Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Sending Money

How to Send Money to Facility

Sending money can mean two different things: adding funds to someone's account right now, or claiming money that ended up in the Sheriff's unclaimed fund. Here's what Riverside County Sheriff documentation covers, plus what you'll need to confirm on your own.

• 2 min read Based on general CA policies
How to Send Money to Facility

Money collected or seized by the Riverside County Sheriff can be moved into an unclaimed fund account for up to three years. If you're trying to recover money connected to a jail stay or a Sheriff's Office transaction, that three-year window is the timeline you need to know.

This matters for families because inmate commissary funds are one of the most common types of unclaimed property the Riverside County Sheriff handles. If your loved one had money in commissary, or you believe funds were left behind after release, the unclaimed-money process may be how you get it back.

Note: This does not cover how to send money to someone currently housed (online vendor names, kiosk options, accepted payment types, fees, or drop-off hours). For current deposits, verify the approved method directly with the facility or the Sheriff's Office.

Steps

  • ✓ Mail completed unclaimed-money claim forms and your supporting documentation to: Riverside County Sheriff, Attention Accounting and Finance: Unclaimed Money, P.O. Box 512, Riverside, CA 92502.
  • ✓ Keep copies of what you submit, since money moved into the unclaimed fund can sit there for a three-year period.
  • ✓ If the issue involves jail-related money, include clear documentation tying the funds to commissary or other inmate-account activity, since inmate commissary funds are a common source of unclaimed property.
How to Send Money to Facility

Once you mail an unclaimed-money claim, the Riverside County Sheriff reviews and processes it within 60 days. Plan for that timeline. Don't check on the status unless it's been more than 60 days from the date you mailed your package.

  • ✓ Confirm you are using the correct mailing address and attention line for unclaimed-money claims (Riverside County Sheriff, Attention Accounting and Finance: Unclaimed Money, P.O. Box 512, Riverside, CA 92502).
  • ✓ Confirm what supporting documents are required for your situation before you mail anything.
  • ✓ Confirm the expected processing time (claims are processed within 60 days) so you know when it makes sense to follow up.
  • ✓ Ask whether there are any alternative submission methods besides mailing a package.

Note: Payment vendors, deposit fees, and office hours aren't covered here. Double-check current procedures and contact information through official Riverside County Sheriff resources before trying to add funds for someone who is currently detained.

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