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How to Use Jpay to Send Money to Inmates

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When a loved one goes to jail, you don't stop worrying about whether he or she is getting the things necessary to be as comfortable as possible. Thankfully, most jails and prisons have a commissary set up where inmates can buy items like personal hygiene products, snacks, beverages, stamps, extra clothing and even some tech devices. In order to get those items, however, the inmate must have money in his or her commissary account. The JPay program is one easy way for you to get that cash to your loved one.

In Person

If you happen to be visiting your inmate or you live in the neighborhood, check to see if the facility has a JPay kiosk in the lobby. Using your credit card, you can send money directly to the inmate's account for a fee. The JPay website has a list of facilities across the United States that have kiosks on their campuses. You can also call the facility's information number and ask directly. Fees vary by facility.

Via Phone

Making a JPay payment over the phone is also relatively easy, and you just need a debit or credit card to do so. Keep in mind that each facility charges a fee based on how much money you send to the account via phone. To complete the transaction, all you have to do is call 1-800-574-5729 and follow the prompts.

Via MoneyGram

MoneyGram also allows you to send an inmate money via JPay, and it has over 30,000 locations across the United States. While you can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you, keep in mind that Walmarts, CVS drugstores and 7-11 convenience stores offer MoneyGram services. You'll need the inmate's ID and name along with the facility's name and receive code.

Via Money Order

If you prefer to mail a money order, this is an option in select states. You'll need to visit the JPay website to download a coupon that corresponds with the state where the inmate lives. After you have your coupon and money order, simply put them in an envelope and mail them to the facility.

Online

If you prefer to send money from the comfort of your own home, you can do so online via the JPay website. You can even set up recurring payments so you don't have to remember to do it each month or at whatever interval you plan to send money to your loved one. To do this, just visit the JPay homepage, look for the navigation link that allows you to "send money," click it and follow the directions. You'll need a debit or credit card and your inmate's identification number, name and facility.

Every Facility Is Different

Keep in mind that every jail or prison in each city, county or state has different policies about when and how you can use JPay to send money to an inmate's account. For example, the Georgia Department of Corrections allows an inmate to identify up to five people, and only those five people can send money via the service. However, no matter where your inmate is housed, you'll need to know his or her inmate ID.