Money works very differently inside prison than it does in the outside world. Understanding the system helps you manage your finances, avoid debt, and ensure you have resources both during your sentence and when you are released.
How Money Enters the Prison System
There are three ways money gets into your prison account:
**Family and friends sending money in**: The primary way most prisoners receive funds. Money can be sent via online services, postal orders, or in-person at the prison reception. The main online system is the HM Prison and Probation Service's "Send money to someone in prison" service, which is free and usually processed within one working day.
**Prison wages**: Earnings from prison jobs, education bursaries, or workshop placements. These are paid weekly into your account.
**Discharge grants and allowances**: Small payments made by the prison for specific purposes, such as your discharge grant on release.
All money is held in a secure prison account, not in cash. You cannot hold physical currency inside prison.
The Prison Canteen System
The canteen is the prison shop where you spend your money. It sells food, toiletries, tobacco or vapes, phone credit, stationery, and other essentials.
**Ordering**: Most prisons have a weekly canteen order. You fill out a form or use a digital system to select items, and the order is delivered to your wing a few days later.
**Spending limits**: There is a weekly spending limit, which varies by prison and IEP level. As of 2026, typical limits range from £15 to £40 per week for standard prisoners, with enhanced prisoners permitted more.
**Popular items**: Instant noodles, biscuits, chocolate, soft drinks, coffee, phone credit, toiletries, and tobacco or vaping products. Fresh fruit and protein supplements are increasingly available.
Prison Wages and Pay Rates
Prison wages are set nationally and vary by job and prison. Typical weekly earnings range from £4 for basic wing duties to £25 or more for skilled workshop positions.
Wages are paid into your prison account and can be spent on canteen, phone calls, or saved. Some prisons hold a portion in a "savings" account that you access on release.
Sending Money to Other Prisoners
You are generally not allowed to send money to other prisoners. This is to prevent debt, bullying, and the trade of illicit items. If you owe another prisoner money for a legitimate reason, speak to your personal officer.
Debt in Prison
Prison debt is a serious problem. Borrowing money or items from other prisoners can lead to intimidation, violence, and coercion. The advice is simple: do not get into debt.
If you are being pressured for money or items, tell a member of staff immediately. Safer custody teams are trained to handle this discreetly.
Your Outside Finances
Serving a prison sentence does not stop your outside financial obligations. Mortgages, rent, utility bills, and debts continue to accrue unless you make arrangements.
**Power of Attorney**: Before sentencing, consider giving a trusted family member power of attorney so they can manage your finances. This is particularly important if you own property, have business interests, or have significant savings.
**Benefits**: Some benefits stop when you enter prison. Others, such as Child Benefit, may continue for your family. Contact the relevant government departments or ask your solicitor to arrange this.
**Bank accounts**: Most bank accounts remain active during your sentence. If your bank discovers you are in prison, they may freeze the account. Write to your bank explaining your situation and authorising any necessary transactions.
Release Savings and Discharge Grants
On release, you will receive:
This is not much to start a new life with. Saving as much as possible during your sentence, even a few pounds a week, makes a significant difference on release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family send cash to prison?
No. Cash is not accepted. Money must be sent through the official online service, by postal order, or bank transfer.
What happens to my money if I am transferred?
Your prison account balance transfers with you to the new prison. There may be a short delay while the accounts are reconciled.
Can I have more than one prison account?
No. Each prisoner has a single prison account. All wages, canteen spending, and phone credit come from this account.
Do I pay tax on prison wages?
No. Prison wages are not subject to income tax or National Insurance.
What if I have no money and no one sending it in?
Prisoners with no external support can apply for the "indigent pack" — a small weekly allowance for basic toiletries and phone credit. Ask your personal officer or the prison chaplaincy.
*Last updated: June 2026.*