Are federal defendants sentenced to more than one year eligible for good time?

Yes. In the federal system, a person serving a prison sentence of more than one year generally may earn good conduct time, but it is not automatic and depends on the offense date and the person’s conduct and other eligibility requirements. A life sentence is excluded. 18 U.S.C. § 3624(b)(1)(source 13)

“A prisoner who is serving a term of imprisonment of more than 1 year other than a term of imprisonment for the duration of the prisoner’s life, may receive credit . . . of up to 54 days for each year of the prisoner’s sentence imposed by the court.” 18 U.S.C. § 3624(b)(1)(source 13)

For offenses committed on or after November 1, 1987, the Bureau of Prisons generally calculates up to 54 days per year of the sentence imposed, prorating credit for a partial final year. The BOP may award less or no credit for unsatisfactory compliance with prison disciplinary rules. For offenses committed on or after April 26, 1996, the regulation also ties the full 54-day award to earning or making satisfactory progress toward a high school diploma, equivalent degree, or authorized alternative; otherwise, it provides up to 42 days per year. 28 C.F.R. § 523.20(b), (d)(source 6)

Good conduct time is separate from First Step Act earned time credits, which depend on participation in qualifying programs and activities and have different eligibility rules. 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)(source 14)