Sending Money to Someone at Ferguson Unit: Who Can Send, Accepted Methods, and Holds to Expect

Not everyone can deposit money for an inmate at the Ferguson Unit. As of September 1, 2020, the sender must be on the inmate's approved Visitors List or Inmate Telephone List. If you're not on one of those lists, your deposit shouldn't go through. Before sending anything, make sure the inmate has added you to their Visitors List or Telephone List. Otherwise, you could be waiting on a returned deposit.

Cash and personal checks are not accepted for inmate trust fund deposits. Send either one and it gets returned to you, turning a quick deposit into a frustrating delay.

Stick to deposit methods the Inmate Trust Fund actually accepts. That includes money orders, cashier's checks, and approved electronic deposit services or account debit options.

Large deposits take longer to become usable. Any single transaction of $500.00 or more is held for 14 days before the inmate can access the funds.

That same 14-day hold also applies to certain types of checks and disbursements, regardless of the amount. Insurance checks, company checks, payroll checks, estate checks, and similar disbursements all get held for 14 days before the inmate can use the funds.

Need to check on a deposit? Trust fund staff can confirm whether it was received. They will not, however, share any details about the inmate's account activity or balance with anyone except the inmate.

Action Steps Visitors

• ✓ Confirm you are on the inmate’s approved Visitors List or the inmate’s Inmate Telephone List before you try to deposit money.
• ✓ Do not send cash or a personal check, both are not accepted and will be returned.
• ✓ Expect a 14-day hold if you send a single transaction deposit of $500.00 or more.
• ✓ Expect a 14-day hold on insurance, company, payroll, estate checks, and other similar disbursements.
• ✓ Time your deposit with the hold rules in mind so funds are available when the inmate needs them.

1. Make sure you are an approved sender - You must be on the inmate’s approved Visitors List or the inmate’s Inmate Telephone List.
2. Pick an accepted way to send funds - Use an approved deposit option (such as an accepted electronic method) or a money order or cashier’s check.
3. Avoid rejected payments - Do not send cash or a personal check, both will be returned to the sender.

One visiting detail that trips families up: each inmate is allowed only one visit per weekend. If multiple people are on the Visitors List, coordinate ahead of time with each other and with the inmate so no one shows up only to get turned away.