If Your Loved One Is Indigent: What Free Services Are Available at Aransas County Jail

Supplies Mail

• ✓ 3 envelopes
• ✓ 9 sheets of paper
• ✓ 1 facility pen

When an indigent inmate requests writing supplies, the jail provides a small set of basics: three envelopes, nine sheets of paper, and a facility pen. This covers the minimum needed to stay in touch when someone can't buy stamps and supplies through commissary. Indigent inmates can send up to three letters per week through the county. It's a consistent way to keep mail going even without funds.

If your loved one needs court-appointed legal representation, they can request an "Indigent Attorney request form" from the pod officer. There's no specific day or deadline for this. They can ask at any time during their stay at Aransas County Detention Center.

The jail also provides indigent clothing. Indigent underwear (socks, a shirt, and briefs) is available every six weeks. For longer stays, this schedule matters because it's not weekly or on-demand. It runs on a strict six-week cycle.

Medical care at Aransas County Jail comes with a co-pay. For indigent inmates, the jail records the charge as a negative balance rather than requiring payment up front.

Once there's a negative balance, the commissary system has an automatic pay-down rule. When your loved one receives funds while in custody, 25% of all incoming commissary deposits are automatically deducted and applied toward that balance.

1. Assume there is a negative balance: For example, a medical co-pay is recorded and the account goes negative.
2. A deposit is received: Money is added to the commissary account while they are in custody.
3. 25% is automatically applied to the debt: The commissary system deducts 25% of the incoming funds toward the negative balance.
4. The rest remains for commissary use: The remaining 75% is what your loved one can use for purchases, after the automatic deduction.

Quick Faq and Next Steps

• ✓ Need an indigent-appointed attorney request? Ask the pod officer for an “Indigent Attorney request form” (can be requested any time during incarceration).
• ✓ What free writing supplies are provided if requested? 3 envelopes, 9 sheets of paper, and a facility pen.
• ✓ How many letters will the county mail for indigent inmates? Three letters per week.
• ✓ Is there a charge for indigent letters? Yes. $0.58 is debited from the commissary account for each indigent letter.
• ✓ How often is indigent underwear available, and what is included? Every six weeks (socks, shirt, and briefs).
• ✓ Is there a charge for indigent underwear? Yes. $5.75 is debited through the commissary account.
• ✓ What happens with medical co-pays if the inmate is indigent? A negative balance will be maintained.
• ✓ If money is added later, how is the negative balance repaid? The commissary system automatically deducts 25% of incoming commissary funds toward the negative balance.

To get started, have your loved one request the indigent writing supplies so they can keep up with mail. If they need court-appointed representation, they should ask the pod officer for the indigent attorney request form. Planning to add money to their account? Factor in the 25% automatic deduction if there's a negative balance. That way, you won't be surprised when the available commissary amount is less than what you deposited.