Understanding the Basics of Sending Money to Incarcerated People
Sending money to someone in jail or prison is a common need for families and friends who want to support their loved ones. When a person is incarcerated, they typically cannot work regular jobs to earn money for basic necessities like hygiene products, snacks, clothing, or phone calls. Understanding how money transfers work in correctional facilities is the first step in learning about this process.
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Money sent to incarcerated individuals goes into what is commonly called a "commissary account" or "inmate account." This account allows the person to purchase items from the prison or jail store, make phone calls, and sometimes pay for other services like legal document copying or medical co-pays. The specific name and rules vary by facility and state.
Different correctional facilities have different rules about how money can be sent and how much can be sent at one time. A county jail might have different procedures than a state prison, and a federal facility will have its own rules. These rules exist for security reasons and to maintain order within the facilities. What works at one facility may not work at another, so checking with the specific institution is essential.
The process of sending money has changed significantly in recent years. Many facilities now use third-party companies to handle money transfers rather than accepting cash or checks directly. These companies act as intermediaries between the person sending money and the correctional facility. Understanding this system helps you navigate your options effectively.
Practical Takeaway: Before sending any money, contact the specific correctional facility where your loved one is held. Ask for their official procedures, which companies they work with, and any limits on how much money can be sent at one time. This information is usually available on the facility's website or through a phone call to their business office.
Finding Your Loved One and Confirming Their Location
Before you can send money to someone who is incarcerated, you need to know exactly where they are housed. This sounds straightforward, but it can sometimes be complicated, especially if someone was recently arrested or transferred between facilities. Knowing the correct facility name, inmate number, and location is crucial for ensuring your money reaches the right person.
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Most states maintain searchable databases where you can look up where someone is incarcerated. These databases are typically run by the Department of Corrections and are free to search. You can usually access them online by searching for your state's DOC website and looking for an "inmate locator" tool. Federal inmates can be found through the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. County jail inmates may require searching through individual county sheriff websites.
When you find your loved one in the system, write down all the information provided: their full legal name, inmate number, the facility name, and the facility address. This information is important for several reasons. The inmate number is particularly critical because multiple people may have similar names, and using the inmate number ensures the money goes to the right person. The facility address or name tells you where to direct your money transfer.
If you cannot find someone through the online database, you can call the facility directly. Ask to speak with someone in the business office or commissary department. Provide the person's name and date of birth. They can confirm whether the person is there and provide you with the correct inmate number and procedures for sending money. If the person was recently arrested, they may still be in a local holding facility before being transferred to a longer-term facility.
Some people are transferred between facilities, and not everyone receives notification immediately. If you believe your loved one is in a particular system but cannot find them, ask the facility if they have transferred or if they have been released. Keep careful records of your inquiries and any information you receive.
Practical Takeaway: Start by searching your state's official inmate locator database or the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Write down the inmate number, full facility name, and address. If you cannot find them online, call the facility's business office directly and ask for confirmation of their location and the procedures for sending money.
Methods for Sending Money to Correctional Facilities
Several methods exist for sending money to incarcerated individuals, and the available options depend on which facility your loved one is in. Most modern correctional facilities work with one or more third-party money transfer companies. These companies handle the transaction and deposit the funds into the inmate's account. Understanding each method helps you choose the option that works best for your situation.
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Third-party money transfer companies are the most common method used today. Major companies include JPay, Global Tel Link (GTL), Securus, and Keefe Group, though the specific companies vary by facility and state. These companies typically allow you to send money through their websites or mobile apps, by phone, or sometimes in person at payment centers. To use these services, you usually need the inmate's name and number. The companies charge a fee for each transaction, which typically ranges from a few dollars to around fifteen dollars depending on the company and transfer method. The fees vary based on how fast you want the money to arrive and what method you use.
Some facilities still accept money through the mail. This method involves sending a money order or certified check with a form that includes the inmate's name and number. Mail-based transfers typically take longer to process—sometimes one to two weeks—and you have less visibility into whether the money arrived. However, this method may have lower fees or no fees at all, and it does not require having a credit card or online account. Always use certified mail so you have proof of mailing.
Western Union and MoneyGram sometimes work with correctional facilities, though this is becoming less common. Some facilities accept deposits through these services, but you should confirm this with your specific facility before attempting to send money this way.
A few facilities still accept in-person deposits at their business offices or at designated payment centers. This method allows you to pay with cash and see the transaction completed immediately. However, it requires traveling to the facility or payment location, which is not feasible for everyone.
Some facilities have their own internal payment systems or commissary accounts that operate differently from others. Always confirm with the specific facility which methods they accept and what their current procedures are, as these can change.
Practical Takeaway: Contact your loved one's facility and ask which money transfer methods they accept. Get the names of any third-party companies they use, the fees involved, and the timeline for funds to appear in the inmate's account. Compare the costs and convenience of different methods before sending money.
Understanding Fees, Limits, and Account Restrictions
One of the most important things to understand about sending money to incarcerated people is that fees and limitations apply at multiple levels. These fees and limits exist by design and are built into the system. Knowing about them in advance helps you plan your finances and avoid surprises.
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Transaction fees are charged by the money transfer companies and the correctional facilities. When you send money through a third-party company, you typically pay a fee ranging from three to fifteen dollars per transaction, depending on the service level and method you choose. Some companies charge additional percentages of the amount transferred. Over time, these fees add up significantly. If you send fifty dollars weekly for a year, you might pay between 150 and 780 dollars in fees alone, depending on which service you use. This is money that does not go to your loved one.
Most correctional facilities have limits on how much money can be sent in a single transaction and how much can be held in an inmate account at any given time. These limits vary widely. Some facilities allow only fifty dollars per transaction with a total account balance limit of one hundred dollars, while others allow much higher amounts. A few facilities have no specific limits. These restrictions serve security purposes and are determined by each facility's policies. You should inquire about both the transaction limit and the account balance limit for your specific facility.
Some facilities charge fees simply for maintaining an inmate account or for processing deposits. These fees might be deducted directly from deposits or from the account balance. Some facilities also charge fees when inmates withdraw or use money from their accounts. These fees can significantly reduce the amount of money your loved one actually receives.
Certain restrictions apply to how money can be used. Commissary accounts typically can be used only in the prison or jail store for approved items like food, hygiene products, and clothing. Money cannot usually be used for personal visits or to pay fines and fees directly, though some facilities allow commissary funds to be applied to certain costs. Phone call services may or may not be linked to the commissary account depending on the facility.
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