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How to send money to a federal inmate

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When you’ve got a friend or family member behind bars, your support is important to help them get through their time. A common way to do this is by sending them money. However, you can’t just simply give cash to an inmate during your visit.

Most jails and correctional facilities have rules in place about how inmates receive money. Once you understand how to send money to a prisoner, it’s simple and easy with your nearest Money Services location.

How do you send money to someone in jail?

There are various ways to send money to someone in jail. Use your local Money Services in the Kroger Family of Stores to pay by card, send a money order or even deposit cash. To make a payment to an inmate you’ll need their commissary or calling account as well as:

  • Inmate’s first and last name
  • Their correctional ID
  • Correctional facility name
  • Facility code
  • Your first and last name
  • Amount you wish to send

Certain states don’t allow you to send funds to more than one inmate at a time without permission, so while you don’t need permission from the prison to send money, it’s worth checking with the facility before you do.

Where to make an inmate payment

You can send money to an inmate of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, state and county correctional facilities at your nearest Money Services. Simply head to your nearest location within the Kroger Family of Stores with the required details and the funds in either cash or on card. All payments are powered by Western Union®.

It’s also possible to transfer funds online, up to $5,000. Though prisons may have a limit on how much you can send to an inmate. Find your closest Money Services using our store locator and send money to someone in jail with ease.

How does an inmate receive money?

Inmates have a trust fund or calling account where any money they receive will be deposited. As well as being sent money, prisoners can earn it from their institutional work assignments. The amount they receive is based on the Inmate Performance Pay scale, which is significantly less than they would earn outside of prison.

When you send money, always keep the receipt and order number to track it, in case there are any problems.

What can prisoners spend money on?

Inmates have access to a prison commissary where they can spend money, usually once a week on a set day. This is where they can purchase a range of items, although there may be limitations on the amount, including a cap on how much can be spent in one month.

Items inmates can buy in prison include:

  • Food
  • Drink
  • Toiletries
  • Clothing
  • Electronics
  • Personal items (stamps, copy cards)

The prices can differ between prisons, but around $50 should be enough to cover an inmate’s basic needs. Send money to an inmate with the help of Money Services.

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