, or more convenient than others. Module 8: Money services, cards, accounts, 

and loans: Finding what works for you of the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit helps 

people understand how to find and choose financial services and products.

The tools are:

§ Tool 1: Know your options: Money services, cards, accounts, and loans

§ Tool 2: Ask questions: Choosing where to get what you need

§ Tool 3: Money services and banking basics

§ Tool 4: Opening an account checklist

§ Tool 5: Money transfers and remittances: What you need to know

Module 9: Protecting your money of the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit focuses 

on how to protect your information and money. It explains some of the consumer 

protection laws and how to submit a complaint with the CFPB if a person has 

problems with any financial service or product.

The tools are:

§ Tool 1: Submitting a complaint to the CFPB

§ Tool 2: Protecting your identity

§ Tool 3: Red flags 

§ Tool 4: Learning more about consumer protection
66 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Focus for reentry

The Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, Module 8, Tool 4: Opening an account checklist

has information consumers can use to open a checking or savings account, 

including questions to ask and what information they will need to open an account. 

This tool also includes information about barriers to opening an account, which 

may be particularly relevant for consumers with criminal records.

Barriers to opening a bank account can include lack of identification and negative 

information in a consumer report from specialty consumer reporting agencies that 

report on consumers’ checking account or banking histories. These agencies also 

may be using public records, including criminal records, in developing reports for 

financial institutions.

Those with criminal records interested in getting a bank or credit union account 

should check and see if one or more of these checking account screening 

companies has compiled a report on them, and if their information is accurate. 

Similar to background screening and credit reports, a consumer can review the 

report and file a dispute if they find mistakes. The CFPB has compiled a list of 

checking account screening companies at files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201604_

cfpb_list-of-consumer-reporting-companies.pdf.

You can also direct people you work with who are incarcerated and/or who have 

been the victim of identity theft to Module 9, Tool 2: Protecting your identity and 

a tips sheet, Identity theft and fraud protection tips for individuals in the criminal 

justice system files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201604_cfpb_fraudprotection-tool-for-justice-involved-individuals-handout.pdf. This tips sheet 

provides the steps on how to protect against fraud if a person's identity has been 

stolen or is at risk of being stolen, including for people who are incarcerated.

You can use Module 9, Tool 1: Submitting a complaint to the CFPB to help a person 

understand the complaint process. Those who are incarcerated without access to 

internet can send the complaint in writing to the address listed at the end of the 

tool, which is:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

P.O. Box 4503

Iowa City, IA 52244
Additional resources 67

8.Additional resources16

General reentry resources

The Federal Interagency Reentry Council of 2016 is a body led by the Department 

of Justice and includes 20 member agencies. In advancing its three-part mission 

of making communities safer by reducing recidivism and victimization, assisting 

those who return from prison and jail in becoming productive citizens, and saving 

taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration, the 

Council developed a series of documents it titled “Reentry MythBusters” to provide 

accurate and relevant information about transition topics for reentry individuals.

Resources

§ Visit justice.gov/reentry/federal-interagency-reentry-council to find out more 

about the Reentry Council and its work.

§ The Reentry MythBusters are fact sheets designed to clarify existing federal 

policies that affect currently or formerly incarcerated individuals and their 

families in areas such as public housing, employment, parental rights, Medicaid 

suspension/termination, voting rights, and more.

In addition, Congress directed the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to collect and 

study collateral consequences of having a criminal record in all U.S. jurisdictions, 

and NIJ selected the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Criminal Justice Section to 

16 This Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on Reentry companion guide to the Your Money, Your Goals

toolkit 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.
68 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

perform the necessary research and analysis. The ABA developed a state-by-state 

listing of collateral consequences. For more information and resources, see justice.

gov/reentry/resources.

Employment

Accessing sources of income may be very difficult for justice-involved individuals. 

The Department of Labor has various resources that help people identify job 

skills and interests, access job training resources, and conduct job searches. Its 

American Job Centers provide one stop career support, both online and in the 

community. It also has resources specifically geared towards those transitioning 

from incarceration. Learn more at careeronestop.org.

Resources

§ For practitioners working with reentry population visit eo.workforcegps.org.

§ For resources related to finding jobs, job training or building job skills and 

for links to American job centers and other job assistance sites visit dol.gov/

general/audience/aud-unemployed.

§ For information about state-specific governmental agencies and communitybased organizations that assist people with criminal records seeking jobs 

and other support, see careeronestop.org/exoffender/findajob/who-hire-exoffenders.aspx.

