How to Send Money to a Relative or Friend in Jail

Malina Debrie
Need to send money to your loved one who is confined in prison? When men and women are confined, they rely on their loved ones outside to help ease the burden of their confinement. You think it would not be necessary if not for them doing something they should not have. At times, their confinement has to do with something out of their control. Whatever the reason for their confinement/situation they need your financial help. When the unthinkable occurs and your loved one is incarcerated, you can send money by means of one of these methods.

Send Money to A Confined Loved One Using JPay

JPay is a system approved by the federal governments department of corrections, prisons and jails nationwide. the system hopes to ease the burden somewhat for those with family members incarcerated. Family members or loved ones can send money, email their loved ones or even are provided with video visitation services when approved by the institution. Family members and friends can use JPay services either online at www.jpay.com or visit a local JPay service provider. Family members have the ability to use JPay to add money to an inmates trust account or pay the inmates phone payments. Parolees can pay their fines, restitution or manage their Release Debit Card. The JPay website has also been instrumental in families of inmates to connect and encourage, provide guidance or just for support. JPay charges a standard fee of $7.95 for any amount sent using their services.

Send Money to A Confined Loved One Using Western Union

Western Union has been used for ages to send money to loved ones nationwide. Individuals seeking to send money quickly to a confined loved one, family member or friend can use the 'Quick Collect' services of Western Union. Contact the institution before sending any money. when restrictions are placed on inmates, no money is allowed to be sent or received. Inmates housed in Private Institutions are not allowed to receive funds through Western Union. You can send funds online by visiting www.westernunion.com, visiting your local Western Union Agent or by calling Western Union at (800) 634-3422. Western Union charges a fee based on the amount you are sending. Fees range from $8.95 to a maximum of $11.95.

Send Money to A Confined Loved One Using The US Postal Service

Lastly, you can send funds to an inmate using the US Postal Service. When sending funds using the postal service, obtain a money order, cashiers check or a certified bank draft. Complete the draft by making it payable to Inmate Trust Fund. Add the inmates full name and DC number. Some institutions require a DC2-303, Deposit Form while others will accept the payment without a form.

When an incarcerated loved one request money, it can be hard on the family. Often family members lash out in anger due to the situation. It's not easy accepting the fact that a loved one has placed themselves in a position to be incarcerated. However, sometimes we can think of it as being a blessing. Other times we must accept it and go on from there.

Published by Malina Debrie

I am the owner and founder of a small professional writing service. I provide professional and private writing services for clients as well as copywriting and business writing services. I am an avid Chri...  View profile

21 Comments

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  • Jennifer Vasconcelos10/29/2010

    Good to know a service like this exists. Great job!

  • Jack Wellman10/27/2010

    How ironic you wrote this when I wrote one about prisons. WOW>>>>Great minds think alike, eh? LOL PLEASE, oh please forgive me for not commenting more on your work. I am so sorry. Presently I am attending seminary for a masters, pastor of a church, and working (while riding a bike, chewing gum...LOL). I appreciate you and your work and your comments so much and thank you with apologies from me. I only publish about every 3 weeks now. God bless.

  • Darrin Atkins10/27/2010

    nice work on this one!

  • Tony Payne10/27/2010

    Good information. Hopefully I won't ever have to use it. Not cheap to use is it.

  • Sheryl Young10/27/2010

    Great info for those with a relative in jail. Never heard of Jpay.

  • Angel Vee10/27/2010

    Very helpful info, excellent!

  • Jeanne Baney10/26/2010

    I've been fortunate in not having to need this information yet. It's always good to know.

  • Oscar Crawford10/26/2010

    This will be helpful to many.

  • Carol Whyte10/26/2010

    Excellent work!

  • Jennifer Wagner10/26/2010

    I pray I NEVER need this advice, but I think it's an excellent article idea. Tweeting!

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