If you have loved ones serving time in prison, you may wish to send them a financial gift or two to help them along. It’ll probably come in handy – as prisoners can access shops where they can spend allowances. But do you know how to send money to a prisoner in the UK?
You’ll need to send money to prisoners via the UK government website. Don’t be fooled by third-party services, or be tempted to send cash in the post! Sending via GOV UK is fast, secure, and traceable. Here’s what you need to know.
Why send money to someone in prison?
Sending money to prisoners can help them top up on daily essentials! Prisoners can purchase goods freely at canteens or prison shops. They can purchase items such as shampoos, biscuits, and even make special orders.
Some special orders may include products or items not traditionally stocked in the canteen, and which will need external delivery. Of course, the items available to prisoners are limited, and they must ask for permission for custom deliveries.
However, if you have a loved one in prison, sending them money can be a great way to help them buy products that bring them comfort or help them pass the time.
It can also be a great way to let them know that you care, and support them as they are paying their dues to society.
How to send money to prisoners in England and Wales
You will need to start by obtaining the prisoner’s date of birth and current prisoner number. Then, using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, head to the UK government’s money transfer form online.
You will need a working debit card (only Visa, Mastercard and Maestro are accepted). The website will first ask you to enter the prisoner’s details, before entering in the amount you wish to send (within the permitted limit).
This service is free to use, and you can send money to any prison across England and Wales. Your money could take between three and five business days to reach the prisoner in question.
If, for whatever reason, you cannot use the online service, you can apply for an exemption (this is only the case if you do not have access to a smart device, or do not have a debit card).
If your exemption is accepted, you will be permitted to send money via post. This is usually prohibited.
How to send money to prisoners in Scotland and Northern Ireland
You won’t be able to use the government’s online payment service to transfer money to prisoners in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Instead, you’ll need to get in touch with the prison in question to arrange a transfer.
There’s more information for Scottish prisons here, and Northern Irish prisons here.
Can I send cash to prisoners in an envelope?
No, you cannot send money to a prisoner in an envelope via the post. This is the case with cash or postal orders. The money will simply not reach the prisoner in question, and you may not get a refund.
The only exception to the rule is if you cannot use the online service to send money, and you have applied and been granted an exemption. You’ll need to follow the online instructions as far as you can before you can send cash in the post.
Can I pay prisoners by bank transfer or cheque?
No, you cannot send money to a UK prisoner via bank transfer. For one thing, the prisoners and even the prison do not have bank accounts to which you can send the money! If you have stumbled across any such details, they will be fake and unofficial.
The only way to send money safely (and to guarantee your prisoner receives their payment) is via the government’s online form.
Cheque payments apply in much the same way as cash in an envelope – they simply won’t work. Prisoners have no way of cashing them!
Can prisoners see who sent them money?
Yes, prisoners can see who sent them money. The name of the sender (i.e., you) will appear on a balance sheet they have access to.
However, it is important to note that while the prisoner in question may be able to see the name of the sender, they are not able to see any other information. They will not have access to other financial details, meaning it’s limited purely to these transactions.
FAQs
How long does it take for prisoners to receive money in the UK?
Usually, it’ll take up to three working days for your payment to reach a prisoner, providing the details you use are correct.
Can I send gifts to prisoners in the UK?
You can send letters or emails to prisoners in the UK, but you can’t give items that are illegal, anything that can be used as weaponry, mobile phones, cameras, illicit drugs or alcohol. You also can’t send coded messages, security threats, or obscene communications.
What can I send to prisoners in the UK?
You’ll need to contact the specific prison your loved one is registered at to find out what you’re allowed to send to people who are incarcerated. Check out this guide to UK prison contacts.
Does Amazon deliver parcels to UK prisons?
Yes, Amazon can deliver items to UK prisons, but you’ll need to clear them with a prison in question before sending.
Do prisoners receive and read letters they get in the post?
Yes, prisoners have access to letters you address to them, but they’re usually handled by prison staff first by way of security. You can’t send money to prisoners in letters, and anything legally sensitive (such as court and solicitor information) can be opened directly by recipients.
