What Happens to Your Money When You Go to Jail in Illinois?

When you’re first arrested and booked, the way your money is handled varies depending on the county.

Cook County

At Cook County Jail, when you go through intake, any cash you have on you is taken, documented, and placed in a personal property account. The same goes for valuables like jewelry. You won’t have direct access to this money while inside, but you can set up an inmate account where family or friends can deposit money for you to use for commissary items.

DuPage County

In DuPage County, the process is similar, but it tends to be more efficient. Cash is logged during booking, and you’ll be given the option to set up an inmate account for purchases. DuPage also has strict rules on what personal items you can keep and how property is stored.

Will County

In Will County, cash is confiscated and logged during intake. You won’t have access to it until release, but you can use funds in your inmate account for commissary purchases. Friends and family can deposit money into your account through the county’s approved methods.

DeKalb County

At DeKalb County Jail, your cash and personal belongings are secured and held by the jail, but you’ll need to rely on outside support to have funds deposited into your inmate account. DeKalb tends to be more lenient with setting up accounts quickly.

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Being behind bars doesn’t stop your bills from coming. Whether it’s rent, a mortgage, or a car payment, these financial obligations continue unless you’ve made arrangements beforehand.

• Rent/Mortgage: If you’re renting, missing a payment could result in eviction. It’s important to set up a system where someone can pay your rent or mortgage for you, either through online bill pay or by giving them access to your accounts. In some cases, a Power of Attorney may be necessary.

• Car Payments and Insurance: Missing car payments or insurance premiums can lead to repossession or cancellation of your policy. Set up automatic payments if possible, or arrange for someone to manage these while you’re inside.

• Child Support: If you owe child support, these payments don’t stop because you’re incarcerated. Failing to pay can lead to more legal trouble.

• Credit Cards: Keep up with credit card minimum payments to avoid fees and a hit to your credit score. Set up automatic payments or have someone handle them for you.

• Cell Phone Contracts: If you don’t pay your cell phone bill, service can be cut off. It’s smart to freeze your account or have someone pay the bills while you’re inside.

Bank Accounts and Cards

Accessing your bank accounts while in jail is tricky but not impossible. You won’t be able to use your debit or credit cards directly, and many jails don’t allow inmates to hold their cards.

• ATM/Debit Cards: Since you won’t have access to an ATM or be able to use your card, you’ll need to rely on a trusted family member or Power of Attorney to manage your account.

• Writing Checks: Some jails may allow you to write checks, but it depends on the facility. Cook County has more stringent rules, while DuPage may allow you to write checks for rent or bills with permission.

• Online Banking: Unless you’ve set up online banking and given someone access beforehand, managing your accounts from inside jail is nearly impossible.

• Power of Attorney: Giving someone Power of Attorney over your finances allows them to pay bills, transfer money, and manage your accounts while you’re incarcerated. Each county may have its own process for approving these requests.

Family Support: Getting and Sending Money

Having access to commissary money is important for buying basic necessities like toiletries, snacks, and phone time. Here’s how family and friends can deposit money into your inmate account:

Cook County

In Cook County, family members can deposit money via kiosks at the jail or through an online system. Keep in mind that transfer fees can add up, so it’s best to deposit larger amounts at once to avoid repeated fees.

DuPage County

DuPage uses a similar system, allowing deposits through kiosks or online. There are limits on how much can be deposited at one time, and fees vary depending on the method used.

Will County

Will County allows deposits through their website or in person at the jail. Be sure to check deposit limits and avoid using services that charge high transfer fees.

DeKalb County

In DeKalb County, money can be deposited through an approved system. While this jail has fewer restrictions, it’s still important to watch out for fees and transfer limits.

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When you’re in jail, there’s always the risk that your property could be stolen, damaged, or lost. It’s crucial to protect your belongings, especially if you’re facing a longer sentence.

