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Money & Exploitation

Families as the Hidden Tax Base: How Incarceration Costs Are Shifted to Families

108 Data Points 16 Sources 41 Entities Research Date: Feb 21, 2026
This GPS research document quantifies how mass incarceration shifts enormous financial costs onto families, estimating the total annual burden at nearly $350 billion—almost four times the $89 billion taxpayers spend on prisons and jails. The analysis synthesizes multiple national studies to reveal a systematic extraction pipeline where state failures to provide adequate food, healthcare, and basic necessities force families—disproportionately women (83%) and Black families (who pay 2.5x more than white families)—to subsidize incarceration through marked-up commissary goods, exploitative phone rates, and predatory money transfer fees. The document connects these national findings to GPS's Georgia-specific investigations of commissary markups (67-161%), food service failures, and medical neglect, framing the entire system as a regressive 'Family Tax' that deepens poverty, destroys household wealth, and transmits disadvantage across generations.
$350B Total annual cost of incarceration to families: n…
$4,200 Average direct out-of-pocket family spending: $4,…
$5.6B $5.6 billion annually on commissary, phone calls,…
$1.8B $1.8 billion annually on travel for prison visits
$2,256 Black family members average $2,256/year on visit…
$2.3B $2.3 billion annually on childcare for children o…

Key Findings

The most impactful data from this research collection.

All Data Points

108 verified data points extracted from primary sources.

