What Happens to the Money You Send: JPay Fees, Fines, and Restitution in VADOC

JPay charges a fee every time you deposit money to an inmate's account in VADOC. The fee isn't a flat amount. It varies based on how much you send and which payment method you use (online, phone, or walk-in). Before you hit "submit," take a moment to review the current JPay fee information so you know exactly what you'll be charged for your specific amount and method.

Even after the JPay fee, the full deposit doesn't always end up available for your loved one to spend. If the inmate owes fines, costs, or restitution, VADOC can take a percentage of any deposited money and apply it toward those debts. So the spendable balance may be noticeably less than what you sent. If you're trying to cover something specific, like commissary for the week, ask your loved one whether they have any outstanding fines, costs, or restitution. That way you'll have a realistic picture of what actually lands in their account.

VADOC also limits who you can send money to. Family, friends, and other individuals may not send money to more than one inmate unless they have prior approval from VADOC. If you support more than one incarcerated person, plan ahead. Deposits sent without approval can get held up or flagged.

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• ✓ Check the current JPay deposit fees before you send, since fees depend on the deposit amount and how you pay.
• ✓ If you have a choice of payment methods, compare them and use the lower-fee option when it works for you.
• ✓ Ask your loved one if they owe fines, costs, or restitution so you understand that part of your deposit may be taken automatically.
• ✓ If the goal is a specific spendable amount (not a specific amount sent), consider that fees and deductions can reduce what is actually available.