A handcuffing assisting apparatus includes a panel having a pair of openings extending therethrough. The panel has a break therein extending from a first side edge to a second side edge to define an upper portion and a lower portion of the panel. The upper and lower portions are pivotally coupled together. A closed position is defined when an upper edge of the lower portion is extended into a slot in a lower edge of the upper portion. The break extends through the openings. A securing assembly secures the panel in the closed position. The arms of an inmate are extended through a tray slot of a cell door and into the openings where they are secured by placing the upper and lower portions in the closed position. Handcuffs are then positioned on or removed from the wrists of the inmate.