Total annual cost of incarceration to families: nearly $350 billion Statistic
The total annual cost to families of incarcerated people is nearly $350 billion, almost four times the $89 billion taxpayers spend on jails and prisons. This estimate comes from FWD.us's June 2025 report developed with Duke University and NORC at th…
$350B vs. annual taxpayer spending on jails and prisons (billion dollars)
budget conditions demographics
Average direct out-of-pocket family spending: $4,200/year Statistic
Direct out-of-pocket spending averages $4,200 per year for people with an immediate family member in prison, which is more than 27% of income for someone at the federal poverty line.
$4,200
budget conditions
$5.6 billion annually on commissary, phone calls, and basic necessities Statistic
Families spend $5.6 billion annually on commissary, phone calls, and other basic necessities, with markups reaching 600% above retail cost.
$5.6B
budget commissary contraband
$1.8 billion annually on travel for prison visits Statistic
Families spend $1.8 billion annually on travel for prison visits. The average is $1,703/year for the 51% of families who visit. Black family members average $2,256/year on visit travel.
$1.8B
budget demographics
Black family members average $2,256/year on visit travel Statistic
Black family members average $2,256/year on travel for prison visits, compared to the overall average of $1,703/year.
$2,256 vs. overall average visit travel cost per year
budget demographics
$2.3 billion annually on childcare for children of incarcerated parents Statistic
Families spend $2.3 billion annually on childcare for children of incarcerated parents, averaging $5,337/year among those taking on childcare responsibilities (nearly half of those with minor children).
$2.3B
budget conditions
$6.7 billion annually in lost household income Statistic
Families lose $6.7 billion annually in lost household income when a loved one is incarcerated.
$6.7B
budget conditions
1 in 5 family members reports income decline of $1,803/month Statistic
One in five family members reports income decline when a loved one is incarcerated, losing an average of $1,803/month—roughly equivalent to the median U.S. mortgage payment.
$1,803
budget conditions
$111 billion annually in reduced earnings for formerly incarcerated people Statistic
Formerly incarcerated people experience $111 billion annually in reduced earnings due to limited job opportunities.
$111B
budget reentry
$215 billion annually in reduced lifetime earnings for children of incarcerated parents Statistic
Children of incarcerated parents experience $215 billion annually in reduced lifetime earnings, averaging a loss of $4,468 per child per year of adult life.
$215B
budget conditions demographics
1 in 5 families forced to move; 1 in 3 children forced to move Statistic
One in five families are forced to move when a loved one is incarcerated. One in three children of incarcerated parents are forced to move.
20% vs. percent of children of incarcerated parents forced to move
conditions demographics
9% of family members experienced homelessness; 18% with incarcerated parent Statistic
9% of family members experienced homelessness due to a loved one's incarceration. Among those with an incarcerated parent, the rate was 18% (1 in 6).
9% vs. percent among those with incarcerated parent
conditions demographics
FWD.us estimates described as conservative Methodology note
The FWD.us report describes its estimates as 'conservative at best' since they exclude legal/attorney fees, criminal justice debt, direct taxpayer spending, family separation costs, reduced life expectancies, and numerous other costs.
budget
64% of family-incarcerated person pairs incur at least one direct expense Statistic
64% of family-incarcerated person pairs reported incurring at least one direct expense related to incarceration.
64%
budget conditions
Median monthly direct expense: $172/month (6% of household income) Statistic
Among those who contribute, the median monthly direct expense is $172/month, representing 6% of household income.
$172.00
budget conditions
Black families: median $200/month (9% of household income) Statistic
Black families contributing to incarceration costs spend a median of $200/month, representing 9% of household income.
$200.00
budget demographics
Hispanic families: median $230/month (9% of household income) Statistic
Hispanic families contributing to incarceration costs spend a median of $230/month, representing 9% of household income.
$230.00
budget demographics
White families: median $120/month Statistic
White families contributing to incarceration costs spend a median of $120/month.
$120.00
budget demographics
Spouses/coparents of incarcerated: median $276/month (12% of income) Statistic
Spouses and coparents of incarcerated people spend a median of $276/month, representing 12% of household income—the highest percentage of any relationship category.
$276.00
budget conditions
Mothers of incarcerated: median $286/month Statistic
Mothers of incarcerated persons spend a median of $286/month on incarceration-related costs.
$286.00
budget conditions
Average monthly contributions by race: Black $413, Hispanic $365, White $252 Statistic
Average monthly contributions to incarceration costs by race: Black families $413/month; Hispanic $365/month; White $252/month.
$413.00 vs. dollars per month (White families average)
budget demographics
Science Advances ramen cost comparison editorial Quote
How long would it take you to earn the cost of a cheap but satiating dinner? If dinner is a $0.35 package of ramen noodles and you happen to work for the federal minimum wage, it would take you all of 3 minutes. If instead you were incarcerated and …
commissary conditions
Average court-related debt: $13,607 Statistic
