Sending Commissary
How to Send Money to Facility
Hearing about a service change and need to add funds for your loved one? Focus on two things: set up your account early, and know how to request any refunds you're owed.
Send Money and Commissary at Salinas Valley Prison.
Review available deposit, commissary, money order, and online payment information for sending money to an inmate at Salinas Valley Prison.
Overview
Sending money to someone at Salinas Valley Prison starts with creating a Securus account before your loved one's transition into the facility. New to the system? Use the "CLAIM ACCOUNT" link in the facility portal to get started. Before making a deposit, confirm you've selected the correct facility and double-check the incarcerated person's full name and booking or ID number. Deposit options often include online or mobile payments, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders, but availability depends on the facility and vendor. Money added to a trust account is typically used for commissary, phone time, hygiene items, and other allowed purchases. It may be reduced by court-ordered restitution or other authorized deductions. Posting times vary, so review processing times before you send. Never mail cash. If you need to correct an error or request a refund, follow the vendor's instructions.
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Quick Facts
- Families and visitors must create a Securus account before a loved one’s transfer into Salinas Valley Prison.
- The facility portal provides a 'CLAIM ACCOUNT' action or link for new users to create an account.
- Do not mail cash; most facilities refuse cash by mail and it will be returned.
- Money deposited to an inmate’s trust account typically pays for commissary, phone time, hygiene items, and may be reduced by court-ordered deductions.
Send Money and Commissary Guides
Common Questions
How do I create an account to send money to someone at Salinas Valley Prison?
Create a Securus account before the person's transfer into Salinas Valley Prison. New users should start from the facility portal using the "CLAIM ACCOUNT" link.
Can I mail cash to an inmate at Salinas Valley Prison?
No. Never mail cash. Most facilities refuse it and will return it. Use an accepted deposit method instead and follow the vendor's instructions.
When will money I send to an inmate be available?
Posting times depend on the vendor and deposit method, so electronic transfers can arrive at different speeds. Check the vendor's processing times before sending money.
Other Guides for Salinas Valley Prison
Getting Your Money Back: How Families Can Request ViaPath Refunds Before Salinas Valley's April Switch
Still have money sitting in ViaPath ahead of Salinas Valley State Prison's switch to Securus? Now's the time to decide if you want it back. Some ViaPath purchases won't transfer over, so requesting a refund may be the simplest way to avoid losing that value.
How Much You'll Save on Video Calls (and What 30 Free Minutes Per Month Actually Means) at Salinas Valley
Salinas Valley State Prison is switching from ViaPath to Securus for tablet services. The change brings lower rates for video calls and e-messages, plus a different free minutes setup. Here's how the math works so you can plan ahead.
Phone & Messaging
How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
Trying to stay in touch with someone at Salinas Valley Prison (CDCR)? Start by confirming which communications provider the facility is currently using. CDCR is moving services from ViaPath to Securus, and that change affects how you set up your account and pay for calls and e-messages.