Hiring and criminal records

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance making 

it clear that an arrest or conviction record does not automatically bar individuals 

from all employment.

Resources 

§ Reentry MythBuster (on hiring/criminal records guidance) justice.gov/reentry/

resources.

§ For information about what EEOC says about what protections are in place for 

people with criminal records and how employers can use arrest and conviction 

records, see "What you should know about the EEOC and arrest and conviction 

records" eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/wysk/arrest_conviction_records.cfm.
Additional resources 69

Housing

Securing a place to live upon release is critical and public housing may be an 

option. Many believe that people with criminal records are banned from public 

housing. HUD issued guidance in November 2015, which clarifies policy around 

the use of criminal records by public housing authorities. The guidance explains 

that Public Housing Authorities (PHA) or other owners of federally-assisted housing 

cannot use the fact that there has been an arrest for a crime as the sole basis for 

the requisite determination that the relevant individual engaged in criminal activity 

warranting denial of admission, termination of assistance, or eviction. See portal.

hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=PIH2015-19.pdf.

HUD also released guidance in April 2016 related to the application of the Fair 

Housing Act standards to the use of criminal records by housing providers. The 

guidance advises that depending upon the circumstances, blanket policies 

denying housing on the basis of arrests or convictions might violate the Fair 

Housing Act. The guidance applies to public, private, and nonprofit housing 

providers. Learn more at portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=HUD_

OGCGuidAppFHAStandCR.pdf.

Resources

§ Reentry MythBuster (on public housing) https://www.justice.gov/reentry/

resources provides information about what HUD rules related to public housing 

are for people with criminal records.

§ To find your local public housing authority visit http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/

HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts.

§ To find a housing counselor for homeowners in need visit consumerfinance.gov/

find-a-housing-counselor.
70 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

TANF and SNAP benefits

Federal law imposes a lifetime ban on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 

(TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 

people with felony drug convictions after August 22, 1996. Many states have opted 

out of this ban. Check to see if your state has opted out.

Resources

§ Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/section-115-denial-assistance-andbenefits-certain-drug-related-convictions to find out more about how the ban 

on SNAP benefits for people with certain types of convictions works.

§ Reentry MythBuster (on TANF benefits) https://www.justice.gov/reentry/

resources clarifies which type of convictions are subject to the ban on TANF.

§ Reentry MythBuster (on SNAP benefits/mailing address) https://www.justice.

gov/reentry/resources explains that individuals can get SNAP benefits even if 

they don't have a mailing address.

§ Reentry MythBuster (on SNAP benefits/ID) https://www.justice.gov/reentry/

resources explains that although a valid State-issued ID is a common document 

used to prove a SNAP applicant’s identity, it is not the only acceptable form of 

proof for purposes of SNAP.

Social Security benefits

Social Security benefits are not payable if an individual is convicted of a criminal 

offense and confined for more than 30 consecutive days. Upon release, however, 

benefits can be reinstated without filing a new claim. Learn more at ssa.gov/

reentry. For clients receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI), benefits will be 

suspended if they have been convicted of a criminal offense and sent to jail or 

prison for more than 30 continuous days. Their benefits can be reinstated after 

release without filing a new claim.

For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a means-tested program, 

payments are suspended while they are in prison. Payments can be reinstated in the 

month the person is released. However, if the confinement lasts for 12 consecutive 

months or longer, eligibility for SSI benefits will terminate and the individual must 

file a new application for benefits.17 Learn more at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10133.pdf.

17 From “What Prisoners Need to Know”, Social Security Administration available at ssa.gov/pubs/

EN-05-10133.pdf
Additional resources 71

Veterans benefits

Veterans who were receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits prior to 

incarceration may submit a request to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) 

to have their compensation or pension benefits resumed within 30 days or less of 

their anticipated release date, based on evidence from a parole board or other 

official prison source showing the Veteran’s scheduled release date. Veterans may 

be entitled to additional benefits upon release, such as compensation, pension, 

vocational rehabilitation, education, employment counseling, loan guaranty, and 

insurance. See Reentry MythBuster (on Veterans compensation benefits) https://

www.justice.gov/reentry/resources.

Resources

§ To understand more about the impact of incarceration on an individual's VA 

benefits in general, visit benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-incarcerated.asp.

Health care

Medicaid

States are not required to terminate eligibility for individuals who are incarcerated 

based solely on inmate status. States may suspend eligibility during incarceration. 