Average debt incurred for court-related fines and fees alone was $13,607—almost one year's entire annual income for those earning less than $15,000.
$13,607
budget legal
63% of cases: family members primarily responsible for court costs Statistic
In 63% of cases, family members on the outside were primarily responsible for court-related costs.
63%
budget legal
83% of family members responsible for court costs were women Statistic
Of family members primarily responsible for court-related costs, 83% were women.
83%
budget demographics legal
48% of families unable to afford costs of conviction Statistic
48% of families were unable to afford costs associated with conviction. Among poor families (under $15,000/year), 58% were unable to afford these costs.
48% vs. percent among families earning under $15,000/year
budget conditions
65% of families unable to meet basic needs due to incarceration costs Statistic
65% of families were unable to meet basic needs because of financial costs of incarceration.
65%
budget conditions
49% struggled to meet food needs; 48% struggled with housing Statistic
49% of families struggled to meet basic food needs; 48% had trouble meeting basic housing needs due to financial costs of incarceration.
49% vs. percent struggling with housing
budget conditions
1 in 3 families went into debt for phone calls and visits Statistic
One in three families went into debt to cover phone calls and visitation costs.
33%
budget conditions
70% of families unable to meet basic needs were caring for children Statistic
70% of families unable to meet basic needs were caring for children.
70%
budget conditions
Families unable to visit/call experienced higher rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety Finding
Those unable to visit or call experienced PTSD, nightmares, hopelessness, depression, and anxiety at much higher rates than those who maintained contact.
mental_health conditions
National commissary revenue: estimated $1.6 billion annually Statistic
Total national commissary revenue is estimated at $1.6 billion annually.
$1.6B
commissary budget
Average prison wages: $0.13-$0.52/hour; seven states pay nothing Statistic
Prison wages average a minimum of $0.13/hour for non-industry jobs, with an average maximum of $0.52/hour. Seven states pay nothing at all for prison labor.
$0.13 vs. dollars per hour (average maximum)
conditions budget
Approximately two-thirds of incarcerated people work behind bars Statistic
Approximately two-thirds of incarcerated people work behind bars.
66%
conditions
Commissary markups range from 40% to 600% above retail Statistic
The Appeal's 9-month investigation collecting commissary prices from 46 states found markups ranging from 40% to 600% above retail prices.
600% vs. percent minimum markup above retail
commissary budget
Florida DOC: $175 million five-year contract with Keefe Group, 35.6% commission Case detail
Florida DOC has a $175 million five-year contract with Keefe Group that includes a 35.6% commission kickback on marked-up items.
commissary corruption budget
Georgia: peanut butter marked up over 70% Statistic
In Georgia prisons, peanut butter is marked up over 70% in commissary.
70%
commissary budget facilities
Commission-based contracts create perverse incentives for higher prices Finding
Commission-based contracts create an incentive for corrections officials to approve higher prices, as it directly increases facility revenue through percentage-based kickbacks.
commissary corruption policy
Inmate Welfare Funds are opaque shadow budgets Finding
Commissions and kickbacks from commissary and telecom contracts flow into 'Inmate Welfare Funds'—opaque accounts supposedly for incarcerated people's benefit. Corrections agencies use these as shadow budgets free from legislative appropriation overs…
commissary budget policy corruption
Welfare fund oversight committees never met in Fulton County Quote
When asked if welfare fund oversight committees met, one sheriff said 'not once have they met in my entire time being sheriff.' Fulton County (Georgia) Board of Commissioners chairman said he had 'never heard of the committee.'
commissary corruption budget facilities
Georgia commissary markups: 67% to 161% Statistic
Georgia Prisoners' Speak investigations documented Master Commissary List markups between 67% and 161% on everyday items including candy, ramen, and hygiene products.
161% vs. percent minimum markup
commissary budget facilities
Stewart's Distribution sells near-expired goods at premium prices Finding
Stewart's Distribution—Georgia's commissary vendor—sells near-expired convenience-store rejects at premium prices.
commissary conditions
Georgia families routinely send $100-$300/month for commissary Finding
Families on fixed incomes routinely send $100-$300/month just so loved ones can eat and stay clean in Georgia prisons.
commissary budget conditions
GDC food service failures force commissary reliance Finding
GDC food service failures (documented in GPS's 'Starved and Silenced') force reliance on commissary—spoiled meats, undercooked food, and portions so small many survive on ramen and chips.
commissary conditions medical
National telecom revenue from prisons/jails: $1.4 billion annually Statistic
Total national telecom revenue from prisons and jails is estimated at $1.4 billion annually for phone calls alone, excluding video calls and e-messaging.
$1.4B
budget conditions
Pre-reform phone costs: up to $1/minute, $8+ for 20-minute call Statistic
Before reform, families paid as much as $1/minute for prison phone calls. A 20-minute call could cost $8 or more.
$1.00
budget conditions
Families spent $2.9 billion/year on commissary and phone calls combined (earlier estimate) Statistic
