Can Inmates Keep the Money They Earn While Incarcerated?

In the United States, the situation around inmates earning and keeping money is not as straightforward as it may initially seem. The rules vary from institution to institution and state to state, but the general framework is complex and can be somewhat confusing. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and practical implications for inmates who earn money during their incarceration.

Legal Framework and Practical Limits

No US currency is directly handled by inmates. However, inmates can earn and manage money through certain legal channels, albeit with restrictions and deductions. According to the rules in many prisons, inmates may only retain their earnings after deductions for unpaid fines, fees, and child support.

Prison Jobs and Earnings

Many inmates participate in work programs within prison facilities, which can range from mundane tasks like cleaning to more specialized activities such as manufacturing license plates. The earnings from these jobs are recorded in a prison-managed account and are not issued as a traditional paycheck. Any money sent to inmates from family or friends is also processed through the same system.

The average monthly pay for prison jobs can vary greatly, depending on the institution and the work performed. In some cases, like the Belmont facility, the average pay might be as low as $18 per month, with some inmates deducting even more due to child support payments. However, some inmates choose to keep their earnings, providing for personal needs while in prison.

Post-Incarceration Earnings

When inmates leave prison, they can take any remaining money from their prison-managed accounts. This means that if they have worked diligently over their time in prison, they can walk out with the wages they have earned, after any legal deductions are made.

However, dealing with employment upon release can present additional challenges. In some cases, inmates might have to deal with employer discrimination or bureaucratic hurdles. For instance, in Britain, prisoners often lose national insurance contributions, which can impact their future pension eligibility. Similar issues can arise in the U.S., where an inmate's time in prison may not count towards their state pension.

Working in Prison: Types of Jobs and Earnings

Prison facilities often provide a variety of work opportunities for inmates. These can include:

Kitchen Ground Crew: Cleaning and maintaining the kitchen areas. Laundry: Operating laundry machines and managing fabric cleaning. Maintenance Jobs: Repairing and maintaining prison infrastructure. Manufacturing: Creating items such as license plates or other products.

These jobs may pay varying amounts, and the specific rates can depend on the nature of the work. In California, for example, inmates can earn money for tasks not directly related to the prison's operations. This often includes specialized roles that contribute to the wider community.

It is worth noting that some inmates may have to pay for services and products through the prison canteen, which can diminish their potential earnings. Nevertheless, many inmates manage to save and even take away a significant amount of money when they leave prison.

In conclusion, while the concept of inmates earning and keeping money during incarceration is subject to strict regulations and varying state laws, it is a reality that impacts numerous inmates. Understanding these complexities can help provide a clearer picture of the experiences and challenges faced by those navigating the criminal justice system.

Key Points

Inmates can earn and keep money through prison work, but face deductions for unpaid fines and child support. Earnings are often record-kept in prison-managed accounts, with the option to take remaining funds upon release. Employer discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles can make it challenging for inmates to return to regular employment after release.

For more information on this topic, visit the official Justice Department's website.