Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Sending Money

Sending Money to Someone at NWSCF: Commissary, ICS Debit, tablets and deposit options

Once you know which account your loved one needs, sending money is pretty simple. Here's how deposits work at NWSCF and how commissary, phone funds (ICS Debit), and tablet services all connect.

• 2 min read • doc.vermont.gov
Sending Money to Someone at NWSCF: Commissary, ICS Debit, tablets and deposit options

The easiest way to add money to someone's account at Northwest State Corrections Facility (NWSCF) is through Access Corrections online. Most families use this for commissary purchases and phone time. Having trouble with the website? Call 1-800-546-6283 or 1-866-345-1884 to place your order or get help.

Prefer not to deposit online? You can also use a Deposit Coupon. The funds still go to the incarcerated person's account - it's just a different way to get there.

Before you deposit: Have the incarcerated person’s ID number handy. You can look it up using the Inmate Locator, and you’ll need it for deposits.

Phone calls at NWSCF come out of an ICS Debit account. If staying in touch by phone is your priority, this is the account to fund. Tablet premium services also pull from ICS Debit. So when your loved one mentions needing money for calls or tablet extras, they're talking about their Debit balance.

Commissary funds go into what Vermont DOC calls the commissary (Keefe Trust) account. But here's the good news: that money isn't locked into snacks and supplies. Your loved one can transfer funds from their commissary (Keefe Trust) account to their ICS Debit account. So money you deposit for commissary can end up covering phone calls or tablet services if they move it over.

NWSCF provides ICS tablets, and Gold Passes offer one way to get premium access. A Gold Pass gives an hour of uninterrupted tablet time without getting logged out. You can buy Gold Passes through JailATM. Since tablet premium services draw from the ICS Debit account, think of Gold Pass purchases as part of your loved one's overall Debit balance for phone and tablet extras.

Safety tip: Vermont DOC warns against depositing funds for anyone who isn't your family member or personal friend. These requests are often tied to contraband or fraud.

Have ID Ready

  • ✓ Look up the incarcerated individual’s ID number using the Inmate Locator before you start a deposit.
  • ✓ Keep that ID number in front of you while depositing (online or by Deposit Coupon) so the funds go to the right person.

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