Sending money to a loved one in a correctional facility can be a crucial way to support their needs while they are incarcerated. The most common and official method for depositing funds into an inmate’s account is through a service called JPay, used by the Department of Corrections (DOC). This guide will walk you through the process of how to put money on an inmate’s books using JPay, ensuring your funds are received quickly and securely.
JPay has streamlined the process of sending money to inmates, moving away from traditional methods like direct money orders to a more efficient electronic system. Whether you choose to send money online, via phone, or at a correctional facility kiosk, JPay ensures that the funds are promptly credited to the inmate’s account. Keep in mind that while you, the sender, might incur a small service fee from JPay, the inmate will receive the full deposited amount.
It’s crucial to use only official channels like JPay. Never send money to individuals, unofficial websites, or email accounts claiming to facilitate inmate fund transfers. State correctional institutions no longer accept money orders directly. JPay is the DOC-approved service designed for this purpose.
For any questions or assistance with JPay, you can visit their website or contact their customer service at 800.574.5729. Inmates are kept informed about deposits into their accounts through monthly statements detailing all transactions and individual receipts for each JPay deposit.
Step-by-Step Guidelines for Depositing Funds via JPay
To ensure your money is successfully deposited into an inmate’s account, it’s essential to follow JPay’s guidelines carefully. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in delays or the funds not being posted at all.
JPay processes money orders and electronic transfers, depositing funds into inmate accounts once daily, every business day from Monday to Friday. For every money order you send, a deposit slip is mandatory. These slips are conveniently available on the JPay website in the money order section, at visiting rooms within correctional facilities, and for download online.
It’s important to fill out the deposit slip accurately and completely. For money orders, ensure the following information is clearly typed on the deposit slip to prevent delays; handwritten forms may cause processing delays:
- Inmate ID Number: This is the inmate’s unique identification number within the correctional system.
- Inmate Name: The full legal name of the inmate.
- Sender’s Name and Address: Your complete name and current mailing address.
If JPay cannot determine the intended recipient of a money order due to incomplete or unclear information, the funds will be held until verification is possible. It is also important to only send the money order and deposit slip; do not include any personal items in the envelope, as only money orders are processed, and other items will be discarded.
It’s also important to be aware that if the inmate has outstanding financial obligations such as fines, court costs, or restitution, a portion of any deposited funds, including electronic deposits, may be directed towards settling these debts.
Understanding Inmate Account Restrictions
While the Department of Corrections does not limit the total amount of money an inmate can have in their account, there are restrictions on deposit amounts and methods.
If you are using a credit card to deposit funds, you can add up to $300 per card within a 72-hour period. This limit applies whether you use one or multiple credit cards. For money orders, the maximum limit is $999.99 per money order, but you can send multiple money orders at once. For cash deposits or walk-in transactions using MoneyGram, the maximum transaction limit is $5,000.
Remember that inmate accounts cannot be funded anonymously. JPay provides the DOC with sender information for every transaction to maintain transparency and security.
In a situation where an inmate inherits money, the distribution must be handled through the executor of the estate. Funds should be issued via a bank check payable to the inmate (personal checks are not accepted). The check must include the inmate’s ID and can be mailed to the correctional institution where the inmate is housed.
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can ensure that your financial support reaches your loved one efficiently and without complications. JPay provides a secure and reliable way to put money on an inmate’s books, helping them manage their needs while incarcerated.
