Every Way to Send Money to Someone in a Massachusetts Prison

Massachusetts DOC gives you a few ways to add funds to an incarcerated person's personal account. The fastest is Access Corrections (also called Secure Deposits), which you can use online, by phone, or through the Access Corrections app. Prefer mail? Secure Deposits has a no-fee lockbox service for checks and money orders. Some institutions also let you drop off a check or money order in person, into a lobby box labeled "Inmate Funds" (call the institution first to confirm they offer this). And if cash is your only option, Cash Pay Today lets you enroll and find nearby drop-off locations.

Access Corrections is the main online deposit option for Massachusetts DOC. Sign up on their website, or download the Access Corrections app on Android or iOS to send money from your phone whenever it's convenient.

Card deposits through Access Corrections/Secure Deposits are available around the clock, 7 days a week. You can pay with a credit or debit card. Visa and MasterCard are both accepted.

If you'd rather mail a check or money order, Secure Deposits runs a lockbox service at no fee. Include the required deposit slip and send it to: Secure Deposits - Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.

• ✓ Mail your check or money order with a completed Money Order/Check deposit slip.
• ✓ Plan for holds: all money orders over $200 and all personal checks are put on a 7 business day hold before funds are available.

Not every Massachusetts institution handles in-person deposits the same way. Some let you drop off a check or money order at the prison where the person is housed by placing it in the lobby box labeled "Inmate Funds." Call the specific institution first to make sure this option is available.

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

Only have cash? Cash Pay Today is the approved route. Enroll to find drop-off locations near you. For more details, call 1-844-340-CASH (2274).

Holds are the biggest reason money doesn't show up right away. Massachusetts DOC places all personal checks on a 7 business day hold. Money orders over $200 also get a 7 business day hold, whether you mail them or drop them off in person.

Some deposits fall into a special category. Massachusetts DOC may accept federal or state government checks, or checks from commercial entities sent directly by the issuer, on a case-by-case basis. These checks need enough documentation to identify the issuer, the payee, the source of funds, and that the inmate is eligible to receive them. If a check doesn't meet the criteria, it gets returned to the sender.

Quick Tips

• ✓ Keep the inmate’s commitment number handy. You will need it for deposits, and it must be included on checks or money orders.
• ✓ If speed matters, use Access Corrections/Secure Deposits online or in the app. Card deposits are available 24/7 and accept Visa and MasterCard.
• ✓ If you mail a check or money order, include the completed Money Order/Check deposit slip and use the Secure Deposits lockbox address (PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132).
• ✓ Expect delays with paper payments: all personal checks and money orders over $200 are subject to a 7 business day hold.
• ✓ Before you drive to a prison to drop off funds, call the institution to confirm they accept in-person drop-offs and have a lobby “Inmate Funds” box.