Prison Policy Initiative estimated families spent $2.9 billion/year on commissary and phone calls combined (earlier estimate before FWD.us 2025 study).
$2.9B
budget commissary
Martha Wright-Reed Act signed into law in 2022 Legal fact
The Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 was a bipartisan law that gave the FCC authority to regulate all prison communications rates.
legal policy
FCC July 2024 rate caps: $0.06/min prison phone, $0.11-$0.25/min video Policy
In July 2024, the FCC voted to implement phone caps of $0.06/minute (prisons/large jails), $0.07/minute (medium jails); first-ever video call caps of $0.11-$0.25/minute; banned site commissions (kickbacks); and banned ancillary fees.
policy legal budget
2025 FCC reversal: suspended 2024 rules, raised rate caps Policy
Under new FCC Republican majority in 2025, the commission suspended 2024 rules and approved higher 'interim' rate caps: phone calls in large prisons from $0.06 to $0.10/minute; small jails up to $0.18/minute; added $0.02/minute facility fee.
policy legal budget
FCC Commissioner Gomez: Commission 'shielding a broken system' Quote
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated the Commission was 'shielding a broken system that inflates costs and rewards kickbacks to correctional facilities at the expense of incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.'
policy legal corruption
Bianca Tylek quote: Commission 'bent to the will of the industry' Quote
Bianca Tylek of Worth Rises stated: 'Today, the Commission bent to the will of the industry that has spent decades exploiting the basic human need of incarcerated people and their families.'
policy legal
9 states prohibit commission-based telecom contracts Legal fact
At least 9 states prohibit commission-based prison telecom contracts: California, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
policy legal
5 states mandate free prison communications Legal fact
California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Colorado have enacted laws requiring free communications in state prisons and/or jails.
policy legal
JPay serves 1.7 million+ incarcerated people in 32 states Statistic
JPay provides money transfers to more than 1.7 million incarcerated people in 32 states, covering nearly 70% of the U.S. prison population. For 40% of prisoners' families, JPay is the only option to send money.
1.7 million incarcerated people served
budget conditions
JPay fees can reach 35-45% of transfer amount Statistic
JPay fees to send $50 cost the family $6.95. Fees can reach 35% of the transfer amount, and in some states approach 45%.
35% vs. percent maximum fee (some states)
budget conditions
JPay handled 7 million transactions in 2013, $50+ million revenue Statistic
JPay handled nearly 7 million transactions in 2013, generating over $50 million in revenue, and was expected to transfer over $1 billion.
7 million transactions
budget
Monopoly states averaged 20% money transfer fees vs 16% with options Statistic
States with monopoly money transfer contracts averaged 20% fees for a $20 transfer; states with multiple transfer options averaged 16% fees.
20% vs. percent fee (states with multiple options)
budget conditions
CFPB penalized JPay for violating Consumer Financial Protection Act Case detail
In 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau penalized JPay for violating the Consumer Financial Protection Act. JPay charged fees to access own money on prepaid debit release cards and required consumers to sign up for JPay debit card as condi…
legal corruption budget
Attorney Lee Petro on the integrated extraction system Quote
Attorney Lee Petro: 'It's not just the money transfer that's the problem, it's the system it enables to shift costs onto families. Without companies like JPay, it would be much harder to take money from families and make families of inmates pay thei…
budget conditions corruption
48 states allow at least one category of pay-to-stay fees Legal fact
48 states allow at least one category of pay-to-stay fees. Only California and Illinois have repealed fees for all categories.
legal policy budget
43 states authorize charging incarcerated people for cost of imprisonment Legal fact
At least 43 states authorize charging incarcerated people for the cost of their imprisonment.
legal policy budget
Per diem pay-to-stay rates: $20-$80/day Statistic
Pay-to-stay per diem rates typically range from $20 to $80 per day for the entire period of incarceration.
$80.00 vs. dollars per day (minimum typical)
legal budget
Florida case: Shelby Hoffman owed $127,500 for 10-year sentence despite 10-month stay Case detail
In Florida, courts can charge up to $50/day based on sentence length, not time actually served. Shelby Hoffman owed $127,500 for a 10-year sentence despite early release after only 10 months.
legal budget
Texas: prisoners paid nothing for forced labor; $13.55 medical copay Statistic
In Texas, state prisoners are paid nothing for forced labor while each medical visit costs a $13.55 copay.
$13.55 vs. dollars per hour prison wages
medical conditions budget
10 million people owed $50 billion in accrued incarceration debt Statistic
Rutgers sociologist Brittany Friedman found 10 million people owed $50 billion in accrued incarceration debt.
$50B
legal budget reentry
National court debt: at least $27.6 billion (25 states with data) Statistic
National court debt totals at least $27.6 billion based on 25 states with reliable data.
$27.6B
legal budget
40 states and federal BOP charge medical copays: $2 to $13 Statistic
40 states and the federal Bureau of Prisons charge medical copays ranging from $2 to $13.
40 states
medical policy budget
JAMA: more expensive copays limit healthcare access for pregnant and chronically ill Finding
