Self-Surrender Checklist: Money Issues

How much does it cost to live inside a federal prison? That’s a question that few people who live in the world beyond prison can comprehend.

Many people live with the misperception that it doesn’t cost a prisoner anything to serve time in prison. Technically, I suppose that is true. But as is the case anywhere else in the United States, the more money a person has, the more comforts he can provide for himself— although those comforts are far more modest in prison.

In my book Prison! My 8,344th Day, I describe how I live at this stage of my journey. My life is full and it feels meaningful despite the more than 23 years that have passed. One of the reasons I’m able to make as much progress as I make, however, is because I have built a network of support that provides me with the resources I need to overcome the obstacles wrought by confinement. Each month my imprisonment costs an average of $800, and I would say that is a conservative estimate.

Why does it cost so much? Well, living in prison is expensive for me because I choose to avoid interactions with the prison population as much as possible. That adjustment strategy means that I limit my exposure to disciplinary problems; it also means that I must purchase my food and other needs from the commissary.

I spend my monthly limit (of $290) every month on food items. I also purchase the maximum amount of postage and telephone access. Those expenditures run me about $500 each month.

In addition to the money I spend for basic needs in prison, I also have expenditures associated with my efforts to prepare for a law-abiding, contributing life upon release. That means I must provide resources to maintain my Web site, to pay for toner and postage associated with the publishing of all the content I write.

I also must include the costs Carole spends to support our marriage through regular visits. When considering all of those expenses, $800 each month may be on the low end; it does not include the rates I would have to pay if I did not rely on my lovely wife for typing.

Obviously, prison doesn’t have to cost so much. Prison administrators provide three meals each day. They provide clothing, shelter, and medical care to every prisoner. Some prisoners live without any financial assistance from outside, though living in such a way is more like subsisting. Easing the pains of confinement and maintaining a connection to society requires access to at least some financial resources.

With access to $100 each month, a prisoner can cover the costs of phone calls and postage, but that would be about it.

With access to $200 each month, a prisoner can purchase hygiene items and modest amounts of food in addition to paying for telephone and postage.

Access to $300 each month, gives a prisoner resources to purchase athletic apparel like sweats, sneakers as well as aspirin or medication that the health services does not provide. It would be sufficient to pay for food as well as the costs of connecting with society.

With access to between $400 and $500 each month, a prisoner will have resources to purchase everything possible to ease his time in prison while simultaneously covering the costs to prepare for his successful emergence into society when the prison term ends.

Like anywhere else in America, it costs money to live in prison. Much more than someone outside might expect.