How to Send Money to Philadelphia Industrail Correctional Center (PA)

The rules for sending items to Philadelphia Industrail Correctional Center are clear for photos and reading materials. Knowing these can help you avoid rejected mail while you figure out money deposits. Photos must be 5 in. x 7 in. or smaller and cannot show nudity, weapons, money, or drug use. Each incarcerated person can have up to five pictures at a time. Books, magazines, and newspapers must come directly from approved third-party sellers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the Philadelphia Inquirer. Hardback books and other packages aren't allowed. What's missing? The actual money-sending process. The available information doesn't cover which vendor to use, whether money orders are accepted, fees, cut-off times, or account details. You'll need to confirm those separately.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Keep printed photos at 5 in. x 7 in. or smaller.
• ✓ Check photo content before you send it. Do not include nudity, weapons, money, or drug use.
• ✓ Send no more than five photos total, since incarcerated people are allowed to have up to five pictures.
• ✓ Order books, magazines, and newspapers so they ship directly from approved third-party sellers (for example, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Philadelphia Inquirer).
• ✓ Choose softcover formats only. No hardback books.
• ✓ Do not send packages, since packages are not allowed.

To send money, you need to know the facility's current, approved deposit option. The available guidance doesn't name any money-transfer vendors, online deposit platforms, kiosks, or mailing instructions for money orders. It also doesn't cover fees, posting times, deposit limits, or whether rules differ based on housing unit. Before you pay anywhere, confirm exactly what the facility accepts and what information you need to include so the funds reach the correct account. If you're also sending mail or reading materials, verify those rules at the same time. Facilities can be strict about formatting and vendor requirements. A rejected item means extra delays and frustration.

1. Confirm approved sellers for reading materials - Ask for the current list of approved third-party sellers (examples that have been listed include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Philadelphia Inquirer).
2. Ask how strict the shipment rules are - Confirm that hardbacks are not accepted and that packages are not allowed for your loved one’s housing area.
3. Ask whether vendor restrictions touch commissary or deposits - Some systems treat commissary orders, subscriptions, and funds differently. Confirm whether any vendor rules affect how money can be added or how commissary is funded.