A JAMA study (August 2024) found that prison systems with more expensive copays (relative to prison wages) limit access to healthcare for pregnant people and those with chronic conditions.
medical policy
Higher medical copays deter treatment-seeking for serious conditions Finding
National Consumer Law Center (September 2024) found an inverse relationship between copay levels and healthcare utilization—higher copays deter treatment-seeking even for serious conditions.
medical policy
40% state prisoners, 33% federal prisoners report chronic health conditions Statistic
40% of state prisoners and 33% of federal prisoners reported chronic health conditions.
40% vs. percent of federal prisoners with chronic conditions
medical conditions
Dauphin County PA forgave $65.9 million in detainee debt Case detail
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania forgave $65.9 million in former detainee debt in September 2024.
legal policy budget
86% of adult children support incarcerated parents, averaging $5,500/year Statistic
86% of adult children support their incarcerated parents, spending on average $5,500/year, making it harder to invest in education, save for housing, or start families.
86%
budget conditions
Women face compounding financial burden of incarceration Finding
Women contribute similar dollar amounts as men to incarceration costs but it represents a larger share of their household income. Women face a compounding burden: lost household income + new expenses + childcare + emotional labor.
demographics budget conditions
Grinstead et al.: $292/month average cost for women maintaining contact with incarcerated Black men Statistic
Grinstead, Faigeles, Bancroft & Zack (2001) found the average cost of $292/month for women maintaining contact with incarcerated African American men through prison visits, phone calls, and packages.
$292.00
budget demographics conditions
FWD.us quote on impossible family choices Quote
FWD.us describes the fundamental bind: 'Paying rent or putting money on a prison commissary account? Buying groceries or traveling for a visit? Working more hours or being able to take on childcare responsibilities?'
conditions budget
Respondent quote: 'I'm not incarcerated but it feels like I'm incarcerated' Quote
One respondent stated: 'I'm not incarcerated but it feels like I'm incarcerated because I'm going through it with her.'
conditions mental_health
Black family members pay 2.5x more than white family members Statistic
Black family members pay 2.5 times more ($8,005/year) than white family members ($3,251/year) to support incarcerated loved ones.
$8,005 vs. dollars per year (White families)
budget demographics
Black people 2x as likely to have multiple incarcerated family members Statistic
Black people are twice as likely to have multiple family members incarcerated (50% vs. 25% of white respondents) and 4 times more likely to have two family members incarcerated simultaneously.
50% vs. percent of White respondents with multiple incarcerated family members
demographics conditions
Pre-incarceration median income: $19,185 — 41% less than peers Statistic
Pre-incarceration median annual income was $19,185 — 41% less than non-incarcerated peers of similar ages.
$19,185
demographics budget
Incarcerated family member reduced household assets by 64.3% Statistic
Having an incarcerated family member reduced household assets by 64.3% and debt by 85.1%, according to Sykes & Maroto (2016) using Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) data.
64.3% vs. percent reduction in debt
budget demographics
Western and Pettit: inequality from mass incarceration is invisible, cumulative, intergenerational Finding
Western and Pettit described the inequality produced by mass incarceration as 'invisible, cumulative, and intergenerational.' Invisible: institutionalized populations lie outside official accounts of economic well-being. Cumulative: penalties accrue…
demographics budget
Children of recently incarcerated fathers 3x more likely to experience homelessness Statistic
Children of recently incarcerated fathers are 3 times more likely to experience homelessness. Paternal incarceration increases risk of childhood homelessness by 94-97% even after adjusting for pre-existing family differences.
3.0x times more likely to experience homelessness
conditions demographics
Parental incarceration pushes formerly non-poor children into poverty Finding
Parental incarceration pushes even formerly non-poor children into poverty.
conditions demographics
21% of Black males from lowest-income families were incarcerated on April 1, 2010 Statistic
21% of Black males born to parents in lowest-income families were incarcerated on April 1, 2010.
21%
demographics
Mass incarceration as missing variable in racial wealth gap analysis Finding
George Mason Law Review stated: 'the connection between the disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system as a barrier to wealth creation is typically not discussed' — mass incarceration is a missing variable in racial wealth gap an…
demographics budget legal
Families Over Fees Act introduced 2024 Legal fact
The Families Over Fees Act (2024) was introduced by Senators Booker and Warren. It would authorize the FTC to prohibit junk fees in prisons/jails, require upfront disclosure, and create legal protections for affected families.
legal policy
San Francisco eliminated commissary markups with minimal budget impact Case detail
San Francisco eliminated commissary markups. The loss of approximately $500,000 in annual revenue was found to have 'minimal' impact — only 0.17% of the Sheriff's budget. Results were called 'profound.'
commissary policy budget
Bail bonds: $1.92 billion paid by families (2021, adjusted to 2025 dollars) Statistic
Families pay approximately $1.92 billion on bail bonds (2021, inflation-adjusted to 2025 dollars).
