What Happens If I Send a Government or Tax Refund Check to an Inmate?
Sending a tax refund or other government check to someone in Massachusetts DOC custody can work, but it's not automatic. Most checks get rejected because of missing documentation or a format the DOC won't accept.
Yes, Massachusetts DOC may accept Federal Government checks, State Government checks, or checks from commercial entities. But each deposit is handled case by case, at the DOC's discretion. If you're sending something like a tax refund check, be prepared for the possibility it could be declined if it doesn't meet the DOC's criteria.
Note: Deposits must be issued in U.S. funds. Access Corrections only accepts money orders and checks drawn from U.S. financial institutions and only accepts U.S.-based addresses (not international addresses).
Required Documentation
- ✓ Documentation that clearly identifies the issuer (who issued the check)
- ✓ Documentation that identifies the payee (who the check is payable to)
- ✓ Documentation that shows the source of the funds (where the money is coming from)
- ✓ Documentation that shows the inmate’s eligibility to receive the funds
When mailing a check or money order, use the Massachusetts DOC Money Order/Check deposit form. You can pick one up in a facility lobby or print it from Access Corrections online.
Checks that don't meet the DOC's documentation requirements get returned to the sender. Usually this means the paperwork doesn't clearly show who issued the check, who it's payable to, what the funds are for, or whether the inmate is allowed to receive them.
Heads up: Dual-payee checks are not accepted. They will be returned to the sender.
Even when a deposit is accepted, there may be a hold. Money orders over $200 and all personal checks are held for 7 business days, so the funds won't be available right away.
Massachusetts DOC uses Secure Deposits' no-fee lock box for checks and money orders. Mail to: Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.
- Get the Money Order/Check deposit form. Pick one up in a facility lobby, or print it from Access Corrections online.
- Complete the deposit form. Fill it out fully so the deposit can be routed correctly.
- Mail the check or money order to the lockbox. Send it to Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.
Some facilities let you drop off a check or money order in the prison lobby, in a box labeled "Inmate Funds." Make the check out to the inmate and include their commitment number. Practices vary by institution, so call ahead to confirm before relying on lobby drop-off.
Quick Summary
- ✓ Massachusetts DOC may accept government, state, or certain commercial checks for deposit on a case-by-case basis.
- ✓ Include documentation that identifies the issuer, payee, source of funds, and the inmate’s eligibility to receive the funds.
- ✓ Do not send dual-payee checks. They will be returned.
- ✓ Using Secure Deposits’ no-fee lockbox can help you send checks and money orders to the correct place: Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.
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