How to Send Money to Someone in Jail

Nobody is perfect and sometimes people wind up on the wrong side of the law. While serving their time, prisoners have a hard time making any substantial money. Sending money to jail and prison inmates, while hardly ever a quick process, is relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• Check or money order
• Envelope
• Pen
• Inmate's address

Instructions

1. Contact the jail or prison and inquire about the limit that inmates can receive in a single money order or check.

2. Obtain a money order or certified check for the amount you wish to send, which must be at or below the incarceration center's limit. Include both the inmate's full name and your name on the document; if you know the inmate's identification number, include that as well.

3. Write the name of the inmate and the address of their prison or jail on a letter and insert the check or money order into the envelope.

4. Mail the letter to the prison. Allow from three to seven days for delivery and processing of the money order or certified check.

Tips & Warnings

• You can save time by using a direct wire transfer, although some jails and prisons do not have this service.

• If you do not include the prisoner's full name, many jails and prisons will not process the money. Keep this in mind when filling out the check or money order.

References

• Wise Geek
• Prisoner Families Help Line