Sending a Tax Refund or Government Check to Someone at Lawrence Corrections Alternative Center

The Massachusetts Department of Correction reviews federal, state, and institutional checks on a case-by-case basis. Just because it's a government check doesn't mean it will automatically go through. For a check to be accepted, it needs clear documentation: who issued it, who the payee is, where the funds came from, and whether the incarcerated person can legally receive them. Missing or unclear details? That check is likely getting rejected.

Reasons Checks Returned

• ✓ The check doesn’t include sufficient documentation to identify the issuer, payee, source of funds, and the inmate’s eligibility to receive the funds.
• ✓ The check is written as a dual-payee check (two names listed) - dual-payee checks will not be accepted and will be returned to the sender.

1. Confirm the check meets DOC requirements - the DOC only accepts government/institutional checks on a case-by-case basis, and the check needs documentation that identifies the issuer, payee, source of funds, and the incarcerated person’s eligibility.
2. Mail the check or money order to the lockbox - send it to Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132. Secure Deposits offers this lockbox service for checks and money orders at no fee.

Don't want to deal with mailing a check? Access Corrections (Secure Deposits) is the easier route. You can add money online, through their app, or by phone using Visa or MasterCard - available 24/7. Call toll-free at 1-866-345-1884 if you need help. Bilingual representatives are available around the clock.

1. Have the issuer fix what caused the rejection - if the check was written as a dual-payee check, it won’t be accepted and will be returned to the sender. Also make sure the check includes documentation identifying the issuer, payee, source of funds, and the incarcerated person’s eligibility to receive the funds.
2. Re-send using the DOC lockbox option - Secure Deposits offers a no-fee lockbox service for checks and money orders mailed to Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.
3. Use Access Corrections if you need a faster alternative - you can call Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884 (bilingual representatives available 24/7) to use their deposit options instead of re-mailing a check.

• ✓ The check includes documentation identifying the issuer, payee, source of funds, and the incarcerated person’s eligibility to receive the funds.
• ✓ The check is not a dual-payee check (only one payee).
• ✓ The deposit is issued in U.S. funds.
• ✓ The check/money order is drawn from a U.S. financial institution.
• ✓ The sender address is U.S.-based (no international addresses).