Sending Money to an Inmate at Ohio Reformatory: Why You Must Be on the Approved Visitor List First

ODRC's rule is simple: only approved visitors can deposit funds, and you have to use the approved ODRC process. Not on the approved visiting list yet? Trying to send money anyway will likely mean delays and frustration. Confirm your status before you start.

There's one narrow exception at the start of someone's incarceration. During reception, the incarcerated person can designate one person - who isn't a victim of their current or past crimes - to submit a visitation application. This gets the approval process moving faster. But that person still needs to complete the application and be approved under the visitation policy before they can actually deposit any funds.

Tablet-related payments work the same way. Only approved visitors on the incarcerated person's visiting list can send tablet repair payments - you can't use a repair fee as a workaround if you're not approved. If you are approved, follow the required payment process exactly so your payment doesn't get returned.

• ✓ Use a money order or cashier’s check (not cash).
• ✓ Include the completed ODRC deposit/payment form with the payment.
• ✓ Send only the form and the payment - no extra items.

1. Confirm you’re an approved visitor - Deposits to an incarcerated person’s account are limited to approved visitors using the approved ODRC process.
2. If you were designated at reception, wait for approval - The incarcerated person can name one non-victim person to submit an application right away for the purpose of placing money, but you still can’t place funds until you’re approved.
3. For tablet repairs, verify you’re on the visiting list - Tablet repair payments can only be sent by approved visitors listed on the incarcerated person’s visiting list.
4. Follow the payment instructions exactly - For tablet repair payments, use the required payment type and include the completed form so the payment isn’t returned.