Sending and Receiving Money From an Inmate in 2023

Published September 20, 2023

A lot of policies govern prisons. It should come as no surprise that an inmate’s finances are also regulated. Inmates are not allowed to hold money physically. Yet, they can have a trust fund account. 

The inmate’s trust fund account is where they get and manage money to pay for prison necessities. It has its policies. For instance, they can only receive currency from certain people. All payments and withdrawals have to be approved by prison administrators. 

If you have a loved one in jail, whether you can receive money from an inmate probably crossed your mind. And if you’re looking for an answer, keep on reading. We will dive into a comprehensive write-upwrite-up discussing how to receive money from an inmate. It will educate you on everything you need to know about it. Let’s begin.

Can You Receive Money From an Inmate?

Yes, it is possible to receive money from an inmate. The specific process and options for this matter will differ. Correctional facilities have different rules employed by the authorities. 

Here are some standard methods for receiving money from an inmate: 

1. Inmate Trust Accounts 

Many prisons have trust accounts where inmates can deposit money. This money can be used for various purposes. For example, purchasing necessities from the commissary or making phone calls. 

Inmates may let specific individuals for it. It is usually family members or friends. They’ll be the one to receive money on their behalf.

2. Electronic Transfers 

Some correctional facilities call for electronic funds transfers to an inmate’s trust account. These transfers can be initiated via platforms. The most common are Western Union, JPay, and GTL.

3. Money Orders 

Inmates may also receive money through postal money orders. Family members and friends can buy money orders. Upon sale, they will mail them to the correctional facility. The facility then credits the funds to the detainee’s account.

Receiving Money From an Inmate

When receiving money from an inmate, you must educate yourself. 

Each correctional facility has its policies and procedures regarding it. It’s vital to familiarize yourself with the guidelines of the prison your inmate is destined for. 

Generally, facilities accept all forms of payment for receiving money from inmates. These include cash, certified checks, money orders, or electronic transfers. You need to confirm the accepted formats of charge with the specific facility of your prisoner. 

What Is Inmate Funds?

Inmate funds refer to the money in an inmate’s possession. These funds can come from various sources. Typically, they come from income or wages earned through prison work programs. Some of the money may come from family or friends. Others due to payment due to legal settlements. Lastly, from inheritances.

How to Send Money to Inmates?

It is also permitted to send money to inmates. Here are ways you can do so: 

1. Electronic Transfers 

Many correctional facilities offer electronic transfer services. The most common ones are via Western Union, JPay, or GTL. These services permit you to send money to the inmate’s account. You can do so online. You can also perform it via phone.

2. Postal Money Order 

You can also send a postal money order by mail. The money order should be made payable to the inmate and include their identification number. 

3. Inmates Trust Accounts 

Prisons have trust funds for their detainees. Family members and friends follow specific procedures for them to deposit money. 

4. Online Services 

Certain facilities render online services for depositing money to an inmate’s account. For instance, Access Corrections yields online inmate deposits. It permits the secure sending of prison funds. 

5. In-Person Deposits 

Some facilities also employ on-site kiosks and cashiers. Here, you can make in-person deposits. The locations are typically at the correctional facility. For some, in certain authorized places. 

Can an Inmate Send Money Home?

Most jails allow inmates to send money. They do so to family members at home. It’s their money, after all. They may not be able to hold it physically, but they can lead where it goes.

The inmate will have to put in a withdrawal request. In California prisons, inmates must fill out a Trust Account Form. It contains the prisoner’s ID number and housing information. Also, where to send the money, and why. They will then put it in a state envelope and drop it in mailboxes scattered around the facility.

Once approved, the inmate will receive a notice stating their trust account balance and transactions.

Can an Inmate Send Money to Another Inmate?

The rules vary per facility. In South Dakota, inmates are not allowed to send or receive money from other inmates. It is unless authorized by the warden. The same policy is also enforced in Washington prisons. In Indiana, it is not possible. In the state, inmates and prison staff are prohibited from doing financial transactions with other inmates. Anyone caught doing so may face disciplinary actions.

Some facilities are silent on the matter. But, in general, fund transfer between inmates is prohibited in state prisons and county jails.

Federal institutions, on the other hand, allow fund transfers between inmates provided that:

1. they are from the same institution
2. the inmates involved are close relatives
3. the warden issues a written approval
4. Inmates from different federal correctional facilities may also send funds to each other as long as the warden approves it in writing.