How to Send Release Clothing to FCI Waseca: A Step-by-Step Timeline

At FCI Waseca, timing drives everything. The facility may accept release clothing starting 30 days before the inmate's GCT/FT release date or transfer to an RRC. Send too early, and the package could be rejected. But there's another date to watch: about 45 days before release, the inmate needs to request a specific form from staff. Plan your purchase and mailing around both of these markers.

Around 45 days before release, your loved one needs to start the process on her end. She must contact her Correctional Counselor 45 days prior to her release to get an Authorization to Receive Package Request form. That form is what allows the facility to accept the release clothing package. So even if you're ready to buy, make sure she's asked her counselor for the authorization first.

The acceptance window is the next big deadline. FCI Waseca may receive release clothing starting 30 days prior to the inmate's GCT/FT release date or transfer to an RRC. Time your mailing so the package arrives during that 30-day window, not weeks before it opens. If you're cutting it close, build in extra shipping time so the package doesn't arrive too late to be useful.

Packaging Rules

• ✓ Use a single source for all items (one sender/vendor)
• ✓ Send everything in a single shipment
• ✓ Pack everything in a single box

Keep the contents simple and stick to the allowed quantities. FCI Waseca authorizes release clothing limited to 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, 1 jacket, 1 pair of shoes, and 3 sets of underclothes. She can also receive one bag: a gym bag, backpack, or small carry-on style suitcase.

Ship through the U.S. Postal Service. FCI Waseca does not accept release clothing packages sent via private carrier or courier, and hand delivery is not allowed. If you normally use UPS or FedEx, switch to USPS for this one.

1. About 60 days out, decide who will send the package. Because the box must come from a single source in a single shipment and a single box, pick one person or one vendor to handle the entire order.
2. 45 days before release, have the inmate contact her Correctional Counselor. She needs to request the Authorization to Receive Package Request form, which is what allows the facility to accept the release clothing.
3. Shop with the approved item limits in mind. Stick to the authorized quantities: 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, 1 jacket, 1 pair of shoes, 3 sets of underclothes, plus one gym bag/backpack/small carry-on style suitcase. Keep each single item at $100.00 or less.
4. Mail within the 30-day acceptance window. FCI Waseca may accept release clothing starting 30 days before the GCT/FT release date or transfer to an RRC, so time your shipment to arrive during that period.
5. Use USPS only. Send the package through the U.S. Postal Service, since private carriers and hand delivery are not accepted.
6. If she will fly after release, choose travel-ready items. Make sure the bag and anything packed with it conforms to FAA guidelines.

• ✓ Confirm the inmate has the Authorization to Receive Package Request form before you ship
• ✓ Double-check that every item in the box matches the allowed clothing list and quantities
• ✓ Keep proof of item value (receipt, order confirmation, or listing) in your records
• ✓ Use USPS tracking and save the tracking number until release day