How to send money to an inmate: methods and where funds go
How you deposit money, and what it can be used for, depends on where your loved one is housed. Some facilities accept mailed money orders for commissary and also take deposits online or at a lobby kiosk. Others have a separate process for adding phone minutes specifically. Confirm what "account" you are funding before sending anything.
- Confirm the facility’s deposit options. Look for whether the location accepts a mailed money order, an online deposit, a kiosk deposit, or a phone-minutes deposit through a specific vendor.
- Ask what details must be on the payment. Facilities often have rules about the exact payee name and what identifying information must be included.
- Send money the way the facility allows. If a facility uses a commissary/canteen account, deposits may be applied to store purchases and sometimes other services.
- Track your transaction. Keep your receipt, confirmation email, or money order stub in case the facility needs to research the deposit.
Tip: Paying Kentucky probation or supervision fees (not commissary money) works differently. Options include app or kiosk payments for drug testing fees, plus separate payment locations for supervision fees, restitution, fines, and court costs.
Common Questions
Q
How do I register my phone number so calls from the facility are private?
If the facility uses Securus, you can request that your phone number be marked as private by contacting the correctional facility and asking them to register your number with Securus. This is specifically recommended as a way to help ensure calls are not recorded.
Q
How do I schedule or request a visit at a state facility?
Some Kentucky DOC facilities require you to request a visit in advance by email and wait for confirmation. Bell County Camp, for example, instructs visitors to email a visitation address and submit requests seven days ahead of time, then arrive at the posted time for processing and screening.
Q
How can I deposit money for phone minutes or commissary?
Facilities may offer more than one option, including mailed money orders for a canteen/commissary account, deposits at a lobby kiosk, or vendor-based online deposits. For phone minutes in some systems, deposits can be made through the Care-A-Cell joint accounts process.
Q
Are there fees for medical visits or prescriptions for inmates?
Some facilities charge medical co-pays that are billed to the inmate’s account, for example one published schedule lists a $10 fee for a medical, dental, or mental health visit and a $2 fee per prescription. For Kentucky probation-related costs (like supervision fees, restitution, fines, court costs, or drug testing fees), payment methods can include app or kiosk payments for drug testing fees and other payment locations for the rest.
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