$1.9B
budget legal
Jennifer Erschabek: family spending is 'an additional tax' Quote
Jennifer Erschabek, Executive Director of the Texas Inmate Families Association, calls the money families spend 'an additional tax.'
budget conditions
GPS Family Tax extraction pipeline model Finding
GPS's 'Family Tax' analytical model describes a six-step extraction pipeline: (1) State fails to adequately feed, clothe, provide healthcare, creating need; (2) Need channeled through monopoly vendors at marked-up prices for vendor profit; (3) Vendo…
commissary budget corruption policy conditions
GPS linked malnutrition to rising violence and chronic health issues Finding
GPS linked malnutrition in Georgia prisons to rising violence, irritability, and chronic health issues in its 'Nutrition Neglect' investigation.
medical violence conditions
Dane County banned commissions then negotiated $476,000 'administrative fee' Case detail
Dane County, Wisconsin commissioners banned telecom commissions that brought in approximately $1 million/year, then negotiated an 'administrative fee' of $476,000 instead — illustrating how companies find loopholes around commission bans.
corruption policy budget
Dauphin County commissioner quote on debt undermining reentry Quote
A Dauphin County commissioner stated: 'We were literally spending money on recidivism reduction programs while keeping individuals from reaching that goal by making it almost impossible to get credit, unable to get a mortgage, unable to rent an apar…
reentry legal budget
Keefe Group controlled by HIG Capital, which also owns Wellpath and Trinity Finding
Keefe Group, a major commissary vendor, is controlled by private equity firm HIG Capital, whose portfolio also includes Wellpath healthcare and Trinity Services Group prison food — creating an integrated private control over multiple aspects of pris…
commissary medical corruption
Over half of prisoners have children under 18 Statistic
Over half of all prisoners have children under 18; approximately 45% were living with their children when sent to prison.
50% vs. percent living with children when imprisoned
demographics conditions
States can seize wages, inheritances, settlements, pensions, VA benefits, tax refunds Legal fact
States can seize wages, inheritances, lawsuit settlements, pension funds, veterans benefits, disability benefits, and tax refunds for unpaid pay-to-stay fees.
legal budget
Center for Public Integrity: families 'forego medical care, skip utility bills' Finding
The Center for Public Integrity's six-month investigation found families 'forego medical care, skip utility bills and limit contact with their imprisoned relatives' to afford fees. JPay 'streamlines the flow of cash into prisons, making it easier fo…
budget conditions medical
Companies bundle regulated phone with unregulated services to evade caps Finding
Prison telecom companies now bundle regulated phone services with unregulated services (messaging, tablet features, games) to evade rate caps implemented by the FCC.
policy corruption budget
Stephen Raher coined term 'prison retailing' Finding
Researcher Stephen Raher coined the term 'prison retailing' to describe how vendors and corrections agencies transform state responsibilities into revenue sources.
commissary budget policy
Illinois and New Hampshire repealed pay-to-stay laws in 2019; Missouri in 2025 Legal fact
Illinois and New Hampshire repealed pay-to-stay laws in 2019; Missouri repealed in 2025; Connecticut reformed its pay-to-stay laws in 2022.
legal policy
FWD.us survey methodology: 1,600+ respondents with incarcerated family members Methodology note
The FWD.us 2025 report is based on a first-of-its-kind national survey of more than 1,600 people with incarcerated family members, developed in collaboration with researchers at Duke University and NORC at the University of Chicago.
budget
Ella Baker Center methodology: 1,000+ surveys across 14 states Methodology note
The Ella Baker Center 'Who Pays?' study was based on surveys of more than 1,000 formerly incarcerated people and family members across 14 states.
budget
Science Advances 6% national figure likely a floor in Georgia Finding
The Science Advances finding that families spend 6% of household income on incarceration costs nationally is likely a floor in Georgia, where commissary prices are higher and institutional meals are worse.
budget commissary conditions
Data gap: FWD.us estimates exclude legal fees, criminal justice debt, and other costs Data gap
The FWD.us $350 billion estimate excludes legal/attorney fees, criminal justice debt, direct taxpayer spending, family separation costs, reduced life expectancies, and numerous other costs, representing a significant data gap in understanding total …
budget
Data gap: welfare fund spending and oversight Data gap
In many cases Inmate Welfare Fund dollars are misspent or not spent at all, even as incarcerated people's basic needs go unmet. Oversight committees often do not meet, and funds operate free from legislative appropriation oversight.
commissary budget corruption
Trend: telecom companies shifting to unregulated services to evade rate caps Trend
As FCC rate caps have been imposed on phone services, prison telecom companies have shifted to bundling regulated phone services with unregulated services (messaging, tablet features, games) to evade rate caps and maintain revenue.
policy budget
Trend: growing state and local movement toward free prison communications Trend
A growing number of states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Colorado) and local jurisdictions (New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles County) have enacted laws or policies requiring free communications in prisons and…
policy legal