Medicaid–eligible individuals may continue to be enrolled in the program before, 

during, and after the time in which they are held in custody and involuntarily 

in a public institution. For more information, see medicaid.gov/federal-policyguidance/downloads/sho16007.pdf.

Resources

§ For information on applying for Medicaid or health insurance through the health 

care marketplace, see healthcare.gov/incarcerated-people.

VA Health Care for Veterans

By regulation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot provide health 

care services to Veterans who are patients or inmates of another government 

agency’s institution, if that agency has a duty to provide the care. Because jails and 

prisons must provide health care for their inmates, VA cannot treat Veterans while 

they are incarcerated. For Veterans who are not incarcerated and are otherwise 

eligible for VA health care, past involvement with the criminal justice system 
72 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

generally has no impact on their ability to enroll for or to receive health care. See 

Reentry MythBuster justice.gov/reentry/resources.

Resources

§ For information about VA programs serving Veterans in the criminal justice 

system, see va.gov/homeless/VJO.asp and www.va.gov/HOMELESS/Reentry.asp.

Student loans

Student loan repayment

Both private and federal student loans may feature a range of alternative 

repayment plans designed to provide borrowers with additional flexibility when 

entering repayment or experiencing financial hardship.

Private student loans

In order to assist borrowers experiencing financial hardship or distress, some large 

private student lenders have developed some alternative repayment options. 

The range of repayment options for private student loan borrowers vary and may 

include a range of loss mitigation options offered by each lender. Private student 

loan borrowers should contact their private student loan servicer to inquire about 

their alternative repayment options and how to enroll.

Federal student loans

The vast majority of borrowers with federal student loans have the right under 

federal law to a series of income-driven repayment plans, which are a type of 

alternative repayment plan. Under an income-driven repayment plan, a borrower 

may qualify for a reduced or $0 monthly payment based on how much money they 

make. For borrowers with low wages over a long term, these programs also offer 

loan forgiveness following 20 or 25 years of on-time monthly payments. 

Resources

§ For general information about federal student loans, visit consumerfinance.gov/

paying-for-college.

Federal student loan default

Default is generally the failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to in the 

promissory note. For most federal student loans, individuals will default if they have 

not made a payment in more than 270 days.
Additional resources 73

If a borrower has not made a payment on their federal student loan for 270 days 

(nine months), and has not made arrangements with their lender or servicer that 

does not obligate them to make those payments, like deferment or forbearance, 

the borrower is probably in default.

If a borrower has not received a letter from their servicer and they believe they may 

be in default, they should contact their servicer immediately to discuss repayment 

options and determine if it is possible to avoid default.

Impact of incarceration on student loans

If an incarcerated individual is not in default on their Federal student loans they 

could be eligible for one of the income-driven repayment plans. Under these plans, 

the individual may qualify for reduced or $0 monthly payments on their student 

loans. By using these payment plans, individuals may eventually pay off their loans. 

If an incarcerated individual defaults on a federal student loan, they must resolve 

the default before taking advantage of an income-driven repayment plan. One way 

to resolve default is to rehabilitate the loan by making nine voluntary, reasonable, 

and affordable monthly payments within twenty days of the due-date for ten 

consecutive months.18

Resources

§ For information related to servicing and collection of student loans, see ifap.

ed.gov/LoanServicingandCollectionInfo/LSCFAQ.html#IB-Q1

§ For information on federal student financial aid and on repaying federal loans 

while incarcerated see Reentry MythBusters justice.gov/reentry/resources.

§ For information on the effect of drug-related convictions on student loan 

eligibility, see studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/criminal-convictions.

§ For more information about options for borrowers, including consolidating 

loans to exit default, see studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/default/get-out

18 studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/default/get-out
74 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

Financial aid for incarcerated individuals

Currently, if an individual is incarcerated in a federal or state facility they are 

ineligible to receive a federal Pell grant or federal student loan. Those incarcerated 

in a city or county facility, are still eligible for federal Pell grants, Federal 

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and the Federal Work 

Study program (FWS) but not for federal student loans.