• Apartment/House Contents: If you’re renting, consider having someone you trust clear out your apartment and store your belongings if you’ll be inside for a while.

• Vehicle Storage: Your car could be towed or repossessed if left on the street. Make sure someone moves it to a safe location or storage facility. Local storage options near jails often offer short-term rates.

• Valuable Items: Jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should be secured by someone you trust. There are local services near facilities that can help with storage.

• Mail and Packages: Set up mail forwarding or have a family member collect your mail. Unattended mail can pile up and lead to identity theft or missed bills.

Work and Income While Inside

While incarcerated, earning income becomes difficult. If you own a business or have ongoing income, here’s what you need to know:

• Prison Jobs: Some inmates can work in jail and earn small wages (usually $0.10 to $1 per hour), which can go towards commissary purchases.

• Outside Income: Any outside income you receive while inside will need to be managed by someone on the outside. Power of Attorney is often essential in these situations.

• Business Ownership: If you own a business, you’ll need to designate someone to manage operations or temporarily take over. Without proper management, your business could face financial trouble.

• Unemployment Benefits: Inmates are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits, but checking the specific rules in your county is advised.

• Pension/Retirement Funds: Some pension and retirement benefits can still be collected while in jail, but this depends on your individual situation.

• Tax Obligations: Filing taxes is still required, even while in jail. Have a family member or tax professional handle this, especially if you owe money or are expecting a refund.

Debt and Credit Scores

Your financial obligations don’t pause when you go to jail, and unpaid bills can hurt your credit score.

• Debt: Unpaid debts, such as loans or credit cards, will continue to accrue interest and late fees if not managed properly.

• Credit Reporting: Missed payments will be reported to credit agencies, which can lower your score.

• Student Loans: If you have student loans, you may be able to apply for deferment or forbearance while incarcerated, but this depends on your loan servicer.

• Payment Arrangements: Setting up payment plans before your incarceration is key to avoiding penalties.

• Bankruptcy: For some, filing for bankruptcy while in jail may be an option, but this should be discussed with a legal advisor.

• Local Credit Counseling: Some counties offer credit counseling services for inmates to help manage debt and finances.

Planning for Release

Getting out of jail doesn’t mean your financial challenges are over. Here’s what to plan for once you’re released:

• Getting Your Money Back: Any money that was taken during booking should be returned to you, though the timeline varies by county.

• Property Return: Personal property held by the jail is returned upon release, but you’ll need proper identification.

• Account Reactivation: If your bank accounts were frozen or limited during incarceration, you’ll need to reactivate them.

• Local Resources: Upon release, look into local services for housing assistance, job placement, financial counseling, and setting up bank accounts if needed. Each county has different resources to help former inmates get back on their feet.

Real-World Tips to Make It Easier

• Facility Rules: Not all jails follow their own procedures consistently. It’s helpful to ask other inmates or their families what actually happens versus what’s supposed to happen.

• Best Deposit Times: Depositing money early in the week, before weekends, often ensures faster access to commissary funds.

• Commissary Tips: Stick to practical items in the commissary—things like hygiene products and food are the most valuable.

• Local Storage: Look for storage services near the jail that offer special rates for those dealing with incarceration.

• Property Management: Trusted local property management services can help protect your home and belongings while you’re inside.

• Inmate-Friendly Banks: Some banks, especially smaller community banks, are more flexible with inmates and allow easier access to accounts through Power of Attorney.

• Money Transfer Services: Avoid money transfer services that charge high fees for deposits. Stick to trusted, low-fee options.

Managing Money While Incarcerated

Going to jail in Illinois doesn’t mean your financial life stops. From dealing with bills and banking to protecting your property and managing your income, it’s essential to have a plan in place. Whether you’re in Cook, DuPage, Will, or DeKalb County, knowing how to handle your finances can make a difficult situation a little easier. Be sure to rely on trusted family members or professional services to help manage things while you’re inside, and plan ahead for your release so you can hit the ground running.

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