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Sending Money

Every Way to Send Money to Someone at NCCI/Gardner (Access Corrections, Cash Pay, Mail, and In-Person)

• 3 min read • mass.gov
Every Way to Send Money to Someone at NCCI/Gardner (Access Corrections, Cash Pay, Mail, and In-Person)

For Massachusetts DOC facilities like NCCI/Gardner, Access Corrections / Secure Deposits is the preferred way to send money. It's fast, convenient, and doesn't depend on mail delivery - making it the best starting point for most people.

Secure Deposits accepts credit and debit cards 24/7. That round-the-clock access is helpful when you need to get funds on an account quickly - especially if your loved one needs basics from commissary.

  1. Call Access Corrections - Use the toll-free number 1-866-345-1884 to make a phone deposit.
  2. Ask for language help if you need it - Bilingual representatives are available 24/7, so you can get support any time.

Note: Access Corrections only accepts money orders and checks drawn from U.S. financial institutions, and it only accepts U.S.-based addresses (no international addresses).

Prefer to mail a check or money order? Secure Deposits offers a no-fee lockbox service for Massachusetts DOC. Include a completed Money Order/Check deposit slip and send it to: Secure Deposits – Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Checks and money orders are processed within 48 hours of arriving at the lockbox. Weekends and holidays don't count toward that window, so factor in extra time if you're mailing close to a weekend or holiday.

Heads up: All check funds are subject to a 10-day hold after the transaction is processed before they’re sent to the DOC to be credited to the inmate’s account.

You may be able to drop off a check or money order in person at the facility. Policies vary, so call NCCI/Gardner ahead of time to confirm they're accepting lobby drop-offs and to ask about their process. When allowed, deposits typically go into a lobby box labeled

  • ✓ Make the check or money order out to the inmate
  • ✓ Include the inmate’s commitment number

Plan for a delay: All money orders over $200 and all personal checks dropped off in person are placed on a 7 business day hold.

Need a cash-only option? Cash Pay Today lets you enroll and find nearby drop-off locations where you can make a cash deposit for an inmate.

To find locations or get help with Cash Pay Today, call 1-844-340-CASH (2274).

Reminder: All deposits must be issued in U.S. funds.

Sending a money order or check through Access Corrections/Secure Deposits? Keep the U.S.-only rules in mind: they only accept money orders and checks drawn from U.S. financial institutions, and they only accept U.S.-based addresses. International addresses won't work.

  • ✓ Mailed money orders/checks to the Secure Deposits lockbox are processed within 48 hours of receipt (excluding weekends and holidays)
  • ✓ Mailed check funds have a 10-day hold after processing before being sent to the DOC for crediting
  • ✓ In-person drop-offs: money orders over $200 and all personal checks are placed on a 7 business day hold

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