Sources

16 cited sources backing this research.

Secondary Official report
America's Dystopian Incarceration System of Pay to Stay Behind Bars
Brennan Center for Justice (Jan 1, 2014)
Primary Academic
Children of the Prison Boom
Wakefield, Sara; Wildeman, Christopher (Jan 1, 2013)
Primary Legal document
FCC orders on Incarcerated People's Communication Services
Federal Communications Commission
Primary Gps original
Georgia Prison Commissary Prices and Family Burdens
Georgia Prisoners' Speak — Georgia Prisoners' Speak (Nov 1, 2025)
Primary Academic
Incarceration & social inequality
Western, Bruce; Pettit, Becky — Daedalus (American Academy of Arts and Sciences)
Primary Academic
JAMA prison medical copay study
JAMA (Aug 1, 2024)
Primary Legislation
Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022
U.S. Congress (Jan 1, 2022)
Primary Gps original
Nutrition Neglect
Georgia Prisoners' Speak — Georgia Prisoners' Speak
Secondary Official report
Paying for One's Own Incarceration
Campaign Zero (Jun 1, 2025)
Primary Official report
Prison Policy Initiative money transfer analysis
Prison Policy Initiative (Jan 1, 2021)
Primary Academic
Race and Economic Opportunity in the United States
Chetty, Raj et al. — Opportunity Insights
Primary Academic
Science Advances editorial commentary (aec7420) on prison costs
Science Advances (Jan 1, 2025)
Primary Gps original
Starved and Silenced
Georgia Prisoners' Speak — Georgia Prisoners' Speak
Primary Academic
The direct financial costs of having a family member incarcerated
Baker et al. — Science Advances (Jan 1, 2025)
Primary Official report
We Can't Afford It: Mass Incarceration and the Family Tax
FWD.us, Duke University, NORC at University of Chicago — FWD.us (Jun 1, 2025)
Primary Official report
Who Pays? The True Cost of Incarceration on Families
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Forward Together, Research Action Design — Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Forward Together, Research Action Design (Sep 1, 2015)

Key Entities

Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.

Anna Gomez [person]
Aventiv Technologies [organization]
Bianca Tylek [person]
Brennan Center for Justice [organization]
Brittany Friedman [person]
Bureau of Prisons [organization]
Campaign Zero [organization]
Center for Public Integrity [organization]
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau [organization]
Dane County [facility]
Dauphin County [facility]
Duke University [organization]
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights [organization]
Families Over Fees Act [legislation]
Federal Communications Commission [organization]
Florida Department of Corrections [organization]
Fulton County [facility]
FWD.us [organization]
George Mason Law Review [organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]
Georgia Prisoners' Speak [organization]
HIG Capital [organization]
Jennifer Erschabek [person]
JPay [organization]
Keefe Group [organization]
Lee Petro [person]
Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act [legislation]
National Consumer Law Center [organization]
NORC at University of Chicago [organization]
Opportunity Insights [organization]
Platinum Equity Partners [organization]
Prison Policy Initiative [organization]
Shelby Hoffman [person]
Stephen Raher [person]
Stewart's Distribution [organization]
Texas Inmate Families Association [organization]
The Appeal [organization]
Trinity Services Group [organization]
Union Supply Group [organization]
Wellpath [organization]
Worth Rises [organization]
Report a Problem