In July 2015, the Department of Education announced the Second Chance Pell Pilot 

program, which allows incarcerated American citizens participating in the pilot 

program to obtain Pell Grants and pursue a postsecondary education.19

Upon release, most eligibility restrictions will be removed, allowing people to 

apply for Federal Pell Grants and other forms of federal financial aid. The maximum 

Pell grant award for the 2015-2016 school year is $5,775.20 The amount a student 

receives depends on an individual's:

§ Financial need,

§ Cost of attendance,

§ Status as a full-time or part-time student, and

§ Plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Resources

§ Learn more about Pell grants at studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grantsscholarships/pell.

§ Learn more about the Second Chance Pilot Program and the participating 

institutions at experimentalsites.ed.gov/exp/pdf/ESIParticipants.pdf

Taxes

Taxes and incarceration21

According to the Reentry MythBuster on Federal Taxes, incarceration neither 

changes one’s obligation to pay taxes and tax debts nor prohibits the receipt of tax 

19 For information on this and other programs, see experimentalsites.ed.gov/exp/index.html.

20 This may change annually. Check www2.ed.gov/programs/fpg/index.html for the most updated 

information.

21 Federal Interagency Reentry Council, Reentry MythBuster on Federal Taxes

justice.gov/reentry/resources.
Additional resources 75

credits and deductions upon release. As the MythBuster states, individuals must 

comply with the federal requirements to file and pay taxes. Collection of tax debts 

does not stop automatically upon incarceration. Individuals who are unable to pay 

should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to the IRS individuals must file a federal income tax return if their 

income is above a certain level, which varies depending on their filing status, age, 

and the type of income they receive. To determine whether a person is required to 

file a return go to irs.gov/uac/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return.

A tax return might be necessary for:

§ Applying for housing and providing proof of income to the rental agency 

or owner.

§ Applying for a student loan. The college/university may ask for proof of income 

and request to see an individual’s most recent tax return.

§ Purchasing large items, such as homes and cars, that also require proof 

of income.

§ Proving or establishing residency in the United States and providing employers 

with employment history.

If the IRS deems an individual unable to pay any tax debt, collection may be 

delayed until the individual’s financial condition improves. But, delay of collection 

will increase tax debt because penalties and interest are charged until payment of 

the full amount.

If an individual owes taxes that they cannot pay, they can make a payment plan. 

To make an installment or payment delay request, there is an Online Payment 

Agreement application at irs.gov or call 800–829–1040. 

After release, a felony conviction does not bar an individual from receiving tax 

credits or deductions. Common tax credits for which a person may qualify include: 

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care 

Credit and Education Credits. Learn more at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4925.pdf.

Resources

§ Free help with tax problems is available through the Taxpayer Advocate Service 

(TAS), an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers who are 

experiencing economic harm as a result of tax issues. Individuals should contact 

their local advocates, which can be found by state at irs.gov/advocate/localtaxpayer-advocate or by calling 1-877-777-4778.
76 YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: FOCUS ON REENTRY

§ Eligible taxpayers with incomes below a certain threshold can get assistance with 

their tax forms and other issues at Low Income Tax Clinics. To find out more and 

for the locations of the clinics, visit irs.gov/advocate/low-income-taxpayer-clinics.

Child support

Individuals entering, in, or reintegrating into the community from prison or jail with 

orders of child support or child support in arrears, should be directed to the local 

child support enforcement office to determine if a modification of child support 

orders is possible.

Resources

§ For the contact Information of local child support enforcement offices, visit 

acf.hhs.gov/css/resource/state-and-tribal-child-support-agency-contacts.

§ For the HHS Modification Guide with information about how to change a child 

support order, visit acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/programs/css/changing_a_

child_support_order.pdf or a map with links to state requirements, visit acf.hhs.

gov/css/state-by-state-how-to-change-a-child-support-order.

§ For general child support reentry resources, visit acf.hhs.gov/programs/css/

resource/reentry.

§ For information about the rule on child support issued in December 2016, which 

includes provisions related to incarcerated individuals, see acf.hhs.gov/media/

press/2016/new-rule-will-increase-regular-child-support-payments-to-families

§ Reentry MythBusters (child support Modifications, and child support/drivers 

licenses) justice.gov/reentry/resources. 
Additional resources 77

For more information, Service providers can refer to the 

full Your Money, Your Goals toolkit online at cfpb.gov/

your-money-your-goals.

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 with the 

CFPB at cfpb.gov/complaint.

For answers to commonly asked questions you might 

have about other money matters, visit “Ask CFPB” at 

cfpb.gov/askcfpb.

Mail

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

P.O. Box 4503, Iowa City, IA 52244

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

Fax

855.237.2392
Last updated March 2017